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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
05/04/2012 - 7:31am
Full circle at Fenway: The making of Will Middlebrooks
What he has become is fairly obvious. Will Middlebrooks is the prospect with the glimmering future, the player who at age 23 is in the process of unlocking his considerable potential, emerging as an elite prospect.
Alex Speier
05/02/2012 - 8:00am
What Aaron Cook and Will Middlebrooks say about the Red Sox rotation
The intrigue surrounding the May Day deadline for the Red Sox to add Aaron Cook to their roster, in some ways, reflected an exercise in losing sight of the proverbial forest through the trees.
Alex Speier
05/01/2012 - 8:13am
What history says about Clay Buchholz's April struggles
The good news for the Red Sox is that Clay Buchholz submitted his best start of 2012 on Monday.
Alex Speier
04/25/2012 - 7:00am
After early struggles, is Adrian Gonzalez ready to reappear?
Alex Speier
04/24/2012 - 6:38am
For Cody Ross, game-winning homer was a blast from the past
When the Red Sox signed Cody Ross to a one-year, $3 million contract as a free agent this winter, the logic seemed glaring. Ross has what most view as a made-for-Fenway swing, a right-handed hitter who tends to launch crowd-scrapers to left.
Alex Speier
04/22/2012 - 3:36am
It's still happening: For Red Sox, April 2012 feels like September 2011 never ended
“This,” said Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine, “is a psychological situation.”
Alex Speier
04/21/2012 - 6:13am
For Buchholz and Red Sox rotation, trouble is starting early
At the start of the season, it seemed fair to wonder whether the back of the Red Sox rotation would struggle.
Alex Speier
04/19/2012 - 7:53am
The renovations that did not reshape Fenway Park: Wild ideas left on the cutting-room floor
It has been an extraordinary decade in the life of Fenway Park under team president Larry Lucchino and the current Red Sox ownership group. The team’s partners has poured $285 million into the 100-year-old structure, with an eye towards preserving the one-of-a-kind aesthetic while at the same time integrating trappings of modernity.
Alex Speier
04/18/2012 - 7:43am
Unsettled at the start: Red Sox roster barraged by unexpected questions
The question regarding Mark Melancon was supposed to be whether he was suited to close or set up. It was not expected to be whether he belonged in the big leagues or the minors.
Alex Speier
04/17/2012 - 4:00am
Strange days: For Kevin Youkilis, 2012 is off to a perplexing start
It is a strange time in the career of Kevin Youkilis, one in which the 33-year-old is confronted by different perceptions and, as such, new uncertainties.
Alex Speier
04/15/2012 - 6:47pm
Man on a mission: This April, David Ortiz is all statements, no questions
It is a fascinating exercise to think back to a few relevant pieces of David Ortiz's recent past.
Alex Speier
04/14/2012 - 6:23am
Everything's not Jake: Sox prepare for life without Jacoby Ellsbury
The replay aired repeatedly in the Red Sox clubhouse. Each time, it was met with a reaction by Jacoby Ellsbury’s teammates. Some winced. Some cringed. Others gasped.
Alex Speier
04/13/2012 - 1:34am
How (and why) the 2012 Red Sox were built this way
What is this team that will be introduced at Fenway Park on Friday? What were the Red Sox thinking when they put it together?
Alex Speier
04/10/2012 - 7:54am
Coming-of-age: Why now is the time for Daniel Bard to start
In many respects, the question of what role Daniel Bard should fulfill is secondary to the fact that there can be a question. After all, just a few years ago, such an inquiry would have been impossible. As Bard dominated on his way up to the minors, how much consideration did the Red Sox give to moving the right-hander from the bullpen to the rotation?
Alex Speier
04/08/2012 - 2:00am
From wait to weight: Amidst questions about Beckett, Sox need healthy Buchholz to shoulder load
DETROIT -- In the past, the milestone of 200 innings has been a goal for Clay Buchholz. This year, it may be a necessity.
Alex Speier
04/07/2012 - 8:47am
Can the Red Sox find an old-school formula for bullpen success?
DETROIT – It would be terribly premature to cast judgment on the Red Sox bullpen.
Alex Speier
04/06/2012 - 7:28am
New man in charge: Breaking down Bobby Valentine's first game as Red Sox manager
DETROIT -- And so it has begun, officially.
Alex Speier
04/05/2012 - 7:10am
25 Red Sox, 25 Questions: Predicting the performances of the '12 team
Time for WEEI.com’s annual roundtable of 25 Red Sox, 25 questions. A panel of so-called experts examines the roster by addressing a number of timely questions -- um, what? Bailey had…surg…oh my -- about the 2012 roster. Participating this year: Kirk Minihane: WEEI.com Columnist
 Mike Petraglia: WEEI.com Man on Every Scene
 Jon Rish: Red Sox Radio Network

