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About Rob Bradford

Rob Bradford joined WEEI.com after serving as a Red Sox beat writer for the Boston Herald and the Eagle-Tribune (Lawrence, Mass.). Prior to manning the Red Sox beat, he spent several years at the Lowell Sun. He has written two books: “Chasing Steinbrenner,” following the front offices of the Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays through the 2003 season, and “Deep Drive: A Long Journey to Discovering the Champion Within,” which he co-authored with Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell.

 
COLUMNS
Rob Bradford
03/13/2013 - 12:58am
Without David Ortiz, trio of Red Sox hitters will need to step up
FORT MYERS, Fla. – It might be for a week into the season, two weeks, or longer.
Rob Bradford
03/10/2013 - 8:08am
How close can Jonathan Papelbon come to becoming Mariano Rivera?
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Jonathan Papelbon knows when it comes to Mariano Rivera, there can be no duplication.
Rob Bradford
03/08/2013 - 9:06am
A David Ortiz reminder: Can these Red Sox hit enough home runs?
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- A few years ago, David Ortiz offered this all-too-true statement: "The last time I checked, they don't put spring training stats on the back of baseball cards." He was right on.
Rob Bradford
02/28/2013 - 3:05am
Will Middlebrooks offers Red Sox an uncomfortable reminder
FORT MYERS, Fla.
Rob Bradford
02/24/2013 - 11:57pm
Why Dustin Pedroia is heading into new season a changed man
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Maybe it would be winning another Most Valuable Player award. Or perhaps it could be career highs in this or that statistical category. How about the Hall of Fame? Dustin Pedroia will have none of it.
Rob Bradford
02/19/2013 - 11:02pm
The domino: How things might have been different if Daniel Bard had remained a reliever
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Daniel Bard's well-publicized 'reset button' officially gets pushed Thursday.
Rob Bradford
02/18/2013 - 2:09am
A look at why Alfredo Aceves is still a Red Sox
It was the last time Bobby Valentine would address the Red Sox’ players, talking to his team in the Yankee Stadium visitors’ clubhouse following its season-ending loss in New York.
Rob Bradford
02/09/2013 - 9:11am
Trade rumors. Contract uncertainty. Proving himself: It's a whole new world for Jon Lester
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Jon Lester doesn't look any different, and really his demeanor seems about the same. But things have changed.
Rob Bradford
02/08/2013 - 3:12am
The HGH comment: Curt Schilling explains incident, why he's talking about it
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- When Major League Baseball called Curt Schilling on Thursday night, he admitted to offering misleading statements … 4 1/2 years ago. 
Rob Bradford
01/31/2013 - 8:24am
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Red Sox deal with Gary Tuck's surprise departure
"Tuck was the best. He's the best there is, and probably ever will be." -- Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia
Rob Bradford
12/29/2012 - 9:50am
Rediscovering Daniel Bard: Reliever is ready to offer Red Sox a not-so-subtle reminder
Two seasons ago, they were two of the best in the business. One struck out 73 batters in 70 innings, limiting opponents to a .179 batting average and .546 OPS while throwing 561 of his 743 fastballs at 97 mph or better. That pitcher's name was Daniel Bard.
Rob Bradford
12/21/2012 - 8:50am
Can the Red Sox survive a superstar-free offseason?
In the myriad Red Sox press conferences this offseason, the question has been thrown Ben Cherington's way on almost every occasion. "Can you contend for a playoff spot in 2013?"
Rob Bradford
12/17/2012 - 9:32am
J.D. Drew can feel Mike Napoli's pain
It's all coming back to J.D Drew. There's Monday's news that his brother, Stephen Drew, is coming to Boston, agreeing to a one-year deal to play shortstop for the Red Sox. (A notion J.D. didn't feel comfortable talking about when reached by phone Sunday night.)
Rob Bradford
12/06/2012 - 6:27am
With the winter meetings history, a look at what awaits Red Sox
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – It took until about 9:30 a.m. Monday for the Red Sox to set the tone for this year’s baseball winter meetings, coming to an agreement with free agent Mike Napoli.
Rob Bradford
12/04/2012 - 5:23am
Searching for Dwight Evans: Where Red Sox' quest for a right fielder stands
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- This we know: despite Ben Cherington's description of his ideal right fielder, Dwight Evans is not walking through that door. After that, it's anybody's guess who will man the right side of the Red Sox' outfield.
Rob Bradford
11/26/2012 - 12:10am
Why Red Sox are targeting these guys
The Red Sox haven't executed the kind of shock-and-awe signings on which some in these parts might be judging their offseason. But what they've done to this point is telling.
Rob Bradford
11/20/2012 - 10:59am
What are Red Sox waiting for? Here's what ...
So, you're asking, "What's the holdup? When are the Red Sox going to spring into action?" Patience.
Rob Bradford
11/19/2012 - 4:53pm
How Avery Bradley is planning on coming back better than before
Remember Avery Bradley?
Rob Bradford
11/12/2012 - 8:31am
Even with David Ross, Mike Napoli remains on Red Sox' radar
David Ross isn't about to turn the Red Sox away from Mike Napoli.
Rob Bradford
11/08/2012 - 11:23pm
Hiroki Kuroda may represent a change in fortune(s) for Red Sox, Yankees
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. -- The issue revolves around a pitcher who will be 38 years old when next season begins.
Rob Bradford
11/08/2012 - 5:32am
The Red Sox' search for outfielders is getting more interesting by the day
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. -- The answers weren't going to be forthcoming during the two days of General Managers meetings this week. But that doesn't mean significant steps toward finding solutions weren't being taken at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort Wednesday.
Rob Bradford
10/24/2012 - 8:02am
Bobby Valentine might want to check his facts
"Just because we're in the fact-checking era …" -- Bobby Valentine to Bob Costas Tuesday night. Exactly.
Rob Bradford
10/16/2012 - 9:05am
Why it might not be a bad time to talk contract with Jon Lester
It is perhaps the most important skill a baseball front office can possess these days -- understanding when it's the right time to swoop in with contract extensions.
Rob Bradford
10/12/2012 - 7:57am
Why John Farrell still might be right man at right time for Red Sox
As of late Thursday night, there had been no movement in the John Farrell situation.
Rob Bradford
10/10/2012 - 6:46am
Searching for (and finding) J.D. Drew
The last anybody saw of J.D. Drew was in amidst the chaos of the final game of the Red Sox' 2011 season. 


