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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
12/07/2009 - 5:52am
The Making of a Blockbuster: What the Red Sox Can Offer as Trade Bait
INDIANAPOLIS – Big-name free-agent signings are well and good, but there is nothing so mesmerizing at the Winter Meetings as the possibility of a blockbuster deal. The implications of such deals are incredibly far-reaching, changing the face of an organization through both addition and subtraction. The Winter Meetings act as a cauldron for rumors, both real and imagined. The presence of a vast number of executives, managers, agents and reporters under one room creates a unique chemistry, and the expectation that momentous deals will get done.
Alex Speier
12/04/2009 - 1:05pm
One-of-a-Kind? The Unusual Career Path of Marco Scutaro
As he prepares to start his career as a Red Sox, Marco Scutaro will be subjected to scrutiny and skepticism. That is only natural.   Part of the reason for doubt is no fault of Scutaro’s. Instead, it reflects on the ill-fated history of Sox shortstops in recent years.  
Alex Speier
12/04/2009 - 5:27am
The Marco Effect: How Scutaro Could Improve the Red Sox
Marco Scutaro may never have another year like he did in 2009.
Alex Speier
12/02/2009 - 6:13am
Five Things We Learned: Could Pedroia Play Shortstop?
Could he do it?  
Alex Speier
12/01/2009 - 5:27am
Shallow Waters: The Free Agent Shortstop Market
While the free agent market has moved, by and large, at a deliberate pace this offseason, that has not been the case at one position in recent days. The shortstop market has been more active than that of any other position on the diamond.
Alex Speier
11/30/2009 - 5:23am
Dangerous Doc? The Risks of Acquiring Halladay
Alex Speier
11/13/2009 - 10:11pm
The Pitch: The Case Jason Bay's Agent Is Making To MLB Teams
Jason Bay’s agent did not attend the GM Meetings in Chicago this week. No need. Joe Urbon, who is the free-agent outfielder’s representative with CAA, had already had enough constructive conversations with major-league clubs about their interest in his client, and about Bay’s potential value to them, that a trip to the Windy City was unnecessary.
Alex Speier
11/09/2009 - 3:52am
Why Adrian Gonzalez May Remain Off Limits to Sox
The line of thinking seemed natural.
Alex Speier
11/06/2009 - 3:41am
For the Sox, Hermida a Lottery Ticket Worth Playing
To the Marlins, Jeremy Hermida’s 2009 disappointment rendered the outfielder an unaffordable luxury.
Alex Speier
11/05/2009 - 6:17am
Ranking the Champions: Who Was the Best World Series Winner of the Decade?
Thus ends baseball’s first decade of the 21st century. It was a decade that featured several great teams, but few great World Series. The Yankees hoisted the first and final championship trophies of the period from 2000-09. For most, they established themselves as the “team of the decade” thanks to two championships, two additional pennants, and nine playoff appearances in the 10-year stretch.
Alex Speier
11/03/2009 - 8:40am
The Red Sox' Effect On The World Series
For the first time since 2003, the World Series is competitive.   It has been six years since the Series went at least six games. The storylines in recent years have been given little time to develop.  
Alex Speier
10/28/2009 - 8:41am
Long Journey for Francona and Mills Finally Reaches Its Destination
When they were introduced more than 30 years ago, no one ever expected that Brad Mills and Terry Francona both one day would become major league managers. The reason was simple.
Alex Speier
10/23/2009 - 6:14am
Worth the Money? For the Sox, No Regrets About Drew Deal
For nearly three years now, J.D. Drew’s contract has been alternately viewed as the subject of ridicule and befuddlement. Yet for the Red Sox, there is one thing that the five-year, $70 million deal is not: an object of regret.
Alex Speier
10/12/2009 - 6:55am
Folding Aces: Papelbon, Lester, Beckett Come Up Short
Perhaps the greatest surprise from the Red Sox’ summary dismissal at the hands of the Angels was that Boston was betrayed by the very elements that were supposed to be its greatest strengths.
Alex Speier
10/11/2009 - 7:30am
Can The Sox Beat Good Pitching? A Season Hangs on the Answer
On the one hand, it is fair to suggest that the baseball world did the Angels – and, more specifically, the Angels rotation – a disservice.
Alex Speier
10/11/2009 - 6:54am
Buchholz Left It All on the Field: A Look at the Pitcher's Biggest Game
Clay Buchholz makes no secret about the fact. He will be nervous when he takes the mound on Sunday for Game 3 of the Division Series against the Angels, a contest that the Red Sox must win in order to extend their season another day. Buchholz has good reason for his conviction about his nerves.
Alex Speier
10/10/2009 - 7:23am
For Buchholz, October Opportunity Finally Arrives
ANAHEIM, Calif. — The task is a monumental one. On Sunday, Clay Buchholz will be given the ball for his first career playoff start and asked to save the Red Sox’ season.
Alex Speier
10/09/2009 - 7:09am
Betting the Franchise on Beckett: Big-Game Pitcher Again in the Spotlight
ANAHEIM, Calif. – Josh Beckett is the pitcher the Red Sox want on the mound when the outcome matters. Josh Beckett has always been the pitcher that everyone wanted on the mound when the outcome mattered. That notion was most clearly demonstrated in 2002. John Henry had become the chief financier of a group that had purchased the Red Sox, but doing so required that he sell the Marlins. And so, the billionaire struck a deal with Jeffrey Loria to transfer Florida.
Alex Speier
10/09/2009 - 5:20am
Five Things We Learned: Sox Left Feeling Queasy In Defeat
ANAHEIM, Calif. — From the beginning, the whole thing seemed a bit … off. As the Red Sox took to the field during pregame introductions, their manager was nowhere to be found. Terry Francona spent a “tough day” fighting what seemed a losing battle against a meal at Del Taco, a local chain restaurant that left him with a case of food poisoning. Once the game got under way, he surely felt no better.
Alex Speier
10/08/2009 - 5:49am
The Player Who Helped Save the Red Sox' Season
ANAHEIM, Calif. — As they limped through July, the question began blaring like a siren. Could the Red Sox offense be fixed? By late July, general manager Theo Epstein used the word “horrific” to describe the shape of his team’s underperforming lineup. The problems appeared far-reaching and complex.
Alex Speier
10/07/2009 - 5:26am
The Crystal Ball: WEEI.com Predicts the Postseason
ROB BRADFORD   ALDS Sox over the Angels in 5 Yanks over Twins in 3 NLDS Cardinals over the Dodgers in 5 Phillies over the Rockies in 3 ALCS Yanks over the Sox in 7
Alex Speier
10/06/2009 - 1:13am
How Daniel Bard Got His Groove (and Career) Back
The legend of Daniel Bard was born three years ago at this time. A first-round pick in the 2006 draft, Bard made his professional debut in the Florida Instructional League. And there, the young pitcher made heads turn.
Alex Speier
10/05/2009 - 1:49pm
The Year in Review: WEEI.com Hands Out the Hardball Hardware
The 2009 regular season is now in the books, meaning that it’s time to fling some hardware — or at least to pretend to fling it, since no one on our panel of esteemed WEEI.com staffers is a member of the Baseball Writers Association of America.
Alex Speier
10/05/2009 - 3:33am
Five Things We Learned: Red Sox Ready To Bring Heat In The Postseason
If power pitchers thrive in October, then no one is better positioned than the Red Sox to make hay in the postseason. Ultimately, the “dilemma” about whether to have Jon Lester or Josh Beckett serve as the Game 1 starter of the American League Division Series against the Angels was less significant than the fact that the Sox were positioned to make such a choice.
Alex Speier
10/04/2009 - 3:08am
Five Things We Learned: Beckett Is Primed for the Playoffs (But Not a Nine-Man Rotation)
In all likelihood, when the Division Series against the Angels opens this week, Jon Lester will be the Game 1 starter for the second straight season. But the reason for that alignment in 2009 is dramatically different from the one in 2008, explaining part of the reason for the Red Sox’ optimism as they head into the postseason.


