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About Dj Bean

DJ Bean grew up in Section 127 of Fenway Park thanks to his grandfather's season ticket package and has immersed himself in the Boston sports scene ever since. In addition to co-founding multi-sport draft site DraftEmpire.com, DJ has written for the Boston Metro and 890 ESPN, among other outlets. He has been writing for WEEI.com since the summer of 2009 and continues to spread the Byron Leftwich gospel on Guest Street.

 
 
COLUMNS
DJ Bean
05/30/2011 - 3:33am
Bruins-Canucks matchups: Closer than you'd think
VANCOUVER — Rumor has it that were it not for some confusion over how to spell “Oreskovich,” the Stanley Cup already would be engraved with the names of the 2010-11 Canucks.  Yet the Bruins have to be feeling A-OK after advancing to the finals for the first time since 1990. As a result, it should be interesting to watch the “underdog” Bruins, who beat the Canucks 3-1 in the regular season, try to prove a lot of people wrong.
DJ Bean
05/28/2011 - 4:05am
Captain believed this was the year, and maybe it is
Even through all the celebrating, each member of the team paying homage to game-winning-goal bank Nathan Horton by smiling just as wide as the happy-go-lucky winger and high-fiving by teammates as they walked by one another, the fact that the Bruins had reached the Stanley Cup finals took a bit to process. The hats were on, along with the matching shirts.
DJ Bean
05/26/2011 - 1:44am
After changing script, B's must avoid unhappy ending
TAMPA – We’ve gotten to know the Bruins pretty well over the 99 games they have played this season. No. 100 could be their last. 
DJ Bean
05/24/2011 - 6:07pm
What is Guy Boucher doing?
TAMPA – You want to talk about an enigma?
DJ Bean
05/24/2011 - 3:19am
Bruins inch closer to finals by winning a losable game
Call it resiliency, call it ice water in their veins, call it a reverse of Game 4 or just a matter of having Tim Thomas in net. Whatever you want to chalk it up to, an obvious point from Monday night’s Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals was that the Bruins had no business winning. Yet they won a game they had no business winning. Again.
DJ Bean
05/21/2011 - 6:47pm
First is the worst as B's top forwards go silent in Game 4
TAMPA – Never is the importance of something made clearer than when it isn’t present. 
DJ Bean
05/20/2011 - 3:50pm
Little things just as encouraging as the highlights for Tyler Seguin
TAMPA -- The eye-candy aspect of Bruins rookie Tyler Seguin's game is obvious. He has speed through the neutral zone, an unmistakable gift when it comes to splitting defenseman and a harder shot than you'd think. He's fancy and he can score highlight-reel goals. 
DJ Bean
05/20/2011 - 1:55am
Whether or not he gets credit, Andrew Ference earns it
TAMPA — It was the most fitting play of the Bruins season.
DJ Bean
05/18/2011 - 3:38am
Tyler Seguin finally becomes beneficiary of Claude Julien's rewards system
It was a sight nobody was sure they would ever see — at least not this season, anyway.  No, this isn’t about Tyler Seguin getting time on the power play, though we’ll get to that. The image is something far more surprising. We’d seen Seguin on the power play recently in practice. Seeing the rookie out on the man advantage was hardly as shocking as this.
DJ Bean
05/16/2011 - 4:11am
When it comes to Tyler Seguin being 'the kid' before the man, Steven Stamkos knows the feeling
When a big-name player with game-breaking ability is selected with a top choice in the NHL draft, the labels are thrown around liberally. They’ll call him the phenom, the wunderkind, the star. The sky is the limit, so why worry about what’s on the ground?
DJ Bean
05/15/2011 - 3:12am
Once again, Bruins get uncharacteristic in a Game 1 loss
The Bruins have won games in plenty of different ways this postseason. They’ve gone the 60-minute-effort route, and they’ve done it in overtime (in half of their wins, in fact). As was seen last round vs. the Flyers, they’ve won games in the first period (Game 3), won them in second (Game 1) and won them in the third (Game 4). They can win at any time, in any stretch of time. 
DJ Bean
05/13/2011 - 12:44pm
Jukebox hero: How David Krejci accidentally inspired Bruins in Lake Placid
There are some songs that are almost too cliché. They’re on every iPod, but they are generally only saved for sing-alongs or tired messages. 
DJ Bean
05/13/2011 - 2:42am
Breaking down Bruins vs. Lightning: Who has the edge?
The Bruins and Lightning both have had a lot of time off since sweeping their semifinal series, but they will finally return to action on Saturday for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. 
DJ Bean
05/12/2011 - 4:13pm
