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About Alex Speier

Before he joined WEEI.com, Alex covered the Red Sox for several New England and national publications, including the New Hampshire Union Leader, Boston Metro, Boston Herald and Baseball America. Alex graduated from Harvard, where he served as the captain of the debate team, an experience that has been of surprisingly little use in press boxes across the country.

 
COLUMNS
Alex Speier
07/03/2010 - 5:54am
The year in Sox catching: Despite glut of injuries, there is hope
It has been a stranger-than-fiction turn of events for Red Sox catchers, who have endured a startling succession of injuries that wiped out every big league ready depth option at a position. It started in late-April, when Triple-A catcher Mark Wagner suffered a broken left hamate while swinging. Still, the absence of one depth option hardly seemed devastating.
Alex Speier
07/01/2010 - 7:42am
Will the Sox be able to spell relief?
The notion that a pitcher “can’t get anyone out” is often thrown around, but rarely has it seemed so close to literal as with Manny Delcarmen over the past week. As it turns out, there may be an explanation that may force the Red Sox to begin the process of exploring solutions to their relief woes beyond their current roster.
Alex Speier
06/30/2010 - 11:04am
Shocking reversals of fortune for Red Sox and Rays
The line of demarcation is May 24. The Red Sox and Rays were preparing for a three-game series in Tampa Bay, and the home team looked for all intents and purposes like it was ready to pull away in the AL East. The Rays owned a 32-12 record, giving them a six-game cushion in the division and an 8 ½ game advantage over the fourth-place Red Sox.
Alex Speier
06/29/2010 - 8:39am
How Adrian Beltre helped to change the baseball landscape
This Friday will mark the beginning of Major League Baseball’s annual period for signing amateur talent. It is open season for teams to sign players from Latin America, Asia and Europe who are over the age of 16. Some will become diamonds in the rough, signed to what amounts to petty cash lining the pockets of big league clubs who go on to become standout big-leaguers. Others will become colossal busts, signed for six- and even seven-figure deals that yield almost no return.
Alex Speier
06/27/2010 - 8:41am
With Pedroia sidelined, Sox pitching will be key
Perhaps Saturday was a sign of what the new reality facing the Red Sox.
Alex Speier
06/26/2010 - 9:16am
With few alternatives, Pedroia's injury looms large
As Dustin Pedroia crumpled to the batter’s box dirt at AT&T Park, the spirits of the Red Sox also no doubt sank a bit with him.
Alex Speier
06/25/2010 - 12:06pm
Once again, Lowell's hip throws a wrench
It was the hip all along. Discomfort in Mike Lowell’s surgically repaired right hip resulted in the corner infielder heading to the disabled list on Thursday. The move represented the latest derailment by the joint to the four-time All-Star’s 2010 season, but by no means the most dramatic.
Alex Speier
06/21/2010 - 3:36am
Sox marvel at Pedroia's picture perfect play
Red Sox first base coach Ron Johnson received an extraordinary Father’s Day gift on Sunday.
Alex Speier
06/21/2010 - 2:20am
Buchholz offers painful reminder to Dodgers of what they almost had
A small change in the fates could have had Clay Buchholz on the mound on Sunday night pitching for the Dodgers instead of the Red Sox.
Alex Speier
06/19/2010 - 4:17am
Why Doubront's debut mattered, from Boston to El Toro
In Boston, there was reason to believe in the promising future of Felix Doubront.
Alex Speier
06/17/2010 - 2:35am
Lester won't be left out of discussion of the best
It’s no secret. Jon Lester is on the short-list of the best left-handers in the game.
Alex Speier
06/16/2010 - 5:11am
Red Sox lineup continues to outpace expectations
It was just another night of pinball for the Red Sox.
Alex Speier
06/14/2010 - 11:42am
Healthy outlook? Sox doc discusses controversies
It has been an unusual string of events for the Red Sox medical team. For years, the Sox have felt that their medical infrastructure has given them an edge over other clubs. The comprehensive operation that is overseen by medical director Dr. Thomas Gill, who supervises the training staff’s efforts to provide both care for injuries and injury-prevention programs, has typically received strong reviews for its ability to keep players on the field.
Alex Speier
06/12/2010 - 3:23am
Last hurrah for Lowell as a Red Sox?
It was a rare highlight moment for Mike Lowell.
Alex Speier
06/09/2010 - 11:44am
Sox draftee Ranaudo mulls his future
Anthony Ranaudo, the star pitcher from Louisiana State, had heard the same thing leading up to the draft as everyone else.
Alex Speier
06/08/2010 - 7:18am
Back to school: Red Sox seek impact college players on Day 1
This was a different sort of start to the draft for the Red Sox.
Alex Speier
06/07/2010 - 9:20am
A day to shape a franchise: How one draft changed the Red Sox for years
It is, in the words of many of the industry’s executives, the most important event of the baseball calendar. Each year, the amateur draft can dictate an organization’s shape and success for years to come. Over the coming three days, there will be 50 rounds of selections and over 1,500 players drafted. The vast majority of those will never walk onto a big league diamond. But if a team hits on even just a couple of its lottery tickets, the shape of an organization can be changed indelibly over the next decade.
Alex Speier
06/06/2010 - 2:44am
A Bard's answers to the makeup questions
BALTIMORE – They were, quite simply, the biggest outs of the game. And there was no question about who the Red Sox wanted to have in the game to handle them.
Alex Speier
06/05/2010 - 11:03am
Going, going, Gonzo? Why Adrian Gonzalez is unlikely to land with Sox
BALTIMORE – Don’t expect to see Adrian Gonzalez in a Red Sox uniform anytime soon.
Alex Speier
06/05/2010 - 3:05am
For Buchholz, dominance now comes easily
BALTIMORE -- Clay Buchholz was back at the scene of the crime. It had been just over 10 months since the pitcher’s worst outing of the 2009 season took place at Camden Yards.
Alex Speier
06/03/2010 - 12:15am
Making sense of Matsuzaka, 'The Magic Man'
Forget for a moment the Tilt-A-Whirl that is a season of Daisuke Matsuzaka’s starts.
Alex Speier
06/02/2010 - 4:00am
The unexpected force: Beltre emerges as key lineup member
Entering the 2010 season, several Red Sox players were viewed as potential engines for the offense.
Alex Speier
06/01/2010 - 4:00am
Powerful statement from Red Sox prospects
Through the early paces of 2010, it has been a different sort of season in the Red Sox farm system.
Alex Speier
05/30/2010 - 3:44am
Buchholz leaves Sox without regrets
In South Florida, history was happening.
Alex Speier
05/28/2010 - 5:00am
The Matsuzaka mystery won't go away
Daisuke Matsuzaka is now more than halfway through the six-year deal that he signed with the Red Sox prior to the 2007 season. And yet, somehow, he remains the source of absolute befuddlement.