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.

John Farrell pregame befo…

John Farrell pregame before the last game of the Minnesota series

Dave O'Brien talked to John Farrell before the end of the Twins series. The Sox skipper said that Big Papi's success is no surprise given his work ethic.

John Farrell postgame press conference

John Farrell postgame press conference

David Ortiz after the second game in Minnesota

Joe Castiglione and Dave O'Brien talked to David Ortiz after the Red Sox beat the Twins 12-5. Big Papi said that team chemistry is great, that the new guys see the Sox way of doing things.

Dale and DJ Continue Thei…

Dale and DJ Continue Their Preview of Bruins/Rangers and Discuss the Power Play on Sports Sunday

Dale and DJ roll on with their puck talk and chat some more about the goalie matchup in this series, as well as the lack of a quality power play for both of these teams. In fact, DJ says the Rangers are even worse on the PP than the B’s! The guys also get into the resurgence of Milan Lucic and his deceptive speed and grit. Dale and DJ talk about the similar styles of play for these teams and look forward to Game 2.

Dale Arnold and DJ Bean Discuss Claude vs Tortorella, Tyler Seguin and more About Bruins/Rangers

Dale and DJ get into the two coaches and their polar opposite styles and demeanor. Both teams play a similar style, but the coaches certainly convey their messages in a different way. Dale isn't buying the Tortorella hype and thinks he's a little overrated. DJ thinks he's a good coach, but isn't a fan of anti-media stance. The guys also talk about Jagr and how he has not lived up to the hype. They weren't expecting him to light it up or be the savior, but DJ says he wasn't prepared for just how slow the aging veteran is. Another big topic for B's fans this season is the play of Tyler Seguin and why he has yet to become the superstar everyone anticipates he will be. This leads to Claude Julien's style and if he does actually have something against the younger players. That Iginla trade shows its ugly head again as well.

It's a Black and Gold Sports Sunday -- Dale Arnold and DJ Bean Preview Game 2 of the Bruins/Rangers Series

WEEI.com's DJ Bean joins Dale in studio for Sports Sunday to discuss the Bruins playoff run. Game 2 is later today and the guys discuss the results of the first game of the series. They get into the construction of the lines for the B's and if they would make any changes. DJ has a few ideas for the lines today. The boys also discuss the two goalies - Tuukka vs Henrik Lundqvist and wonder why people automatically think the Rangers have the edge at goalie. Finally, they get into the legacy and the decisions of Claude Julien and Peter Chiarelli.

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

Rangers superfan Boomer E…

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.

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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