With Celtics out, Bruins know it's up to them to bring Boston a championship
And then there were the Bruins. 
DJ Bean
05/11/2011 - 5:56pm
Speaking of power plays, Bruins will have to defend best one left
When it comes to the Bruins and special teams this postseason, everyone knows that the power play has been a huge lightning rod for criticism. With only one 5-on-4 goal through the team’s first 11 playoff games, it’s been easy to see the power play has been far from a specialty for the Bruins’ special teams. 
DJ Bean
05/10/2011 - 2:15am
Why Tomas Kaberle could (finally) make a major difference for Bruins vs. Lightning
The Bruins are four wins away from something big that just might make the city of Boston crazy.   They are just four victories away from giving Toronto even more for Tomas Kaberle. 
DJ Bean
05/09/2011 - 2:31pm
Crunch time: Tyler Seguin knows time for 'getting used to the NHL' needs to be over
WILMINGTON — Way back when Tyler Seguin was a hotshot OHL star coming off a disappointing playoff exit against the Taylor Hall-led Windsor Spitfires last May, he knew what was ahead of him. Or at least he could narrow it down. 
DJ Bean
05/09/2011 - 2:08am
Plenty of rest, but don't worry about rust for Bruins
Hockey fans in Boston are growing restless. The beards are getting itchy. It has been nearly three days since hockey has been played in this town. 
DJ Bean
05/07/2011 - 3:32pm
What Patrice Bergeron's concussion means for the Bruins
The best news the Bruins have been able to deliver the city of Boston in 19 years came with a sizable catch. The B’s are headed to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 1992, but thanks to a concussion to Patrice Bergeron, they will do so – at least in the early going – without their best player this postseason. 
DJ Bean
05/07/2011 - 3:34am
Forget redemption, this postseason is about a Cup
As the playoff seeds began taking shape, it seemed destiny that the Bruins would meet the Canadiens in the first round. With the rivalry’s tensions the highest they had been in quite some time, it was only fitting that the two teams would meet in the postseason. 
DJ Bean
05/05/2011 - 2:10am
Here's a history lesson: This series is over
This is rarely, if ever, a space for black and gold butt-kissing. The power play stinks. The Kaberle trade was a bad deal. See? Now, for a dose of unbiased truth. The Bruins lead the Flyers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, three games to none. Big deal, right? Wrong. Huge deal. Mammoth deal.  
DJ Bean
05/03/2011 - 6:42am
Overtime a common (and good) thing for Bruins this postseason
PHILADELPHIA – The Bruins know that they have a real opportunity to prove something this postseason. They can prove that last year’s playoffs collapse was a one-time occurrence , that great regular season goaltending does mean something come spring and that they can get past the second round. They’re on their way to proving some of those things, but so far the biggest thing they have proven has been rather odd.
DJ Bean
05/01/2011 - 5:54pm
Bruins can't identify with Flyers' goalie woes, but they can take advantage of them
PHILADELPHIA -- In a nutshell, goaltending-wise, the Bruins have it made. They have this season's best goaltender, and just in case anything might happen to Tim Thomas, they have last season's best goaltender in Tuukka Rask.
DJ Bean
04/30/2011 - 8:59pm
Things starting to line up for David Krejci as Bruins crush Flyers
PHILADELPHIA – There was a feeling around Boston that if the Bruins wanted to get past the Flyers this time around, they would need to bring more than they brought against the Canadiens in the first round. They couldn’t fall behind early on in games. They had to score a power play goal (some were more realistic than others) and they had to have more than just one or two lines operating from game to game. 
DJ Bean
04/29/2011 - 7:49am
Bruins vs. Flyers matchups: Who has the edge?
What is the word Boston is looking for as the Bruins head to Philadelphia for the Eastern Conference semifinals? Is it “poetic,” or something along those lines? Perhaps it’s “fate.” Maybe it’s just that deep breath that can only say “here we go again.”


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

NESN's Barry Pederson on …

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.

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.

The boys respond to Salk'…

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.

NESN's Barry Pederson on the Bruins dominance

Barry joined the program to break down the Bruins game three win over the Rangers. Barry discussed the great play of the fourth line.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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