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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
04/22/2009 - 2:40am
Five Things We Learned on a Rainy Day at Fenway
No baseball game? No matter. Rain may lead to the cancellation of a ballgame, but it can do nothing to prevent an education in Five Things on the eve of a day-night double-header between the Red Sox and Twins.  JOIN THE CLUB, NICK GREEN...AND BE CAREFUL, FOR SHORTSTOP IS A DANGEROUS PLACE IN BOSTON
Alex Speier
04/21/2009 - 8:45am
Hunter Jones' Life As a Major Leaguer Begins
Afterwards, the emotion was pure. Hunter Jones had some mementos in his locker after he recorded a scoreless ninth inning – a pair of authenticated balls for the first and third outs of the inning, as well as an authenticated lineup – but he also had something more.
Alex Speier
04/20/2009 - 6:02pm
Five Things We Learned: Masterson Brings the Heat
It’s easy to forget how far the Red Sox came in a stretch of five games. It was less than a week ago that things could have gotten messy in a hurry. The team had sunk to last place with a dismal 2-6 record. The starting shortstop (Jed Lowrie) and an 18-game winner (Daisuke Matsuzaka) had both landed on the disabled list. The bullpen had been torched. The lineup had been feeble.
Alex Speier
04/19/2009 - 3:59am
Five Things We Learned: Red Sox Getting Healthy at the Orioles' Expense
The Red Sox received the right tonic at the right time. The Orioles may have come into Boston with a 6-3 record, having won series against the Yankees, Rays and Rangers, but that mark was something of an illusion. Baltimore arrived in the series having permitted 69 runs in nine games, an average of 7.7 per contest that ranked as the worst in baseball.
Alex Speier
04/18/2009 - 4:17am
David Ortiz Looks for his Groove
Cooperstown-electee Jim Rice was flipping through the pages of the Red Sox pre-game media notes when he stopped at the notes on the hitters. He pointed to the name at the bottom of the page and wheeled towards David Ortiz. “You’ve got to start hitting your weight,” Rice bellowed. Ortiz, featuring a meager .176 average, .293 OBP and .206 slugging mark prior to last night’s game, seemed amused by the challenge. “It’s coming up,” he grinned. “First I’ve got to get to (Dustin) Pedroia.”
Alex Speier
04/18/2009 - 3:40am
Five Things We Learned: Lessons from a Monumental Comeback
The magnitude of the Red Sox’ comeback was immense. The team was down by a touchdown and extra point in the top of the second inning, as the Orioles clubbed Boston starter Brad Penny mercilessly.
Alex Speier
04/17/2009 - 7:52am
Penny Power: Red Sox Starter's Fastball Returns to Life
There hasn’t ever been much mystery to what Brad Penny does on a mound. That remained the case in the right-hander’s Red Sox debut. In his first inning with his new club, Penny unleashed 15 pitches. Of those, 14 were fastballs. The hard-thrower rarely veered from that approach, sticking with his bread-and-butter pitch for 65 of his 86 (75.6 percent) offerings against the Angels.
Alex Speier
04/12/2009 - 3:23am
Five Things We Learned: Penny Brings Value In First Start
Facing elimination in a playoff series? That’s a must-win situation. A three-game losing streak in April? Clearly, the same dire consequences are not in play. Certainly, the Red Sox had not moved to DEFCON 1 on the basis of three defeats – two to the Tampa Bay Rays at home and another in the series opener against the Angels on Friday – in the season’s first week. Even so, it would be tough to say that there wasn’t some hint of elevated stakes in the fifth game of the young campaign.
Alex Speier
04/10/2009 - 3:17am
Five Things We Learned: Matsuzaka Still a Man of Mystery
As last season ended, so it began. The Red Sox and Rays, competitors in last year’s American League Championship Series, became reacquainted in a three-game series to commence the 2009 season. And, just as they did last October, the Rays showed that they were capable of taking two out of three games at Fenway Park.
Alex Speier
04/09/2009 - 12:42am
Five Things We Learned: Strength of Rays and Red Sox Apparent
