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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
07/05/2009 - 7:32am
Five Things We Learned: It Shouldn't Be About One Day For Wakefield
Prior to Saturday's Red Sox' 3-2 loss to the Mariners, Tim Wakefield executed his line perfectly -- politically correct, to the point, and without hesitation. "If I make it, great," he said regarding a potential selection to the American League All-Star team, which is to be named at 1 p.m. Sunday, "if not, no big deal." That's where the innocuous statements regarding Wakefield's lot in life came to an end.
Rob Bradford
07/02/2009 - 8:07am
Five Things We Learned: There's A Lot More Left To Papelbon's Story
Just sit back and enjoy the ride.  When living through the Jonathan Papelbon Era, this should be the mantra, with the last two days serving as the latest checkpoint. As hard as it is to fathom – especially after such history-making moments as came along in the Red Sox' 11-inning, 6-5 win over the Orioles in Baltimore on Wednesday – this ride has just begun.
Rob Bradford
07/01/2009 - 7:54am
Five Things We Learned: Why Red Sox Collapse Was Truly Historic
There were two things Tuesday night was going to remembered for:   1. John Smoltz taking step No. 2 on his way back.    2. Five of the Red Sox walking off the field with just two outs in the sixth inning.   That was until about 11 p.m.  
Rob Bradford
06/29/2009 - 11:23pm
Lowell optimistic after shot
As far as Mike Lowell was concerned, Monday brought good news. The Red Sox third baseman reported that the shot of Synvisc administered to his surgically repaired right hip on Monday morning in Boston went well with the doctors discovering more fluid in the area than originally anticipated. The fluid build-up helps explains Lowell's recent discomfort.
Rob Bradford
06/29/2009 - 8:03am
Five Things We Learned: Red Sox Are in the Market For Some Certainty
Theo Epstein built his team about as well as one could build it. But three months from now, will it have been good enough? Sunday did little in answering that question, although it did offer the most subtle of reminders.
Rob Bradford
06/26/2009 - 8:57am
Five Things We Learned: For One Night, Smoltz Is All That Mattered
WASHINGTON -- Enlightenment wasn't hard to find at Nationals Park Thursday night, even in such a game whose final score (a Red Sox 9-3 loss to the Nats) would have appeared to offer little.
Rob Bradford
06/25/2009 - 7:47am
Five Things We Learned: Some Familiar Sightseeing For Red Sox In D.C.
WASHINGTON -- On his way out of Nationals Park following the Red Sox' latest inter-league win -- a 6-4 triumph over the so-bad-you-almost-feel-sorry-for-them Washington Nationals (click here for recap) -- Dustin Pedroia stopped, fended off ridicule from Jacoby Ellsbury regarding his designer t-shirt and explained what was happening.  
Rob Bradford
06/24/2009 - 11:23pm
Red Sox Outfielder Bay To Become A United States Citizen
WASHINGTON -- Jason Bay is making his last visit to the nation's capital as an outsider looking in.    On Thursday, July 2, the Red Sox outfielder will officially become a United States citizen.    "I figure I might as well since this is where I'll be working for probably the rest of my career," said Bay prior to the Red Sox' 6-4 win over the Nationals, Wednesday night, at Nationals Park. "It's just a natural progression."  
Rob Bradford
06/22/2009 - 8:05am
Five Things We Learned: You Learn Something New About Nick Green Every Day
Rocco Baldelli was one of the few who truly knew that Nick Green guy who sat mostly by himself throughout the early days of spring training down at the Red Sox' minor league training facility.   "I've known Nick since 2002 when we played for the Scottsdale Scorpions," said Baldelli, who was also the shortstop's teammate in Tampa Bay. "I've always known Greenie was a talented guy who never really got a great opportunity to play in the major leagues, but he's a guy who does everything as it should be done."
Rob Bradford
06/19/2009 - 11:43pm
This is a Daisuke Matsuzaka Nobody Has Seen Before
The only thing familiar was the backdrop.   When Daisuke Matsuzaka took his place at the Fenway Park interview room table following the Red Sox' 8-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Friday night, there was the familiar "Funai" screen set up in back of the pitcher and his translator, Masa Hoshino.   But other than the advertisement, the scene had morphed into something few could imagine in the midst of Matsuzaka Mania upon his arrival 2 1/2 years ago.  
Rob Bradford
06/19/2009 - 2:37am
Five Things We Learned: Lowell, Red Sox Left Steaming After Loss
You won't find too many games this season that will leave the majority of the Red Sox as frustrated as they found themselves while leaving the Fenway Park premises in the waning minutes of Thursday.   Sure, Florida starter Ricky Nolasco was good, allowing just one hit over five innings.   And finishing off their night with just the one hit -- a first-inning, solo home run by Kevin Youkilis -- wasn't easily digested.  
Rob Bradford
06/17/2009 - 7:49am
How Beckett Has Changed Since Coming to the Red Sox
Jason Bay had seen the Florida Marlins Josh Beckett from afar, running into the pitcher on occasion while both were living their National League lives. Now he's getting an up-close view of the ace.   The verdict?   "He's a guy you hate to play against," said Bay, "but love to have on your team."   But then came even higher -- and perhaps more enlightening -- praise from the Red Sox' left fielder.  
Rob Bradford
06/16/2009 - 8:10am
Money Matters Are No Longer Weighing Down These Three Red Sox
Nobody is going to suggest for a minute that Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis and Jon Lester are approaching their craft differently this year compared to last. They prepare hard and play hard. The images of Pedroia throwing his body to and fro, Lester grinding through daily workouts, or Youkilis blistering his hands with batting-cage swings haven't been altered from one season to the next.
