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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
03/20/2009 - 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.
Alex Speier
03/18/2009 - 5:03am
The Transformation of Kevin Youkilis
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Even now, there are those who have a difficult time embracing the concept. THAT Kevin Youkilis, hitting cleanup for a Team USA lineup that includes some of the top sluggers in the majors? THAT Kevin Youkilis, entrusted with the responsibility of occupying the Red Sox cleanup spot that was once the domain of Manny Ramirez?   Certainly, the notion was once unfathomable. The idea that Youkilis could emerge as a power hitter worthy of that spot seemed far-fetched, at least for those willing to judge a book by its cover.  
Alex Speier
03/12/2009 - 2:30am
Chasing Windmills? Red Sox Search the Netherlands and Europe for Talent
FORT MYERS, Fla.—The pair of shock-the-world wins by the Netherlands over the Dominican Republic came as a bolt from the blue to most baseball fans. The mere name for the sport of baseball in Holland (“honkbal”) does little to suggest an international powerhouse capable of making noise in the World Baseball Classic.
Alex Speier
03/11/2009 - 7:38am
How Red Sox First-Base Coach Helped Cost His New Club A Pennant
FORT MYERS, Fla. – How did a Quality Assurance Coach help to push the Tampa Bay Rays past the Red Sox into the World Series? For that matter, what is a Quality Assurance Coach? The answers to both questions require an introduction to new Red Sox first-base coach Tim Bogar.
Alex Speier
03/09/2009 - 7:41am
Lester Jumps To Head of the Class: Deal for Pitcher Could Be Unlike Any Other
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Jon Lester may be going where no pitcher has gone before. Yahoo! Sports reported on Sunday that, according to a source close to the Red Sox, Lester has signed a five-year, $30 million deal with a $13 million option for the 2014 season. Red Sox officials, including CEO/President Larry Lucchino, GM Theo Epstein and manager Terry Francona, all declined to confirm, deny or comment on the report.
Alex Speier
03/08/2009 - 6:46am
Special Deliveries: Why Japanese and American Pitchers Use Different Mechanics
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- David Ortiz had just concluded a live batting practice session against Red Sox prospect Junichi Tazawa. It was early in the spring, but the slugger was nonetheless impressed after an introduction in which he swung and missed at a number of pitches. Ortiz was asked whether the young hurler, who came to the Sox directly from a Japanese amateur industrial league, created deception in his delivery, and whether he hid the ball well.
Alex Speier
03/05/2009 - 8:00pm
A-Rod the Latest Trojan Horse in Rivalry Between Red Sox and Yankees
 