Last year, the Red Sox and Rays exchanged volleys throughout the year but spent much of the year incapable of breaking serve. The home team swept the first four series of the year between the two teams until finally, in September, the Rays broke the spell by taking two of three at Fenway. This year, the back-and-forth started a bit earlier. After the Red Sox claimed a 5-3 victory on Opening Day, Tampa Bay rebounded with an impressive 6-2 win at Fenway Park. (For a recap, click here.)
Alex Speier
04/08/2009 - 1:18am
Varitek Begins His Battle Against History
Jason Varitek got off to a strong start in his quest to achieve the near-impossible. The catcher is coming back from the sort of season that typically signals an irreversible slide. Players in Varitek’s age bracket (he turns 37 on Saturday) have rarely come back from offensive seasons as bad as the one he had in 2008 to achieve the status of even an average player. Last year, as a 36-year-old, Varitek hit .220 with a .313 OBP with a .672 on-base plus slugging percentage. His OPS+ was 73, meaning that his OPS was roughly 27 percent worse than the league average.
Alex Speier
04/07/2009 - 7:48am
Five Things We Learned on Monday: The Rainout Edition
Surely novelty has to count for something. Monday’s postponement of the scheduled game against the Rays marked the first time the Red Sox home opener had been cancelled since April 11, 2003. It was the first time the club’s Opening Day game got scuttled in a generation, dating back to a snow-out in Chicago on April 6, 1982 (no word on whether the White Sox had been planning on wearing shorts that day). So at least the Sox had that going for them … Which is nice.
Alex Speier
04/06/2009 - 12:50am
Lineup Looks to Sustain Championship Ambitions
Just a few years ago, the hallmark of the Red Sox was the merciless destruction of pitching staffs. Historically powerful offenses from 2003-05 had a winning formula that was anything but subtle. The Sox, quite simply, would decimate their opponents with the force of a sledgehammer. The formula has undergone some revision in recent years. With a line of potentially dominant arms that stretches from Boston to Pawtucket to Fort Myers, the Sox are now viewed as a team whose elite run prevention is the foundation of a run at – and perhaps through – the postseason.
Alex Speier
04/04/2009 - 11:16am
25 Red Sox, 25 Questions: Predicting the Performance of the 2009 Team
Our panel of Curt Schilling, Rob Bradford, Cyn Donnelly, Kirk Minihane, Mike Petraglia, Jon Rish and Alex Speier - with a brief cameo by Gary From Chapel Hill - peers into the crystal ball in an attempt to see the future of the Red Sox' 2009 Opening Day roster:   ROTATION   1. Which incarnation of pitcher will Josh Beckett be for the Red Sox this year? Will he most closely resemble the 2006, 2007 or 2008 version?  
Alex Speier
04/04/2009 - 12:56am
Farewell to the Fort: The Top 10 Spring Training Storylines in Review
The neverending spring training is finally nearing its conclusion. Remarkably, despite the fact seven full weeks elapsed from the reporting date for Red Sox pitchers and catchers to the time that the club migrated north for the regular season, few salacious storylines emerged. The time in Fort Myers was characterized chiefly by a quiet professionalism.
Alex Speier
03/30/2009 - 8:48am
Smoltz Prepares For Life With A New Team, Again
The visit by the Red Sox to central Florida to play the Braves on Monday will offer yet another reminder of a still-foreign concept. John Smoltz, after 21 seasons with Atlanta, is preparing for life with a new major-league team. A pitcher who seemed all but certain to spend his entire career with one big-league club is instead rehabbing from shoulder surgery with the goal of a mid-summer unveiling in Boston. The concept is shocking. And yet, in a sense, it is not the most jarring professional move that Smoltz has had to make.
Alex Speier
03/28/2009 - 11:59am
Lowrie Looks To Provide Pop At Shortstop
As he learned to play baseball, Jed Lowrie – like almost everyone else in the Northwest – found it impossible to resist the temptation to imitate Ken Griffey, Jr. Everyone wanted to be the iconic Mariners outfielder, and to a degree, Lowrie was no different. When hitting tennis balls with a baseball bat in his back yard, Lowrie would turn his baseball cap around. Though naturally right-handed, he would try to mimic Griffey’s left-handed swing, an early hint of his future as a switch-hitter.