Audio On Demand

It Is What It Is Cast: Ex…

It Is What It Is Cast: Examining the New England Patriots offseason

In the latest edition of the "It Is What It Is" podcast, Chris Price and CSNNE's Mike Giardi take a look at the Patriots offseason on both sides of the ball, try and get a handle on which new guys will make an impact first, and whether or not the Patriots have altered their style when it comes to drafting and developing wide receivers.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk on Tebow's release

Mike Florio joined the program to discuss the Jets decision to release Tim Tebow, he said the situation is as disaster all around for the Jets and that the problems begins with owner Woody Johnson. Mike also said that he was disappointed with the Pats moving back in the first round.

Mike Petraglia, WEEI.com, Sits Down with Butch Stearns to Help Break Down the Pats Draft

One of the hardest working men in the biz, Mike Petraglia aka "Trags", sits down with Butch Stearns live in Foxborough to help break down all the latest Pats moves. He discusses his reaction to the trade in Round 1 and the guys those picks produced. Also, the boys talk about the decent trade the Pats made in acquiring LeGarrette Blount from Tampa Bay for Jeff Demps and a 7th rounder.

Celtics President Danny A…

Celtics President Danny Ainge with Salk and Holley

We check in with Danny Ainge for our first talk to him since the Celtics season ended last weekend. We talk about the future of the team, KG, Pierce, Doc Rivers and more, as Danny directly answers the rumors being floated by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

Jackie MacMullan, ESPNBoston.com: "Gut" tells me Doc will stay

Jackie Mac joins the show to discuss the trade rumors swirling around Paul Pierce, KG, Doc Rivers and the Celtics. She also discusses the future of the Celtics head coach.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith on his rumored Celtics Clippers trade

Stephen A. joined the program to discuss the trade rumors he has reported regarding a possible trade including Doc Rivers and the Clippers. Stephen A. also told the guys that he has heard that Danny and Doc may be tiring of working together.

Will Middlebrooks with Jo…

Will Middlebrooks with Joe Castiglione & Dave O'Brien live from the dugout

Will Middlebrooks hit a 3-run double in the top of the 9th inning to power the Red Sox to a 4-3 victory over the Rays tonight. He joined Joe & Dave after the final call live from the dugout.

Larry Lucchino on the Sox recent struggles

Larry joined the program to discuss the teams recent struggles and informed the guys that it is still early in the season. Larry also said that he still has faith that Daniel bard can turn things around.

Stephen Drew postgame with Joe and Dave

Stephen Drew helped the Red Sox to a 9-2 victory over the Rays tonight with a grand slam in the 3rd inning. He spoke with Joe Castiglione & Dave O'Brien after the game.

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D…

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D: Coaches and teammates have made him comfortable

Bruins rookie defenseman Matt Bartkowski has emerged as one of the young stars of the team and he joins Mut and Tom Caron to discuss his role on the team, why he's confident, and the trade that almost sent him to Calgary.