Alex Speier
03/04/2009 - 9:12am
Much A-Drew About Nothing?
FORT MYERS, Fla. — The natural tendency would be to look at the fact that J.D. Drew was flown to Boston to receive a pain-killing injection in his lower back and conclude that trouble’s a-brewin’. Clearly, the starting right-fielder has yet to answer some of the injury questions that plagued him last year, and for that matter, throughout his career. As such, there will be questions about his ability to stay in the lineup that, in turn, will play into broader uncertainties about the Red Sox lineup.
Alex Speier
02/27/2009 - 9:41pm
Survive and Thrive: Red Sox Prospect Anthony Rizzo's Return From Cancer
FORT MYERS, Fla.--Spring training is typically the story of renewal and promise. That notion rings especially true for Red Sox prospect Anthony Rizzo. While Feb. 27 marks the official start of minor-league camp, the 19-year-old has been in Fort Myers since Feb. 1. He is in what he describes as the best shape of his life, an apparently robust slugger-in-the-making.
Alex Speier
02/25/2009 - 3:53pm
Varitek Looks to the Future of Red Sox Catching
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Jason Varitek wants to act as a bridge to the future of Red Sox catching. When he discussed his return to Boston, he spoke of not only the chance to come back to Boston and compete for more championships as a member of the Red Sox, but also his ambition to leave an imprint at his position after he leaves.
Alex Speier
02/19/2009 - 2:00am
Red Sox Look to Move on from Manny Ramirez
Alex Speier
02/17/2009 - 3:00am
A Long Competition Awaits for Shortstop
FORT MYERS, Fla.—In recent years, it has not been unusual for the Red Sox to report to spring training with the roster all but set. Barring injury, players have often come to camp knowing exactly what the starting lineup, rotation and even bench and bullpen would look like. This year, that is not the case. For the second straight spring, the Sox have a legitimate battle for a starting role at a premium on-field position.
Alex Speier
02/15/2009 - 1:00am
A Happy Ending for the Red Sox Captain
FORT MYERS, Fla.—If Jason Varitek was defeated by an offseason of seemingly agonizing negotiations, it wasn’t apparent. The Red Sox catcher spoke on Saturday for the first time since signing a one-year, $5 million deal that includes both a club ($5 million) and player ($3 million) option for the 2010 season. He suggested that the contract that he ultimately received featured what was most important to him: a chance to stay in Boston for as long as possible.
Alex Speier
02/14/2009 - 1:00am
For Red Sox Prospects, Long Line to the Rotation
Alex Speier
02/12/2009 - 1:00am
Spring Questions Loom for the Red Sox
Alex Speier
02/11/2009 - 6:00am
The Red Sox Offseason in Review
FORT MYERS, Fla. — The notion sometimes got lost. Amidst the obsessive monitoring of key negotiations this winter, or the disbelief at watching the Yankees hand out almost as much in guaranteed contracts to free agents ($446 million) as the other 29 clubs combined ($602 million), it was easy to overlook what was actually taking place in Boston.
Alex Speier
02/06/2009 - 8:07am
The Great Debate: Should the Patriots Trade or Keep Cassel
Alex Speier and Christopher Price throw down to determine whether the Patriots should trade or keep newly franchised quarterback Matt Cassel in 2009.
Alex Speier
01/30/2009 - 10:18am
Red Sox Still Looking for the Next Tek
In one respect, it should come as little surprise that the fate of Jason Varitek has consumed all the oxygen of conversations about the Red Sox. The man who has served as captain of the Red Sox since signing his last contract in 2004 has long been described as the backbone of a club that has won two World Series.
Alex Speier
01/08/2009 - 10:18am
Penny's on the Dollar: The Red Sox' Buy-Low Approach to the Offseason
It was an offseason so extravagant that it was ripe for parody.
Alex Speier
12/29/2008 - 10:00am
Patriots Not Alone: Best Near-Miss Teams of All Time
It used to be an annual rite of passage to see great sports teams miss the playoffs. But then, computers were once 18-feet tall and the interweb was a pre-zygotic glimmer in Al Gore’s eye. Amidst the steady playoff expansion in pro sports, it’s rare that outstanding teams spend the postseason on the sidelines. Since the NFL increased its playoff roster to 12 teams in 1990, there have been more undeserving teams playing football in January (cough, 2008 Cardinals, cough) than excellent teams left to lament the injustice of the football gods.
Alex Speier
12/25/2008 - 4:18am
Mark Teixeira: Baseball-Playing Businessman
In retrospect, nothing about Mark Teixeira’s signing should have come as a surprise. The Yankees had a weakness in their lineup and at first base that could be addressed by the best position player in the free-agent market. That shortcoming created an opening for Teixeira to seek an eight-year, $180 million windfall. The sum might seem absurd. Even so, it would be difficult to identify a deficiency that would have prevented Teixeira from becoming one of the top paid players in the game.
Alex Speier
12/22/2008 - 12:18pm
Are the Red Sox Desperate for Power? A Look at Mark Teixeira's Lineup Impact
Mark Teixeira’s qualities as a baseball player are far-reaching, but his allure has always centered around the easiest skill to comprehend. The 28-year-old switch-hitter is, quite simply, capable of destroying a baseball. It started when Teixeira was at Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore. A stream ran behind the field where players would take batting practice. Behind the stream, roughly 450 feet from home plate, Teixeira would take aim at apartments that had no business being in harm’s way.
Alex Speier
12/19/2008 - 11:01am
For Red Sox and Teixeira, Sound and Fury Signify Bluffing
On one point, at least, the Red Sox are not bluffing. The team may or may not still be in the running for Mark Teixeira. Though Sox owner John Henry emailed a statement that the Sox “are not going to be a factor” in the bidding for the first baseman, there was plenty of reason for skepticism about his statement.
Alex Speier
12/18/2008 - 5:01am
No Short Stop For Lowrie: Red Sox Farm Product Halts Free-Agent Carousel
Rafael Furcal concluded a messy foray into free agency yesterday by officially agreeing to re-sign with the Dodgers. The decision left plenty of distressed suitors. The Red Sox were not among them. Boston never showed an interest in the top free-agent shortstop on the market this offseason. The club did not call Furcal’s agent, Paul Kinzer, even to kick the tires on the 31-year-old. The development was, in some ways, uncharacteristic for a Red Sox front office that tends to look into every possible means of improving.


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.

Kevin Millar, MLB Network…

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.

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.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia postgame with Joe and Dave

Salty spoke with Joe Castiglione & Dave O'Brien after he helped his team to a 6-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox tonight. The Red Sox return to Fenway after going 6-3 on the road trip.

Andy Brickley, NESN, says…

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.

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.

NESN's Barry Pederson Bru…

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.

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.

Tom Brady plays the good …

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.

John Tortorella's Fraud Flag is flying, plus who's your 2013 Bruins MVP?

We talk about the mystique and respect around John Tortorella, and whether or not it's warranted. Plus we discuss with you who the 2013 Bruins MVP has to be. Tuuka? Bergeron? Claude?

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 - 05/23/13

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.

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.

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

Former Red Sox manager Te…

Former Red Sox manager Terry Francona catches up with D&C

Terry Francona joins the Dennis and Callahan Show to discuss his first-place Indians team as well as his time in Boston. The former Boston manager also touches on his recent book co-authored by Dan Shaughnessy and Shaughnessy's recent dust-up with David Ortiz.

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

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.

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