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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
02/21/2013 - 3:31am
The unveiling: As he readies for his close-up, a history of Xander Bogaerts' first impressions
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- It has been a different spring for Xander Bogaerts.
Alex Speier
02/19/2013 - 9:23am
For Mike Napoli, a new outlook at a new position
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- There is a bit of a misconception about Mike Napoli. Admittedly, the 31-year-old is amidst a career transition to a full-time first baseman. That shift in role for the longtime catcher is the byproduct both of the Red Sox' need at first and the fact that the degenerative condition (avascular necrosis) in his hips suggests there is wisdom in subjecting the 31-year-old to a less physically punishing position.
Alex Speier
02/17/2013 - 10:29am
Red Sox reunion for Joel Hanrahan and Shane Victorino brings careers full circle
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- For Shane Victorino and Joel Hanrahan, baseball life has come full circle now that they are playing together for the Red Sox this spring.
Alex Speier
02/16/2013 - 9:02am
Red Sox prospect Jackie Bradley Jr. and the art of fielding
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- For those who see it, it's a captivating spectacle. For Jackie Bradley Jr., it's nothing more than a routine.
Alex Speier
02/15/2013 - 8:26am
Jonny Gomes vs. Cody Ross: A Red Sox free agent decision revisited
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Why did the Red Sox sign Jonny Gomes instead of bringing back Cody Ross?
Alex Speier
02/14/2013 - 8:19am
For Drew Sutton and his family, a happy return to Red Sox
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- When the Red Sox signed Drew Sutton to a minor league deal with an invitation to big league camp this winter, it created hardly a ripple. Yet in some respects, Sutton's willingness to return to Boston represented the most significant free agent signing that the Red Sox made this winter.
Alex Speier
02/13/2013 - 11:18am
A poignant reminder for Ryan Kalish
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Wednesday morning provided Ryan Kalish with a difficult reminder.
Alex Speier
02/13/2013 - 8:32am
'Breath of fresh air': Pitching coach Juan Nieves hopes to bring calm, structure to Red Sox staff
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- When the Red Sox hired John Farrell as manager, the decision came with an obvious benefit.
Alex Speier
02/12/2013 - 1:00am
The blueprint: Defining the path to the 'next great Red Sox team'
Tuesday represents a sort of day of baseball renewal, the first official workout of the spring for pitchers and catchers. The guiding mission of the players who will take part in it and the organization they represent now is straightforward: Build the next great Red Sox team.
Alex Speier
02/07/2013 - 9:43am
Can Jon Lester bounce back? History offers some hints
Almost everything about Jon Lester's track record is viewed through a surprisingly critical lens. The left-hander's excellence from 2008-11 was historically good yet arguably underappreciated. His struggles in 2012 were real yet perhaps treated as more dramatic than they actually were.
Alex Speier
02/06/2013 - 12:50pm
The dark horse: Knuckleballer Steven Wright hopes to turn heads in Red Sox camp
Steven Wright is making the most of his second chance to make a first impression.
Alex Speier
02/05/2013 - 3:13am
Heir apparent: Why Jackie Bradley Jr. seems a fitting successor to Jacoby Ellsbury
There are some players who require time to appreciate, whose skill and potential become apparent only after seeing them play for a considerable stretch. And then there are the special talents, the ones whose abilities are so obvious that there is really no question.
