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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
09/30/2012 - 7:44am
Building block: Why Felix Doubront's future looks very bright
  BALTIMORE -- And now, a brief respite from the unrelenting negativity of the Red Sox' season to note a (gasp) considerably promising development in the team's season.
Alex Speier
09/29/2012 - 7:58am
A year later, Red Sox still at a loss to explain 2011 swoon
BALTIMORE – One year later, it still boggles the mind, defies logic and makes utterly no sense.
Alex Speier
09/26/2012 - 12:56am
Remembering brilliance of breakup of 2004 Red Sox
Members of the 2004 Red Sox paraded around Fenway Park prior to Tuesday night's game against the Rays, offering a nostalgic look back on arguably the greatest season in franchise history as the end of one of the worst nears. 
Alex Speier
09/24/2012 - 9:28am
Bargain Man: The strange past (and future?) of Cody Ross
 
Alex Speier
09/21/2012 - 1:20am
Must-lose situation? How losing now could help Red Sox reload
Think these Red Sox games are meaningless? Think again. The team's offseason -- and its road map to reload -- could well depend on the outcome of the remaining 11 games in a season in which the Sox have long since been eliminated.
Alex Speier
09/19/2012 - 8:18am
The scouting adventure that led Red Sox to Junichi Tazawa
It sounds less like a scouting story than it does like a scene from Indiana Jones. The discovery of Junichi Tazawa, currently the most dominant pitcher on the Red Sox, required stealth, persistence, courage and, yes, a sense of adventure. 
Alex Speier
09/17/2012 - 8:37am
As Red Sox careen toward finish, it's all about Bobby V
A quick review of the Red Sox’ weekend:  On Friday, Bobby Valentine said his team had the worst September roster ever assembled. 
Alex Speier
09/14/2012 - 9:07am
Five Things That Mattered for the Red Sox on Thursday: Henry redefines blueprint
So a Red Sox lineup stripped down to spare parts couldn’t score a run in a 2-0 loss to the Yankees. No surprise. 
Alex Speier
09/13/2012 - 9:15am
Kevin Youkilis, Bobby Valentine and the strange free agent class of first basemen
It seemed safe to suggest that Kevin Youkilis wasn’t going to come back to Boston anytime soon to play for Bobby Valentine. But just in case there was any doubt … 
Alex Speier
09/12/2012 - 8:59am
Five Things That Mattered From Last Night's Red Sox Game
The Red Sox enjoyed a rare feel-good moment in a September baseball game, a walkoff 4-3 win over the Yankees that gave the team its second victory of the month.
Alex Speier
09/11/2012 - 8:08am
A new wrinkle in the rivalry: How Red Sox are trying to be like the Yankees
It is a strange era in the lives of baseball’s two foremost financial heavyweights. 
Alex Speier
09/10/2012 - 7:35am
No easy solutions to Red Sox power outage in 2013
  The admission came as little surprise. David Ortiz is almost surely done for a 2012 season that was shaping up to be one of his best. 
Alex Speier
09/08/2012 - 8:12am
The other Blue Jay: The Red Sox' past (and future?) interest in Torey Lovullo
A throng crowded the Blue Jays dugout, waiting for Toronto manager John Farrell.
Alex Speier
09/06/2012 - 8:00am
Stunning reversal: Ten months later, Bobby Valentine's dream job seems nightmarish
“This day, it’s a special day. It’s more than a special day. It’s the beginning of a life that I think is going to extend beyond anything that I ever thought of doing. The talent, the players, the talent level, the players that we have in this organization I think is a gift to anyone. I’m a receiver of that gift.
Alex Speier
09/04/2012 - 10:08am
Is 2013 still realistic for Red Sox to contend?
It is a devastatingly bleak landscape. The Red Sox currently find themselves in a desert. Little is visible but the vultures picking away at the carcass of what remains of a 2012 season that is decomposing by the day.
Alex Speier
09/02/2012 - 2:57am
Valentine's Day: Time for Red Sox to make a decision on manager's fate
Enough. Bobby Valentine was hired because he had a history of helping to turn around dysfunctional organizations. Immediately. Five months into his first and likely only season as the Red Sox skipper, he’s not only failed to accomplish that mission but in fact has failed in spectacular fashion.
Alex Speier
08/31/2012 - 1:41am
Making sense of Jacoby Ellsbury's past, present and future with the Red Sox
It is impossible not to take note of Angels phenom Mike Trout. His ability to impact the game seems limitless. He is delivering an MVP-caliber performance in which he is hitting for average and power, getting on base at an elite clip, stealing bases like crazy and making seemingly every defensive play imaginable.
Alex Speier
08/26/2012 - 9:31am
Where do Red Sox go from here? A challenging reload -- but not a rebuild -- awaits
There weren’t any other conclusions to draw. The Red Sox roster just wasn’t that good.
Alex Speier
08/23/2012 - 8:29am
Could John Lackey be part of the Red Sox solution in 2013?
History lesson: The Red Sox have made one white-flag trade since 1998, a move that signaled that they had given up on the season. That came on Aug. 31, 2006, when the team looked in the mirror, saw no hope of contending and dealt left-hander David Wells to the Padres for catcher George Kottaras.
Alex Speier
08/22/2012 - 8:29am
History repeating: Steve Phillips on Bobby Valentine's 'familiar' situation
As chance had it, the man with more experience clashing with Bobby Valentine than anyone else in the world was at Fenway Park on Tuesday night.
Alex Speier
08/20/2012 - 7:18am
Trading places: How Yankees beat Sox in rotation-building game
Alex Speier
08/18/2012 - 10:21pm
How Pedro Ciriaco (with an assist from Robinson Cano) became an unlikely Yankees killer
NEW YORK – Who is this Pedro Ciriaco? How is it possible that he’s doing this to the Yankees? How did he get to the Red Sox? And how did Robinson Cano help to turn him into the scourge of New York?
Alex Speier
08/18/2012 - 8:03am
As Red Sox stagnate, time to play the kids for some fresh air
NEW YORK -- A stat pack sat on the desk in front of Bobby Valentine as he tried to process his team’s latest defeat. The Red Sox manager peeled at the corners of the pages like a flipbook, punctuating statement after statement with a small ripping noise of protest.
Alex Speier
08/13/2012 - 7:49am
How Adrian Gonzalez learned to stop thinking (and walking) and start raking
Now, finally, the Red Sox are seeing the real Adrian Gonzalez. Or are they?
Alex Speier
08/10/2012 - 1:54am
Formula for failure: Red Sox' offense loses its way
This is the formula for failure. For years, the success of the Red Sox lineup was built on a philosophy of patience and plate discipline. Those have now gone out the window.


