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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
03/18/2009 - 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.
Alex Speier
12/11/2008 - 5:18am
Money Player: Mark Teixeira Prepares to Get Rich in Free Agency
LAS VEGAS--The smoke is clearing. The Red Sox were happy to kick the tires on a pool of extremely talented free-agent pitchers, discussing with varying degrees of interest CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe. But the team’s heart was never into the pitching market. Boston entered this offseason with the sort of starting depth that was the envy of most clubs. The years and dollars that would be necessary to acquire players in their post-prime seasons never seemed to make sense.
Alex Speier
12/10/2008 - 11:18am
Red Sox Wait For Price To Be Right For Catchers
LAS VEGAS—As the Red Sox search for a catcher of the future, the requests in trade talks have become familiar. The team’s top prospects—particularly pitchers Clay Buchholz, Justin Masterson and Michael Bowden, as well as slugging first baseman Lars Anderson—are the constant subjects of trade requests.


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.

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.

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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.

More from this show

Daily Planet Monday May 2…

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.

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