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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
06/15/2012 - 8:11pm
Breaking down Beckett: A history of the pitcher's shoulder concerns
CHICAGO – Anytime a pitcher misses a start and the word “shoulder” is involved, alarm bells should sound. A blown-out elbow is a speed-bump, typically a one-year Tommy John surgery followed by rehab with a tremendous likelihood of a return at full health. A damaged shoulder? A badly damaged shoulder? That’s often a dead end.
Alex Speier
06/15/2012 - 6:40am
Time for Adrian to go off: Could Wrigley's friendly confines be antidote for slugger's struggles?
CHICAGO -- No one knows. There’s no good, concise summary to explain what is arguably the most mystifying shortcoming on the Red Sox.
Alex Speier
06/14/2012 - 1:15pm
Bypassed by Red Sox, Dale Sveum working to create winning culture with Cubs
CHICAGO – Dale Sveum was a prime target of two of the most history-rich franchises in the majors last offseason. He became the manager of the Cubs, but not until a very prominent candidacy for the same position with the Red Sox.
Alex Speier
06/13/2012 - 11:14pm
How success bred a monster: Theo Epstein considers his Red Sox legacy
CHICAGO -- It was not the final note that Theo Epstein wanted in Boston.
Alex Speier
06/11/2012 - 8:55am
The next Hanley? Why Red Sox prospect Xander Bogaerts could be the next big thing
The Red Sox farm system has yielded numerous stars over the past decade.
Alex Speier
06/10/2012 - 7:56am
A tale of two rotations for Red Sox, Nationals
Under slightly different circumstances, it might have been Gio Gonzalez on the hill for the Red Sox on Saturday.
Alex Speier
06/08/2012 - 9:29am
A Nationals event: Red Sox marvel at Harper, Strasburg
In some ways, Adrian Gonzalez would seem like one of the few people in the world who can appreciate the phenomena of Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper.
Alex Speier
06/08/2012 - 12:43am
When 'really bad' is not so bad: Adrian Gonzalez sees an upswing
Context, Adrian Gonzalez insisted, was important. There had been worse stretches in his career.
Alex Speier
06/05/2012 - 6:49am
'Devils up the middle' : Sox first-rounder Deven Marrero hopes for fast track to play with Dustin Pedroia
Alex Speier
05/31/2012 - 9:00am
Entering the new world order: A 2012 Red Sox draft primer
This year’s draft represents a dramatic sea change for a Red Sox team that flexed its considerable financial muscle in the acquisition of top amateur talent in recent years.
Alex Speier
05/30/2012 - 2:15am
Return delivery: Why Red Sox want to see more of this Daniel Bard
Last Wednesday, in a 6-5 Red Sox win over the Orioles, Daniel Bard allowed two runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings before getting lifted with the bases empty after 90 pitches. Afterwards, he acknowledged that he didn’t feel like himself on the mound.
Alex Speier
05/29/2012 - 6:51am
Prince Felix? Why Doubront's season has been better than anyone realizes
So what exactly is Felix Doubront? What are we to glean from his first 10 starts of 2012?
Alex Speier
05/25/2012 - 7:34am
Beyond the radar gun: The evolution of Josh Beckett
The storyline could be a very different one.
Alex Speier
05/24/2012 - 8:10am
For the Red Sox, 20 lessons learned from 20 games in 20 days
BALTIMORE -- In a vacuum, it will hardly seem like a season-changing stretch. The Red Sox entered it two games under .500. They went 11-9 (a .550 winning percentage that would translate to 89 wins over a 162-game season) to pull themselves up to .500.
Alex Speier
05/23/2012 - 6:16pm
Daniel Bard continues search for himself (and strikeouts) as a starter
BALTIMORE – No one expected the transition to be seamless, but at the same time, no one expected it to be this extreme.
Alex Speier
05/23/2012 - 8:08am
Help is on the way? For Red Sox, Kevin Youkilis' return is a start
BALTIMORE -- In defeat, a single swing offered an important reminder. For the Red Sox, the 2012 season has been dominated by injuries. Already this year, the team has placed a staggering 16 players on the disabled list.
Alex Speier
05/22/2012 - 9:00am
A Will and a way: Middlebrooks makes statement that he belongs
BALTIMORE – It’s decision day, and Will Middlebrooks is suppressing his curiosity.
Alex Speier
05/18/2012 - 3:03am
Why Daniel Bard is thinking a lot about hitting these days
The sight was foreign but necessary. Daniel Bard navigated the Red Sox clubhouse on a few occasions over the past week, wielding what seemed like a foreign implement.
Alex Speier
05/15/2012 - 6:16am
Still the one: Jon Lester's season has a familiar top-of-the-rotation shape
There was pitch No. 119, a 93 mph fastball that was up, in and past the swinging bat of overmatched Mariners hitter Alex Liddi.
Alex Speier
05/12/2012 - 9:27am
Caught in between: Bobby Valentine's rotation management
Bobby Valentine was caught in between. Again.
Alex Speier
05/11/2012 - 6:47am
One season later, Red Sox have yet to fix their clubhouse culture
"I know that we have the players in our clubhouse who are committed to winning, who have the talent to do it, and are motivated to put 2011 behind them and prove to everyone that they're worthy of the fans' trust." -- Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington at the press conference introducing him as general manager
Alex Speier
05/10/2012 - 10:00am
The talent gap: Red Sox struggles reflect state of the roster
Jacoby Ellsbury would have made the play.
Alex Speier
05/08/2012 - 9:00am
Improving on greatness: Dustin Pedroia looks poised for career year in 2012
The Rushmore of Red Sox second baseman has two faces on it. So what does Hall of Famer Bobby Doerr, now 94, think of Dustin Pedroia, who more than a half-century after Doerr’s retirement has emerged as a game-changing player at the position?
Alex Speier
05/07/2012 - 8:29am
Is this 2008 all over again for Clay Buchholz?
We’ve seen this before. In 2008, Clay Buchholz was a rookie with all the promise in the world who became shocked by his own failures. After a respectable start (3.71 ERA through his first 10 outings with a 2-2 record), his season got derailed and could not get back on track.
Alex Speier
05/05/2012 - 7:35am
Outlier: Why Aaron Cook is a pitcher like few others
He is a rare breed.


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

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

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

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

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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