Alex Speier
03/25/2009 - 7:15am
A Different Shape to the Red Sox-Yankees Money Wars
FORT MYERS, Fla. – No one will confuse the Red Sox for a small-market team anytime soon. Nonetheless, because of a roster that features an ever-increasing number of young, affordable players, the days in which the team could be lumped only with the Yankees in free-spending ways have moved further into the rearview mirror.
Alex Speier
03/24/2009 - 3:32am
The Price Was Right for Curt Schilling: Ace Was an All-Time Bargain
FORT MYERS, Fla. – The announcement of Curt Schilling’s retirement brought into sharp relief the significance of the deal that made the pitcher a Red Sox. A compelling argument can be made that the trade that brought him to Boston from Arizona was the biggest in franchise history since the sale of Babe Ruth to the Yankees.
Alex Speier
03/24/2009 - 12:25am
A Day In The Blog: A Penny For Your Thoughts
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Brad Penny looked outstanding in his first game activity against major-league hitters since last Sept. 15. The big right-hander needed just 33 pitches to get through three innings, allowing one walk, no hits and striking out three. He showed impressive velocity, registering a 93-95 mph fastball with good life that he moved up and down in the zone to elicit plenty of swings and misses in his outing. The outing was a marker of major progress for Penny over the past six months.
Alex Speier
03/23/2009 - 6:59am
A Day in the Blog: Top Pitching Prospects Shipped to the Minors
FORT MYERS, Fla. — The round of cuts made by the Red Sox on Sunday included some of the most dominant performers of the spring. Daniel Bard (0.00 ERA in 9.1 innings), a non-roster invitee to major-league camp this spring, was reassigned to the minors in anticipation of a likely stint in Triple-A Pawtucket. Junichi Tazawa (1.00 in 9 frames) was optioned to the minors after dazzling the team in his first exposure to professional baseball.
Alex Speier
03/22/2009 - 7:12am
Bombs Away for Jason Bay
FORT MYERS, Fla. – First it was awe, then surprise. Jason Bay destroyed a baseball against the Minnesota Twins in the spring training contest on St. Patrick’s Day. The shot carried well over the 410 feet to straightaway centerfield at City of Palms Park. In fact, it crashed atop the batter’s eye above the fence in dead center, a 40-foot tall concrete installment covered black fabric to improve the batter’s view of pitches.
Alex Speier
03/21/2009 - 6:27am
A Day in the Blog: Buchholz Buoyed by Sinker
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- In demeanor, there is little question that Clay Buchholz has been a different pitcher this spring than he was in 2008. Last year, team officials were disconcerted by the constant pick-off throws to first made by Buchholz (a pitcher whose quick time to the plate already allows him to hold runners well), a sign of his confusion while on the hill.
Alex Speier
03/20/2009 - 6:19am
Papelbon the Slugger? Red Sox Closer Details 'Mad Power'
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Everyone knows that Jonathan Papelbon features one of the most powerful fastballs in baseball. But there are those – foremost Papelbon – who insist that he is nearly as powerful with a bat in his hands. “I’ve got mad power, bro,” Papelbon said. “I (expletive) raked, dude. … I’m being dead serious.”
Alex Speier
03/19/2009 - 3:57am
A Day in the Blog: Youkilis, Bard Get the Boot
Apparently, Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia are inseparable. The fact that an injury has now forced Youkilis out of the World Baseball Classic, just as happened for Pedroia over the weekend, merely reflects the latest chapter linking the players. As Pedroia burst onto the scene in 2007, the two felt a kinship thanks to motivation drawn from the desire to win and to prove their doubters wrong while defying expectations. Both are champions, Gold Glovers and Silver Sluggers.


