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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
03/05/2010 - 7:26am
Being Like Mike: Cameron recalls Jordan's influence
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Mike Cameron had worn the No. 25 for each of the last four seasons, but with Mike Lowell in possession of that number upon the outfielder’s arrival in Boston, another set of digits was in order.
Alex Speier
03/04/2010 - 7:44am
Five Things We Learned: Glimpse of a phenom
FORT MYERS, Fla. — In its own right, the outing by Casey Kelly offered little obvious meaning beyond the opportunity to overcome any stage fright that he might have had this spring.
Alex Speier
03/03/2010 - 8:33pm
Knuckleball life comes full circle for Wakefield
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The echo was undeniable, even if faint.
Alex Speier
03/03/2010 - 2:30am
Red Sox spring storylines to watch
FORT MYERS, Fla. – It is popular sport to disparage spring training, especially for a team such as the Red Sox that would appear to have almost all of its roster set.
Alex Speier
03/02/2010 - 8:09am
Sox caught with uncertain future behind plate
Alex Speier
02/24/2010 - 7:03am
Why Lowell might stay: Deal may not be in cards
FORT MYERS, Fla. — In his session with the media on Tuesday, Mike Lowell said that the Red Sox front office had not approached him about the possibility of remaining in Boston and contributing in a reserve role.
Alex Speier
02/23/2010 - 8:17am
Crossroads moment for Ortiz: Past and future loom over slugger
FORT MYERS, Fla. — David Ortiz did more than arrive at spring training on Monday.
Alex Speier
02/22/2010 - 8:13am
Spring projects: What Sox pitchers are working on this spring
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The bullpen sessions that are a staple of spring training can seem monotonous. But for John Farrell, they represent an opportunity.
Alex Speier
02/19/2010 - 7:22am
The Lackey Effect: Newcomer's impact on the rotation
FORT MYERS, Fla. — John Lackey would represent a substantial upgrade to any rotation in the majors. Yet at the beginning of the offseason, it was common to question why the Red Sox would channel tremendous resources to address an area of apparent strength.
Alex Speier
02/16/2010 - 11:39pm
Papelbon fueled by playoff collapse
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The great ones emerge stronger.  
Alex Speier
02/05/2010 - 4:43am
Checking in at the V-Mart: A look at Victor Martinez' value
Victor Martinez is one of the best hitting catchers in major league history. Yet it remains to be seen whether the Red Sox — or anyone else — will pay him like one.
Alex Speier
01/29/2010 - 3:03am
Glimpse of the future: The unlikely path of Ryne Miller
There were few surprises among the list of participants in the Red Sox’ Rookie Development Program.
Alex Speier
01/21/2010 - 1:11am
Glimpse of the Future: Casey Kelly
The Red Sox currently are conducting their annual Rookie Development Program. The program typically includes some of the top prospects in the organization who the club believes could make their big league debuts in a 12- to 18-month time frame.
Alex Speier
01/20/2010 - 12:24am
The Money Mailbag: Trying to make sense of MLB's luxury tax
"Money often costs too much." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Conduct of Life The offseason Red Sox storylines have been numerous and fascinating: the saga of Jason Bay, the sudden and decisive move to sign John Lackey, the winter-long uncertainty of Mike Lowell, the team's defense-first sequence of signings meant to overhaul run prevention.
Alex Speier
01/19/2010 - 10:10am
Glimpse of the Future: Josh Reddick and Ryan Kalish
The Red Sox currently are conducting their annual Rookie Development Program. The program typically includes some of the top prospects in the organization who the club believes could make their big league debuts in a 12- to 18-month time frame.
Alex Speier
01/15/2010 - 1:18pm
Glimpse of the Future: Che-Hsuan Lin
The Red Sox are currently conducting their annual Rookie Development Program. The program typically includes some of the top prospects in the organization who the club believes could make their big-league debuts in a 12- to 18-month timeframe.
Alex Speier
01/15/2010 - 5:35am
Brave new world for Bill James and the Red Sox
It is not so much that Bill James’ ideas about defense have changed. The father of modern baseball statistical analysis insists that he has never doubted the value of great glove work.
Alex Speier
01/13/2010 - 12:04pm
Glimpse of the Future: Jose Iglesias
The Red Sox are currently conducting their annual Rookie Development Program.
Alex Speier
01/12/2010 - 2:43am
Saving Ellsbury: Will move to left affect his offense?
The notion was raised by Peter Gammons a couple weeks ago on WEEI. The Hall of Fame scribe recalled that Rickey Henderson found the physical punishment of playing center field to be somewhat detrimental to his offense.
Alex Speier
01/06/2010 - 4:19am
Impact defense: Red Sox can be carried by gloves in 2010
So just how much impact can a baseball team make by upgrading its defense — particularly if that comes at the expense of the lineup?  
Alex Speier
12/30/2009 - 3:05am
Life Comes Full Circle for Jason Bay, Mets
The turn of events is striking.
Alex Speier
12/18/2009 - 5:21am
No Fear: Why Lackey Was Made For Boston
There are some players whose signings with the Red Sox lead to skepticism about whether they can handle the unique challenges of playing in Boston. John Lackey is not such a player. The new Sox starter, after all, has never been one to shy from a challenge. That has been apparent since his first days as a professional.
Alex Speier
12/16/2009 - 1:19am
Breaking the Bank: A Look at the Red Sox Payroll in 2010
On Friday, Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino sounded a note of some defiance about his team’s commitment to the 2010 season. He insisted the Sox' financial investment in winning would remain undiminished in the coming season.
Alex Speier
12/15/2009 - 6:44am
Red Sox Redesign: Deals for Lackey, Cameron Reshape Club for 2010
It was one of the most dizzying and decisive offseason days in recent Red Sox memory. It started with news that the trade of Mike Lowell to the Rangers for catcher Max Ramirez was in jeopardy due to concerns that Lowell might require thumb surgery. Ordinarily, such a development would be monumental. Yet by the end of Monday, it bordered on an afterthought.
Alex Speier
12/10/2009 - 5:42am
For Love of the Glove: Why Beltre Is Being Targeted by the Sox
INDIANAPOLIS – In some respects, it seems preposterous that the Red Sox stand on the verge of trading Mike Lowell and pursuing Adrian Beltre as his possible replacement at third base.  


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.

John Farrell Manager's Sh…

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.

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 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

Red Sox GM Ben Cherington…

Red Sox GM Ben Cherington on Jacoby Ellsbury

Ben joined the program to discuss the return of Terry Francona and said that he always had a good relationship with the former manager. Ben added that he thinks Ellsbury is in a slump due in part to the amount of left handed pitchers the team has faced.

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

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