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

Andy Brickley, NESN: Go w…

Andy Brickley, NESN: Go with the young guys at D

Brickley joins the show and discusses what the Bruins should do with their young defensemen once the veterans return from injury, the play of Rask, and Torterella's coaching style.

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.

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.

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.

Things you would never do

John, Gerry and Kirk give their things that they would never do, listeners joined on the WEEI yakoff app with their thoughts.

Kirk sings the Star Spangled Banner

After hearing the horrible performance by Alexis Normand at the Memorial Cup in Canada, Minihane saved us all by delivering a heartfelt rendition of our national anthem.

Andy Brickley, NESN: Go w…

Andy Brickley, NESN: Go with the young guys at D

Brickley joins the show and discusses what the Bruins should do with their young defensemen once the veterans return from injury, the play of Rask, and Torterella's coaching style.

Lyndon Byers on the Bruins defensemen situation

LB joins the show in studio to discuss the Bruins taking a 2-0 series lead against the Rangers and what Claude should do when Seidenberg, Redden, and Ference are ready to play.

Sox Talk- M&M discuss the winning streak and future of Ellsbury

Mut and Merloni get into a Red Sox discussion after a successful weekend in Minnesota. They discuss Pedroia, Lackey, and the future of Ellsbury with the Red Sox.

An Hour with Jack: Jack E…

An Hour with Jack: Jack Edwards joins Salk and Holley to break down a game two win and preview game three

What's better than a whole hour with NESN's Jack Edwards? Not much. We talk all hockey, all the time with Jack live from his study, with a "Loving Cup", whatever that is.

Bruins in complete control of Rangers two games into series

We talk hockey as the Bruins have had little problem taking a 2-0 series lead against the much talk about NY Rangers. Will this continue in games 3 and 4 at MSG? We discuss.

Salk and Holley's Four at Four - 05/21/13

We tackle four topics we haven't yet touched upon today. Gronk!, Proms with celebs and athletes and much more.

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.

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

Salk and Holley's Miked U…

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!

Salk and Holley's Miked Up and Answer the Question - 05/16/13

Damn New Yorkers!

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

Danny Ainge dispels the r…

Danny Ainge dispels the rumors: "I have the best coach in the NBA"

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.

More from this show

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

Things you would never do

Things you would never do

John, Gerry and Kirk give their things that they would never do, listeners joined on the WEEI yakoff app with their thoughts.

More from this show

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.

More from this show

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