Alex Speier
02/01/2013 - 2:48am
Back to the Future: Red Sox hope Daniel Bard can take page from 2009
In Red Sox spring training in 2009, no pitcher made a more formidable impression than Daniel Bard.
Alex Speier
01/29/2013 - 11:51am
How deep are the Red Sox? A position-by-position look at the depth chart
For the last three months, the focus, naturally, has been on addressing the Red Sox' most obvious roster voids. The Sox entered the winters with needs at numerous positions -- first base, both outfield corners, starting rotation, potentially shortstop. Nine free agent signings later, those holes have been addressed.
Alex Speier
01/26/2013 - 10:55am
Star-crossed outfield: Kalish surgery a reminder of Sox outfield that could have been
Increasingly, it has become a distressing exploration of "what if."
Alex Speier
01/22/2013 - 12:48pm
For Terry Francona and Red Sox, a complicated legacy
“There’s one thing I’m going to be proud of after I’m gone,” Francona said in the days after it ended. “I think they’re going to find there’s more [expletive] that goes on than they realize.”
Alex Speier
01/11/2013 - 9:06am
The Red Sox' search for the next Lester and Buchholz
In many respects, the Red Sox' fortunes in 2013 are tied to those of Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz.
Alex Speier
01/08/2013 - 6:50am
Pipeline overfloweth? Why outlook for Red Sox pitching prospects is promising
The prospect widely viewed as the most promising pitcher in the Red Sox system is not taking part in the team’s Rookie Development Program. His absence, in turn, is revealing about the positive direction of the farm system.
Alex Speier
01/02/2013 - 9:32am
Who's on first? For Red Sox, with Mike Napoli's status uncertain, question still looms
It’s now 31 days since the Red Sox reached an agreement with Mike Napoli on a three-year, $39 million deal to be their everyday first baseman, and more than three weeks since the physical that turned a formality into an uncertainty.
Alex Speier
12/31/2012 - 10:08am
What the trade of Stolmy Pimentel says about Red Sox prospect pool
It’s now been almost a week since the Red Sox and Pirates completed a six-player deal headlined in both Boston and Pittsburgh by the relocation of closer Joel Hanrahan to the Sox.
Alex Speier
12/24/2012 - 10:13am
Going for it? Why Red Sox' trade for Joel Hanrahan is noteworthy
At the start of the offseason, it seemed like there was a profile of the type of player for whom the Red Sox might trade.
Alex Speier
12/20/2012 - 9:21am
Will Ryan Dempster remain durable as a Red Sox?
One of the hallmarks of Ryan Dempster’s second life as a starter has been durability.
Alex Speier
12/19/2012 - 9:11am
Why Stephen Drew is a gamble worth taking
  It's been two years since Stephen Drew had a full, healthy season. And so, it has been a considerable period of time since he's resembled one of the top shortstops in the game. And it's possible that he'll never perform at such a level again. But what if he does? What if, for $9.5 million, the Sox landed one of the more productive offensive shortstops in the game?
Alex Speier
12/14/2012 - 10:50am
What are they doing? Explaining Red Sox' offseason moves
The Red Sox entered the offseason hoping to re-sign David Ortiz and add a starting pitcher, a first baseman and two corner outfielders. The team has spent aggressively to add a number of players who are viewed (aside from Ortiz) as complementary but who fall below the level of stars.
Alex Speier
12/13/2012 - 9:26am
Caution flag? Napoli offers Red Sox early warning sign for 2013
Shane Victorino is set for introduction as a member of the Red Sox on Thursday. But even while he is front and center, a great deal of attention will turn to The Man Who Isn’t There.


