Columnists
RSS Feed  RSS
Weei » Columnists » Alex Speier » Alex Speier Archive
ArchivesBlog
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
03/21/2012 - 7:14am
For starters, questions remain: An updated look at Red Sox rotation competition
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Red Sox have passed the halfway point in spring training, with roughly three weeks of exhibition games behind them and roughly two more remaining prior to the April 5 season opener against the Tigers in Detroit.
Alex Speier
03/20/2012 - 6:58am
Beyond the opening acts: Why Buchholz holds key to Red Sox rotation
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The non-drama of the Red Sox pitching plans for Opening Day is now past.
Alex Speier
03/17/2012 - 8:00am
He's no Ordonez: 'Night and day' progress for Iglesias alters view of his limitations
This year is different for Jose Iglesias. Two years ago, he was sent down to minor league camp on March 14 in the first round of cuts. Likewise, last year he was among the first wave of players to be optioned to the minors when the Sox moved him to minor league camp exactly a  year ago today.
Alex Speier
03/16/2012 - 6:05am
Being and Aceves: Pitcher poses complex dilemmas
Few pitchers pose the sort of philosophical inquiries that the Red Sox must wrestle in the case of Alfredo Aceves. Who is he? What is he? What is his essence? Where is his value?
Alex Speier
03/14/2012 - 5:49pm
Learning to be Lester: Prospect Drake Britton taking notes on Sox ace
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- When Jon Lester was emerging as a Red Sox prospect, one of his minor league coaches, Al Nipper, offered an interesting compare-and-contrast exercise.
Alex Speier
03/13/2012 - 6:32am
In their defense: How 'The Fielding Bible' views Red Sox in the field
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The description was unusual.
Alex Speier
03/12/2012 - 12:00am
For Aaron Cook and Jon Lester, a reminder of an unforgettable memory
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Jon Lester and Aaron Cook were aware that they would be pitching in the same game on Sunday.
Alex Speier
03/11/2012 - 9:36am
Making sense of the Red Sox bullpen puzzle
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- It is, said Bobby Valentine, the most befuddling aspect of the Red Sox roster. There is no part of the team that has many question marks as the bullpen.
Alex Speier
03/10/2012 - 9:43am
Michael Bowden's crossroads spring
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- This is the seventh and potentially final spring training for Michael Bowden as a member of the Red Sox. Now 25, Bowden is at a crossroads with the organization that selected him with the 47th overall pick of the 2005 draft.
Alex Speier
03/08/2012 - 1:41am
Ready to Rott? The unconventional world of Red Sox pitching coach Bob McClure
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- He never wanted to play professional baseball before his 19-year big league career. He is the 59-year-old father of newborn twins. He is paid to analyze the mechanics of throwing a baseball yet does not like to discuss them. Meet Bob McClure, the new Red Sox pitching coach.
Alex Speier
03/06/2012 - 6:44pm
Nothing routine about Daniel Bard's rotation shift
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Daniel Bard was once a starter, but that now seems like a lifetime ago.
Alex Speier
02/29/2012 - 7:58am
What Jacoby Ellsbury's unprecedented breakout year means for his Red Sox future
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The question gave Bobby Valentine pause. He considered it, but after a few moments of reflection, a definitive answer eluded him.
Alex Speier
02/28/2012 - 8:38am
Jason Varitek and the trade that changed a franchise
FORT MYERS, Fla. – The end is now all but official for Jason Varitek, the only remaining act of his illustrious Red Sox career being the formality of the announcement of his retirement on Thursday.
Alex Speier
02/26/2012 - 4:53am
The end of arrogance: For Red Sox, 2012 offers a very different tone
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Because last year ended with humiliation, this year has begun with humility.
Alex Speier
02/24/2012 - 7:58am
Why Daniel Bard doesn't think he'll need innings limits
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- What kind of workload can Daniel Bard handle? That question looms over his potential relocation from the bullpen to the rotation.
Alex Speier
02/23/2012 - 1:00am
The Anti-Pap: Likely Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey picks up the pace
Alex Speier
02/21/2012 - 7:14am
First impressions: Pitching coach Bob McClure's initial take on Red Sox rotation candidates
FORT MYERS – In a sense, the momentous task facing Bob McClure began even before he was named the Red Sox pitching coach on in late-December, just days before Christmas.
Alex Speier
02/19/2012 - 7:51am
Tim Wakefield's lesson for the making of the 2012 Red Sox
FORT MYERS – The story of Tim Wakefield’s career is one that has relevant echoes for the 2012 Red Sox.
Alex Speier
02/18/2012 - 9:00am
How Tim Wakefield became the most loyal Red Sox of the free agent era
FORT MYERS -- As he enters retirement following a 19-year major league career that netted 200 victories, there are any number of ways to understand the career of Tim Wakefield.
Alex Speier
02/17/2012 - 8:36am
The real problem with the Red Sox pitching staff
FORT MYERS -- The issue is not the unsettled shape of the Red Sox pitching staff.
Alex Speier
02/16/2012 - 9:31am
Why the future is not now for Jose Iglesias
FORT MYERS -- One of the most intriguing players to watch in Red Sox spring training this year will have virtually no shot at starting the season in the major leagues.
Alex Speier
02/10/2012 - 9:15am
The war chest: Why 2012 might be a good year for Red Sox to have financial flexibility
As the trade deadline approached in 2011, the Red Sox felt their hands, to a degree, were tied. Ditto 2010.
Alex Speier
02/08/2012 - 12:43pm
What would arbitration hold for David Ortiz and the Red Sox?
It has been a decade since the Red Sox have gone to an arbitration hearing with a player. In 2002, the process taking place between the team and pitcher Rolando Arrojo received little notice.
Alex Speier
02/03/2012 - 4:59pm
Choosing the hard way: Why Aaron Cook embraced a Red Sox deal with no guarantees
Aaron Cook could have chosen an easier path this offseason.
Alex Speier
01/31/2012 - 8:57am
Why the Red Sox are willing to take a 'different' approach to shortstop