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 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

David Ortiz after the second game in Minnesota

Joe Castiglione and Dave O'Brien talked to David Ortiz after the Red Sox beat the Twins 12-5. Big Papi said that team chemistry is great, that the new guys see the Sox way of doing things.

Dale and DJ Continue Thei…

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.

Dale Arnold and DJ Bean Discuss Claude vs Tortorella, Tyler Seguin and more About Bruins/Rangers

Dale and DJ get into the two coaches and their polar opposite styles and demeanor. Both teams play a similar style, but the coaches certainly convey their messages in a different way. Dale isn't buying the Tortorella hype and thinks he's a little overrated. DJ thinks he's a good coach, but isn't a fan of anti-media stance. The guys also talk about Jagr and how he has not lived up to the hype. They weren't expecting him to light it up or be the savior, but DJ says he wasn't prepared for just how slow the aging veteran is. Another big topic for B's fans this season is the play of Tyler Seguin and why he has yet to become the superstar everyone anticipates he will be. This leads to Claude Julien's style and if he does actually have something against the younger players. That Iginla trade shows its ugly head again as well.

It's a Black and Gold Sports Sunday -- Dale Arnold and DJ Bean Preview Game 2 of the Bruins/Rangers Series

WEEI.com's DJ Bean joins Dale in studio for Sports Sunday to discuss the Bruins playoff run. Game 2 is later today and the guys discuss the results of the first game of the series. They get into the construction of the lines for the B's and if they would make any changes. DJ has a few ideas for the lines today. The boys also discuss the two goalies - Tuukka vs Henrik Lundqvist and wonder why people automatically think the Rangers have the edge at goalie. Finally, they get into the legacy and the decisions of Claude Julien and Peter Chiarelli.

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

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

Rangers superfan Boomer E…

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.

More from this show

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.

More from this show

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