Audio On Demand

Former Patriot Matt Light…

Former Patriot Matt Light on the Pats offseason

Matt joined the program to discuss his first ever cornhole contest and to break down the Patriots offseason. He told the guys that he was upset that the Pats were unable to bring Wes Welker back to the team.

Tom Brady on the loss of Wes Welker

Tom Brady joined the program to discuss his upcoming charitable event supporting Best Buddies and his off-season. Tom said that he has learned not to worry about free agency decisions since he cant control any of them. Lastly he defended his over the top celebration at the Kentucky Derby.

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.

Jackie MacMullan on Doc: …

Jackie MacMullan on Doc: "He's coming back"

Jackie MacMullan joins Mut and Merloni to discuss the latest rumors surrounding Celtics head coach Doc Rivers and whether he'll be back next season with the team.

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.

Pedro Ciriaco, postgame g…

Pedro Ciriaco, postgame guest

Pedro Ciriaco joined Joe & Dave after the 3rd game of the Indians series. The Sox utilityman had three hits in the Sox' come-from-behind win.

John Farrell Manager's Show w/ Dave O'Brien

Dave talked to the Sox skipper before the 3rd game of the Indians series. John said that the starting rotation is shaping into form.

Rob Bradford pregame before the third game of the Indians series

John Ryder talked to Rob from WEEI.com before the game. Rob said that John Lackey isn't having command problems, unlike many Tommy John patients.

Shawn Thornton Joins Salk…

Shawn Thornton Joins Salk and Holley

Shawn Thornton talks about what went wrong in Game 4 for the Bruins.

Andy Brickley, NESN, says he's not worried about Tuukka

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss his reaction to game 4 of the Bruins-Rangers series, and how he sees the rest of the series playing out

NESN's Barry Pederson Bruins still in control

Barry joined the program to discuss the Bruins disappointing loss last night at MSG. He said that he was impressed with how Rask responded to questions after the game.

NESN's Barry Pederson say…

NESN's Barry Pederson says the Bruins are still in control

Barry joined the program to discuss the Bruins disappointing loss last night at MSG. He said that he was impressed with how Rask responded to questions after the game.

Rangers analyst Dave Maloney on game 4

Dave Maloney returned to the show to discuss his Rangers unlikely win in game 4. He said that in all his years playing and calling hockey games he had not seen a softer goal than the one Rask allowed.

Andy the bee keeper on his hives

Andy from Dartmouth called in to talk Bruins but the discussion quickly got off track when he mentioned his nine bee hives.

Pierre McGuire, NBC Sport…

Pierre McGuire, NBC Sports: on Bruins Rangers Game 4

McGuire joins the show to discuss the sub-par performance from Tuukka Rask, the Bruins young defensemen, and the potential for the Rangers to get back in the series.

Andy Brickley, NESN, says he's not worried about Tuukka

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss his reaction to game 4 of the Bruins-Rangers series, and how he sees the rest of the series playing out

Kevin Millar, MLB Network, on Tito's return to Fenway

Kevin Millar joins the show to discuss the slumps of Jacoby Ellsbury and Will Middlebrooks, Tito's return to Fenway, and his reaction Dan Shaunghnessy's controversial column.

Shawn Thornton Joins Salk…

Shawn Thornton Joins Salk and Holley

Shawn Thornton calls in to talk about the Bruins losing in Game 4.

Tom Brady plays the good soldier role in discussing departure of Wes Welker

Tom Brady appeared with D and C this morning and talked about the team's OTA's, the comings and goings, and most importantly what went down when Wes Welker left town, and how does he feel about it?

Salk and Holley's Four at Four - 05/23/13

Four guys, four topics we haven't mentioned today. Mark Sanchez, the Pacers blow it and more.

Daily Planet Tuesday May …

Daily Planet Tuesday May 21st

The Bruins look to take a 3-0 series lead, Jon Lester gets his first loss, Dwight Howard has options in free agency.

Daily Planet Monday May 20th

Today on the Daily Planet the Bruins have a 2-0 lead over the New york Rangers, the Red Sox are back on the winning sde of things, and the noteable birthdays of the day.

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.

Memorial Day Weekend "Jer…

Memorial Day Weekend "Jerk" Off

Callers bitch about the Bruins loss, and we answer how long it takes to get over a relationship.

Salk and Holley's Miked Up and Answer the Question - 05/23/13

Kirk's still a jerk, but we want a SWEEP!

Salk and Holley's Miked Up and Answer the Question - 05/22/13

The Jerks are joined by another, Jerk Minihane.

Tom Brady on the loss of …

Tom Brady on the loss of Wes Welker

Tom Brady joined the program to discuss his upcoming charitable event supporting Best Buddies and his off-season. Tom said that he has learned not to worry about free agency decisions since he cant control any of them. Lastly he defended his over the top celebration at the Kentucky Derby.

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

Bobby Valentine: Job has …

Bobby Valentine: Job has been miserable, but part of my life's journey

A fiery Bobby Valentine joined Glenn Ordway and Michael Holley and fired back about rumors of him being late to the ballpark, the perception that he's given up on the year, and more on the 2012 Red Sox debacle.

More from this show

Memorial Day Weekend "Jer…

Memorial Day Weekend "Jerk" Off

Callers bitch about the Bruins loss, and we answer how long it takes to get over a relationship.

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

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