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 Lackey postgame gues…

John Lackey postgame guest after the last game of the Minnesota series

Joe Castiglione talked with John Lackey after he picked up the W against the Twins. Lackey threw seven innings, and retired the 1st twelve batters of the game.

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

Ed Olczyk, NBC Sports: "S…

Ed Olczyk, NBC Sports: "Surprised" by amount of goals in series so far

Eddie Olczyk joins the show to discuss the Bruins Rangers series and what to expect with Game 3 back in NY. He also talks about Seguin's inconsistency and the role of Jaromir Jagr.

Kenny Albert, NY Rangers PBP: Previews Game 3

Kenny Albert joins Mut and Merloni to discuss the play of Henrik Lundqvist, changes John Torterella may make before tonight's game, and if home ice advantage will make a difference.

Elliotte Friedman of CBC on the Bruins dominance of the Rangers

Elliotte Friedman joined the show to discuss the Bruins domination of the series thus far. He said that while nothing is certain he cannot see a way in which the Rangers come back and win the series.

Elliotte Friedman of CBC …

Elliotte Friedman of CBC on the Bruins dominance of the Rangers

Elliotte Friedman joined the show to discuss the Bruins domination of the series thus far. He said that while nothing is certain he cannot see a way in which the Rangers come back and win the series.

Steve Zipay of Newsday on the Rangers

Steve joined the show to discuss the Rangers and their coach John Tortorella. Steve said that the Bruins have been the far better team thus far in the series.

Can the Rangers turn things around?

Kirk and Gerry talked about game three tonight at Madison Square Garden between the Bruins and Rangers. Gerry and Kirk are not very confident in the ability of the Rangers to make this a series.

Ed Olczyk, NBC Sports: "S…

Ed Olczyk, NBC Sports: "Surprised" by amount of goals in series so far

Eddie Olczyk joins the show to discuss the Bruins Rangers series and what to expect with Game 3 back in NY. He also talks about Seguin's inconsistency and the role of Jaromir Jagr.

Kenny Albert, NY Rangers PBP: Previews Game 3

Kenny Albert joins Mut and Merloni to discuss the play of Henrik Lundqvist, changes John Torterella may make before tonight's game, and if home ice advantage will make a difference.

Mut Vs. Salk on NESN Daily

Find out which WEEI host came out victorious in the latest Salk Vs. Mut battle.

Full tilt, full time. New…

Full tilt, full time. Newest inductee to the Patriots Hall of Fame Tedy Bruschi with Salk and Holley

We talk to #54 about his career and well deserved induction to the Patriots Hall of Fame.

Salk and Holley's Four (or Five) at Four - 05/21/13

We tackle four off-topic topics! Today including RGIII's wedding registry, Tiger Woods, new putters in golf and more.

Barry Melrose: Sit the injured veteran defensemen until you need them, until you lose

We check in with ESPN's great hockey analyst and former NHL coach Barry Melrose to get his take on this Bruins-Rangers series. We also ask the coach in him how he'd deal with the great play of the rookie defensemen when the vets get healthy... and his answer might surprise you.

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.

Salk and Holley's Miked U…

Salk and Holley's Miked Up and Answer the Question - 05/21/13

They're like a ray of morning sunshine on an otherwise gloomy day.

Salk and Holley's Miked Up and Answer the Question 05/21/13

....uhhhh.....a bunch of bombs over there....

Salk and Holley's Miked Up and Answer the Question - 05/17/13

Sounds like a prostate exam to me!

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.

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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.

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Shawn Thornton on the Bru…

Shawn Thornton on the Bruins game 2 win

Shawn joined the show to discuss the teams great performance in game two against the Rangers. Shawn said that he wouldn't mind playing for John Tortorella because he seems like a funny guy.

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Minor Details Ep. 49: Man…

Minor Details Ep. 49: Managerial development with Torey Lovullo and Arnie Beyeler

By and large, the focus of development in the minor leagues is on players. Still, there is a developmental path for coaches and managers in the farm system, as is evident from the fact that the previous two managers of the Red Sox' Triple-A affiliate in Pawtucket -- Torey Lovullo (2010) and Arnie Beyeler (2011-12) are now both on the Red Sox' big league coaching staff. They share their insights about the differences between player and coaching expectations in Triple-A vs. the majors, while discussing professional development from the perspective of former minor league managers who aspire to similar positions in the big leagues.

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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.

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