Alex Speier
04/04/2012 - 2:45am
Status seeker: After 'step back' in '11, Jon Lester looks to secure place among game's elite
Alex Speier
04/03/2012 - 1:55am
Stumble at the start: Bailey injury adds to long list of wounded Red Sox
There are different ways of viewing the meaning of spring training, but one consideration typically overshadows all others. Ask any manager in spring training whether his camp is going well and his answer will begin, and sometimes end, with a description of the health of his club.
Alex Speier
04/02/2012 - 2:00am
Bail-out strategy: A look at potential impact of closer Andrew Bailey's injury
All spring, it seemed like the rotation was the unsettled part of the Red Sox.
Alex Speier
03/26/2012 - 10:04pm
The case to not rush Jose Iglesias to Red Sox
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Jose Iglesias is better than he was a year ago. Of that there is no question.
Alex Speier
03/25/2012 - 6:39am
Coming into focus: The leadership of Jarrod Saltalamacchia
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Catching is not so much a profession as a vocation or a calling. Perhaps more than any other responsibility in baseball, it is one defined by selflessness.
Alex Speier
03/24/2012 - 7:45am
Decisions, decisions: The factors that will determine Red Sox' rotation competition
SARASOTA, Fla. – The next two days could go a long way in defining the shape of the 2012 Red Sox season-opening rotation.
Alex Speier
03/22/2012 - 3:00am
Don't call it criticism: Excellence, candor and the Bobby Valentine Way
BRADENTON, Fla. -- The tone of Red Sox spring training this year is unquestionably different. That is a direct reflection of the standards articulated by the new Boston manager and the approach he takes to pursuing them.


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.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia pos…

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.

Red Sox Manager John Farrell with Salk and Holley

We check in with Red Sox Manager John Farrell live from Chicago and get his take on a good week for the Sox, a tough series since then in Chicago, and other team related notes.

Buster Olney, ESPN, on Ellsbury's future with Sox

Buster Olney joins Mut and Merloni to talk about the struggling Ellsbury and what that is doing to his contract value when he becomes a free agent.

Pierre McGuire, NBC Sport…

Pierre McGuire, NBC Sports: B's have instilled "fear" "concern" and "doubt" into Rangers

McGuire joins Mut and Merloni to discuss the Bruins game 3 win, the Rangers awful power play, and the Shawn Thornton Derek Dorsett altercation.

Shawn Thornton on his big game three

Shawn joined the program to discuss his big night at MSG. He told the guys that it is not Marchand's job to fight and that he needs to be on the ice and out of the penalty box.

