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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
04/07/2010 - 6:39pm
Burnett knew Beckett would make the big bucks
A.J. Burnett answered the question before the final word had been directed his way. "Josh."
Rob Bradford
04/06/2010 - 8:38am
How Beckett Convinced The Red Sox He Was Worth it
It wasn’t supposed to be this easy, but it was. Why? Because the Red Sox really like Josh Beckett. It’s that simple.
Rob Bradford
04/05/2010 - 1:44am
Video: Beckett, Francona, and Youkilis After Sox Win
Some Red Sox reaction following their 9-7, Opening Night win over the Yankees Sunday night at Fenway Park (video courtesy Joe Zarbano):
Rob Bradford
04/04/2010 - 1:13am
Lowell Has No Idea What To Expect
As Mike Lowell packed his Red Sox uniforms before heading out of City of Palms Park on Friday, he understood the uncertainty.
Rob Bradford
04/01/2010 - 2:16am
How Beltre, Lowell have made the most of an awkward situation
FORT MYERS, Fla.
Rob Bradford
03/30/2010 - 4:15pm
Beckett says contract, shoulder aren't concerns
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Josh Beckett had no idea about the reports, the ones that stated that the Red Sox have a four-year deal on the table, and that the team was reluctant to go five years because of concerns regarding his right shoulder.
Rob Bradford
03/25/2010 - 7:51am
Beckett offers another example of his importance
BRADENTON, Fla. – Jason Bay’s description of Josh Beckett last season was almost-epitaph-worthy.
Rob Bradford
03/15/2010 - 7:08am
What we've learned about Red Sox pitchers to this point
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Now, halfway through the month of March, we can take stock of what the Red Sox have presented through their 2010 spring training thus far.
Rob Bradford
03/12/2010 - 8:20am
Bay says Lackey signing was a 'great move'
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Jason Bay had last faced John Lackey on Oct. 8, 2009, in the seventh inning of Game 1 of the American League Division Series. 
Rob Bradford
03/09/2010 - 8:57am
Why some Red Sox pitchers like throwing to some Red Sox catchers
FORT MYERS, Fla. – John Farrell summed it up succinctly.
Rob Bradford
03/02/2010 - 8:13am
Matsuzaka has to earn back 'benefit of the doubt'
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Terry Francona didn’t hold back in his analysis.
Rob Bradford
03/01/2010 - 3:26am
Why Josh Beckett is ready for his biggest year yet
FORT MYERS, Fla. — The golf playing on the enormous flat-screen. The tobacco entrenched in the bottom lip. And the bare feet propped up on a stool in front of him. It all screamed comfort.
Rob Bradford
02/23/2010 - 3:07am
No plan for the 'pen for Buchholz
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Clay Buchholz told Joba Chamberlain his thoughts on the matter.
Rob Bradford
02/19/2010 - 3:15am
Beckett, Martinez could learn from Lackey
  FORT MYERS, Fla. – John Lackey had his priorities Thursday afternoon. “Now,” the pitcher said while walking out of the Red Sox’ minor league training facility, “all I have to do is remember everybody’s name. I need a phonebook.” Lackey has discovered in the last few days that one of the immediate perks of signing a five-year, $82.5 million deal is that anxiety is now limited to name recollection. The life that comes with living in a contract year has been passed on to others.
Rob Bradford
02/17/2010 - 2:21am
Lowell braces himself for an uncertain spring
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Mike Lowell isn’t blind to what awaits. He knows that his current lot in life promises to be one of spring training’s most talked-about issues. The third baseman also realizes why such interest might run rampant the minute he steps into the Red Sox’ minor league training facility Monday.
Rob Bradford
02/03/2010 - 2:25am
The offseason: A day in the life of Dustin Pedroia
  “Let’s go merck!” — Dustin Pedroia PHOENIX — The words from the Red Sox second baseman — directed at Baltimore minor leaguer Brett Bordes — for all intent and purposes punctuated Pedroia’s Monday.
Rob Bradford
01/21/2010 - 9:09pm
What happened with Jason Bay and the Red Sox
It was supposed to be the payoff for years of hard work and production. Instead, Jason Bay’s foray into free agency was nine months of chaos that still leaves the outfielder shaking his head.
Rob Bradford
01/20/2010 - 1:16am
Looking at what awaits Papelbon and the Red Sox
There have been few surprises in Jonathan Papelbon's climb up the financial ladder. The closer promised to set the bar, delivered, and did all of it while still wearing a Red Sox uniform.
Rob Bradford
01/18/2010 - 9:28am
Why Papelbon might be making history again
By the time you read this, a deal could have been struck. Jonathan Papelbon very well might have already agreed to a contract that allows him to avoid arbitration for a second straight year. But if that hasn't happened yet ... well, things could get interesting.
Rob Bradford
01/08/2010 - 8:56am
While Beltre is introduced, Lowell marches on
As Adrian Beltre is handed his jersey and puts on a Red Sox cap at the team’s latest introductory press conference, Mike Lowell and Ron Yacoub are oblivious.
Rob Bradford
01/05/2010 - 4:02am
It Wasn't Easy, But the Red Sox Finally Got Their Man
NEW YORK — The Red Sox and Adrian Beltre had come close before.
Rob Bradford
12/20/2009 - 10:33am
What Awaits Now For Mike Lowell and the Red Sox
What had been a very complicated road to separation was punctuated (for now) with a very simple early-evening text message. Mike Lowell wrote: "No deal. Having surgery in a week."
Rob Bradford
12/17/2009 - 8:09am
How John Lackey Ended Up With the Red Sox
When Steve Hilliard walked into Theo Epstein’s suite at the O’Hare International Airport Hilton in early November, it was setting up as little more than a Southern California reunion. What it became was the foundation for what turned into Wednesday’s Fenway Park press conference introducing John Lackey as the newest Red Sox.
Rob Bradford
12/03/2009 - 1:01pm
Mike Lowell Hip To Challenges That Lie Ahead
Mike Lowell is on a quest for normalcy. After the Red Sox’ season came to an abrupt end with a three-game playoff sweep at the hands of the Angels, Lowell took 10 days of doing nothing remotely baseball related. The 35-year-old started the practice of going on Wednesday fishing trips, while spending time with his two young children, Alexis and Anthony. That was Step One.
Rob Bradford
12/01/2009 - 2:58am
Rosenhaus' 'Jerry Maguire' Moment Ruins Patriots
NEW ORLEANS -- The scene made the movie “Jerry Maguire” look like a warm-up act.


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

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

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.

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

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

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