Andy Brickley, NESN: Keep Bartkowski in lineup

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss the Bruins Game 1 win over the Rangers, the play of the three young Bruins defensemen, and the fatigue Jagr has shown on the ice.

Pierre McGuire, NBC Sports, on Game 1 Bruins Rangers

Pierre McGuire joins Tom Caron and Mut to discuss the Bruins young defensemen, the intensity and energy level in the game, and the Rangers offense.

Shawn Thornton on his mes…

Shawn Thornton on his message to Seguin in Game 7 against the Leafs

Shawn joined the program to discuss another overtime win for the Bruins. When asked about Game 7 against Toronto, Thornton said that he would like to keep his specific comments in the dressing room private, but acknowledged that he encouraged Tyler Seguin to up his play and it paid off in overtime.

NESN's Barry Pederson on Bruins Rangers game one

Barry joined the guys to help breakdown the Bruins overtime win last night in game one. Barry said that he has rarely seen a team dominate as much as the Bruins yet be forced to an overtime.

Rangers superfan Boomer Esiason on the Bruins game 1 win

Boomer joined the program to discuss the tough loss for his beloved Rangers. Boomer told the guys that Lundqvist will be better in game two and predicted a seven game series.

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D…

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D: Coaches and teammates have made him comfortable

Bruins rookie defenseman Matt Bartkowski has emerged as one of the young stars of the team and he joins Mut and Tom Caron to discuss his role on the team, why he's confident, and the trade that almost sent him to Calgary.

Kevin Millar, Former Red Sox 1B, on Sox struggles

Millar joins the show to discuss the recent Sox slide, Jacoby Ellsbury's lack of power, and hitting in the big leagues.

Andy Brickley, NESN: Keep Bartkowski in lineup

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss the Bruins Game 1 win over the Rangers, the play of the three young Bruins defensemen, and the fatigue Jagr has shown on the ice.

An hour with Jack: Breaki…

An hour with Jack: Breaking down the Bruins OT win over the Rangers with NESN's Jack Edwards

We talk all things game one with Jack Edwards of NESN, and get to hear a little from Jack's Finnish protege as well.

Salk and Holley's Four at Four - 05/17/13

We tackle four topics we haven't yet touched upon today.. Joe Thornton and disappointing former Boston athletes, parking in Boston, buying jersey numbers and more...

Yo Soy Traction! Rob Gronkowski now may need back surgery in addition to his 4th surgery on his injured wrist.

We talk about the report that Rob Gronkowski may now be a candidate for back surgery with a disc problem. Is Gronk just an injury prone guy? Or is he not rehabbing proberly? Can the Pats build an offense around a guy who is so inconsistently on the field? We discuss.

Daily Planet Thursday May…

Daily Planet Thursday May 9th

The Bruins have almost finished raking the Leafs, the Red Sox struggle from the mound, Miami Heat fans show their level of class.

Daily Planet Wednesday May 8th

Daily Planet Wednesday May 8th

Daily Planet Tuesday May 7th

Today on the Daily Planet the Bruins take a 2-1 series lead, the Red Sox get a run-off win, and we hear about cannibals and bible thieves.

Buster Olney, ESPN: Ellsb…

Buster Olney, ESPN: Ellsbury play will hurt him in free agency

Buster Olney joins the show to discuss the muddled AL East, the average play of Ellsbury and how that will affect him in free agency, and Tropicana Field.

More from this show

Linda calls in to describ…

Linda calls in to describe the scene on Dexter St in Watertown

Linda explains how the shootout transpired in Watertown during the early morning hours. She saw the first suspect mortally wounded and police beginning the manhunt for the second suspect.

More from this show

Boston bombing hero Jeff …

Boston bombing hero Jeff Bauman: "He's dead and I'm still here"

Jeff Bauman, a victim of the Boston Marathon bombing, joined the show to give the guys an update of his condition and a first-hand account of that terrible day. Jeff told the guys how he wrote the description of the bomber as soon as he could. Mr. Bauman added that he is aided every day with the knowledge that he is alive and the terrorist that detonated the bomb is dead.

More from this show

Danny Ainge dispels the r…

Danny Ainge dispels the rumors: "I have the best coach in the NBA"

We check in with Danny Ainge for our first talk to him since the Celtics season ended last weekend. We talk about the future of the team, KG, Pierce, Doc Rivers and more, as Danny directly answers the rumors being floated by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

More from this show

It Is What It Is Cast: Ex…

It Is What It Is Cast: Examining the New England Patriots offseason

In the latest edition of the "It Is What It Is" podcast, Chris Price and CSNNE's Mike Giardi take a look at the Patriots offseason on both sides of the ball, try and get a handle on which new guys will make an impact first, and whether or not the Patriots have altered their style when it comes to drafting and developing wide receivers.

More from this show

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