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 Farrell pregame befo…

John Farrell pregame before the middle game of the Minnesota series

Joe Castiglione talked to John Farrell before the second game against the Twins. The manager said that the Sox can win with small-ball or with big-ball.

Will Middlebrooks with Joe Castiglione & Dave O'Brien live from the dugout

Will Middlebrooks hit a 3-run double in the top of the 9th inning to power the Red Sox to a 4-3 victory over the Rays tonight. He joined Joe & Dave after the final call live from the dugout.

Larry Lucchino on the Sox recent struggles

Larry joined the program to discuss the teams recent struggles and informed the guys that it is still early in the season. Larry also said that he still has faith that Daniel bard can turn things around.

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D…

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D: Coaches and teammates have made him comfortable

Bruins rookie defenseman Matt Bartkowski has emerged as one of the young stars of the team and he joins Mut and Tom Caron to discuss his role on the team, why he's confident, and the trade that almost sent him to Calgary.

Andy Brickley, NESN: Keep Bartkowski in lineup

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss the Bruins Game 1 win over the Rangers, the play of the three young Bruins defensemen, and the fatigue Jagr has shown on the ice.

Pierre McGuire, NBC Sports, on Game 1 Bruins Rangers

Pierre McGuire joins Tom Caron and Mut to discuss the Bruins young defensemen, the intensity and energy level in the game, and the Rangers offense.

Shawn Thornton on his mes…

Shawn Thornton on his message to Seguin in Game 7 against the Leafs

Shawn joined the program to discuss another overtime win for the Bruins. When asked about Game 7 against Toronto, Thornton said that he would like to keep his specific comments in the dressing room private, but acknowledged that he encouraged Tyler Seguin to up his play and it paid off in overtime.

NESN's Barry Pederson on Bruins Rangers game one

Barry joined the guys to help breakdown the Bruins overtime win last night in game one. Barry said that he has rarely seen a team dominate as much as the Bruins yet be forced to an overtime.

Rangers superfan Boomer Esiason on the Bruins game 1 win

Boomer joined the program to discuss the tough loss for his beloved Rangers. Boomer told the guys that Lundqvist will be better in game two and predicted a seven game series.

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D…

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D: Coaches and teammates have made him comfortable

Bruins rookie defenseman Matt Bartkowski has emerged as one of the young stars of the team and he joins Mut and Tom Caron to discuss his role on the team, why he's confident, and the trade that almost sent him to Calgary.

Kevin Millar, Former Red Sox 1B, on Sox struggles

Millar joins the show to discuss the recent Sox slide, Jacoby Ellsbury's lack of power, and hitting in the big leagues.

Andy Brickley, NESN: Keep Bartkowski in lineup

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss the Bruins Game 1 win over the Rangers, the play of the three young Bruins defensemen, and the fatigue Jagr has shown on the ice.

An hour with Jack: Breaki…

An hour with Jack: Breaking down the Bruins OT win over the Rangers with NESN's Jack Edwards

We talk all things game one with Jack Edwards of NESN, and get to hear a little from Jack's Finnish protege as well.

Salk and Holley's Four at Four - 05/17/13

We tackle four topics we haven't yet touched upon today.. Joe Thornton and disappointing former Boston athletes, parking in Boston, buying jersey numbers and more...

Yo Soy Traction! Rob Gronkowski now may need back surgery in addition to his 4th surgery on his injured wrist.

We talk about the report that Rob Gronkowski may now be a candidate for back surgery with a disc problem. Is Gronk just an injury prone guy? Or is he not rehabbing proberly? Can the Pats build an offense around a guy who is so inconsistently on the field? We discuss.

Daily Planet Thursday May…

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

Daily Planet Tuesday May 7th

Today on the Daily Planet the Bruins take a 2-1 series lead, the Red Sox get a run-off win, and we hear about cannibals and bible thieves.

Buster Olney, ESPN: Ellsb…

Buster Olney, ESPN: Ellsbury play will hurt him in free agency

Buster Olney joins the show to discuss the muddled AL East, the average play of Ellsbury and how that will affect him in free agency, and Tropicana Field.

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

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

Dale Arnold likes the Bru…

Dale Arnold likes the Bruins over the Rangers

Dale Arnold joined the program to preview the Bruins Rangers series with John, Gerry and Kirk. Dale thinks the Bruins have the advantage in the series over New York.

More from this show

Weei Writers