NESN's Barry Pederson on the Bruins dominance

Cleveland Indians hottest team in baseball, yet remain last in attendance May 19, 2013 By AJ Kaufman 6 Comments There’s a scene in Major League where Bob Uecker, portraying the radio voice of the Indians, bemoans, “In case you haven’t noticed, and judging by the attendance you haven’t, the Indians have managed to win a few here and there, and are threatening to climb out of the cellar.” Well, that was nearly 25 years ago and fictional, but today’s reality is that Cleveland has won 17 of its last 21, and currently tops the AL Central with a mark of 25-17. No one in the majors is better than the Indians in the past month (20-7). That’s great news. The bad news, however, is the Tribe somehow remain in the MLB cellar when it comes to attendance. How can this be? The fact that I wrote on this same topic almost to the day last year – when only Tampa Bay drew fewer fans than Cleveland - may be even more troubling. Though roughly 34,000 watched a walk-off win Friday night against Seattle, perfect weather and free caps weren’t enough to draw more than 36,000 Saturday and Sunday combined. What did the Indians do in those tilts? They nabbed another walk-off win on Saturday, then the Indians crushed the great Felix Hernandez Sunday behind Justin Masterson, arguably the AL’s best pitcher right now. Fun fact: The Indians have already faced eight Cy Young Award winners in 2013: Bartolo Colon, R.A. Dickey, Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Jake Peavy, David Price, Justin Verlander and Hernandez. They have won seven out those eight matchups. Simply astounding. This offseason, the much-maligned Indians front office finally made a legitimate attempt to improve the team through free agency. I’m not talking an Ubaldo Jimenez-like trade, but rather smart acquisitions that brought veterans Mike Aviles, Michael Bourn, Jason Giambi, Scott Kazmir, Brett Myers, Mark Reynolds, Drew Stubbs and Nick Swisher to Cleveland. In addition to being a fantastic place to watch a game due to great egress and ingress, with extremely affordable tickets, the best promo lineup anywhere, Jacobs Field boasts overall, cooler, less muggy summer weather than most Midwestern locales. The team also lowered beer and hot dog prices to $4 and $3 respectively. What other professional stadium in any sport offers that? I have visited 28 of the 30 current Major League Baseball stadia, and few top The Jake when all angles are considered. I say that as a baseball fan, not an Indians fan. As for the putative “economic” angle, these are the same people who spend insane amounts of money to watch terrible football every fall and show up in decent numbers for putrid basketball in the winter. Irrespective of season length, those sports charge up to 10 times the price for a ticket, and the atmosphere isn’t half as fan-friendly as baseball. I understand fans’ lack of willingness to get on board to some degree. A decent recap of Cleveland’s decade of “rebuilding” can be read here and the team suffered a horrific collapse last August. However, in addition to all the benefits of attending games at Jacobs (now Progressive) Field, fans should also realize the team has potential and often exceeds preseason aspirations at any point without warning. Cleveland hosts the rival Detroit Tigers — heavy favorites to repeat as AL Central champs — Tuesday and Wednesday nights before hitting the road. The temperature should be pleasant at first pitch each evening so you’d expect The Jake to be full to watch the best hitter on the planet right now — but don’t count on it.

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.

Shawn Thornton on his big game three

Shawn joined the program to discuss his big night at MSG. He told the guys that it is not Marchand's job to fight and that he needs to be on the ice and out of the penalty box.

The boys respond to Salk's attack

Our afternoon host Mike Salk was offended at Gerry and Kirk's conversation on his favorite band Rush, the guys responded.

Pierre McGuire, NBC Sport…

Pierre McGuire, NBC Sports: B's have instilled "fear" "concern" and "doubt" into Rangers

McGuire joins Mut and Merloni to discuss the Bruins game 3 win, the Rangers awful power play, and the Shawn Thornton Derek Dorsett altercation.

Buster Olney, ESPN, on Ellsbury's future with Sox

Buster Olney joins Mut and Merloni to talk about the struggling Ellsbury and what that is doing to his contract value when he becomes a free agent.

Shawn Thornton sticks up for Marchand as Derek Dorsett backs down

Mut and Merloni discuss the Derek Dorsett, Brad Marchand, and Shawn Thornton altercation and how great it was.

An hour with Jack Edwards…

An hour with Jack Edwards: Bruins win all four line match-ups with Rangers

With the Bruins up 3-0 in the series, we talk to Jack Edwards and take your calls. We touch on all things B's-Rangers and also focus on the future of the Bruins three promising young defensemen.

Salk and Holley's Four at Four - 05/22/13

We touch on four topics we haven't talked about today... topics today include: Brian Urlacher retires, NFL schedule expansion, Sergio Garcia and more...

Golfer Sergio Garcia goes 'Fuzzy Zoeller' and gets racial against Tiger Woods

We discuss Spain's Sergio Garcia and his ignorant, racist comments against Tiger Woods.

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 - 05/22/13

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.

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

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

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.

More from this show

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.

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

Steve Zipay of Newsday on…

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.

More from this show

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