Rob Bradford
06/16/2009 - 7:05am
Papelbon's Most Satisfying Season
Some might not understand why, but Jonathan Papelbon is sitting back and smiling.   Drenched in his usual pounds of ice and dressed in the cut-off t-shirt that doesn't seem to leave his body, the closer explained his contentment. This season -- the one looking decidedly different from his last few -- has been, he said, his most satisfying.   Papelbon knows he is getting it done once again, and that he's doing it in just a slightly different manner than folks are used to.  
Rob Bradford
06/15/2009 - 7:35am
Five Things We Learned: The Day the Music Stopped For Beckett
PHILADELPHIA -- Josh Beckett is never happy after losses. But this one was especially mood-altering. As the starter walked out of Citizens Bank Park with a guitar slung over his back and a scowl strewn across his face, Beckett seemingly chewed on the six-inning, 11-hit, seven-run outing a bit differently than any of his other three losses this season.  This one had come out of absolutely nowhere. 
Rob Bradford
06/14/2009 - 4:03am
Five Things We Learned: Lugo Still Making Presence Felt
PHILADELPHIA -- Julio Lugo stood in front of his locker in the visitors' clubhouse at Citizens Bank Park talking less about the four hits he just collected, and more about what it might mean to his existence on the Red Sox.   Lugo might not be the starting shortstop, but Saturday night he sure acted like it.  
Rob Bradford
06/12/2009 - 3:44am
Five Things We Learned: This Penny Could Be Very Valuable In October
Just before 11 p.m., some spice was added to an already flavorful series over at Fenway Park. Just moments after the Red Sox beat the Yankees for the eighth time in as many tries this season – this one a 4-3, come-from-behind thriller (recap here) – John Henry jumped on his Twitter account. The Red Sox' majority owner's online message: "the MT Curse?"
Rob Bradford
06/12/2009 - 3:11am
Francona's Longevity a Healthy Concern For Red Sox
Friday, when his Red Sox stroll into Citizens Park Park for a three-game, weekend series, Terry Francona will be afforded a reminder regarding how much he has changed since he left Philadelphia close to nine years ago.   No need.    Francona's reality check came back on May 28 in Minnesota.  
Rob Bradford
06/10/2009 - 1:08pm
No Call For Byrd, No Draft Pick For Red Sox
The plan hasn't worked out quite as planned, for either Paul Byrd or the Red Sox.   Byrd's idea was that for the first time in his 13-year big league career he would spare his family from picking up and moving, spurning free agent offers this offseason with the notion that a team might be interested in signing the 38-year-old pitcher sometime near the conclusion of the school year.  
Rob Bradford
06/10/2009 - 7:31am
Five Things We Learned: This Might Be Beckett's Best Run Yet
There are few pitchers in Major League Baseball who are identified by hot streaks more than Josh Beckett.   You had the post-season run of 2003, and then another bout of domination in the '07 playoffs. And throughout his nine regular seasons as a big-leaguer, Beckett has had his fair share of stretches drenched in excellence.   But this one is starting to distinguish itself.  
Rob Bradford
06/08/2009 - 8:09am
Five Things We Learned: The Future For Red Sox Starters Didn't Get Any Clearer
So, when next week rolls around, what will the Red Sox' rotation look like? Sunday allowed for more questions than answers. After the Red Sox' 6-3 loss to the Rangers at Fenway Park, the starter-in-waiting, John Smoltz, said he: A: Wouldn't prefer to make his first outing against his old team, the Braves, when they come to town in two weeks; B: Wouldn't be averse to pitching out of the bullpen, although it hasn't been broached by the Red Sox; and C: Has been approached by the Sox regarding potentially skipping starts on occasion.
Rob Bradford
06/05/2009 - 9:11pm
Vision Quest: How the Red Sox Determine If Eyesight Is Ortiz' Problem
The questions regarding David Ortiz' eyes came fast and furious, with many of the answers emerging as Friday progressed. Ortiz' problem, which he first referred to Thursday in Detroit, stemmed from dry eyes experienced during certain at-bats. While waiting for pitchers to begin their delivery, the Red Sox' DH would often find himself blinking more than usual, throwing off his focus.
Rob Bradford
06/04/2009 - 7:38am
Five Things We Learned: As Beckett Goes, So Will the Red Sox
It was the sixth inning and Josh Beckett had just thrown one of his no-hit pitches.   It couldn't get much better, this pitch, 94 mph, tailing toward the outside corner of the plate. Up until this point Beckett had gotten to a three-ball count just once, mixing in curveballs and changeups to go with a fastball that seemed to be in perfect concert with Red Sox' catcher Jason Varitek's mitt.  
Rob Bradford
06/03/2009 - 7:28am
Five Things We Learned: Terry Francona Has Been Taught Well
It was prior to one of the weekend games in Toronto and Terry Francona still hadn't tasted his 500th career win as the manager of the Boston Red Sox.   His team wasn't scoring runs. His designated hitter wasn't hitting. And his shortstop was somebody different than the organization's master plan had originally suggested. In short, Francona was in the midst of what he does best -- managing.  
Rob Bradford
06/02/2009 - 7:54am
Daisuke Has No Regrets
Until Daisuke Matsuzaka wins a game, or at least levels out the rest of his numbers, his critics will constantly be looking back.   They will continue to ask, "Was the World Baseball Classic really worth it?"   Matsuzaka, on the other hand, is preferring to stare straight ahead. The rear-view mirror serves him no purpose these days.  


Audio On Demand

Former Patriot Matt Light…

Former Patriot Matt Light on the Pats offseason

Matt joined the program to discuss his first ever cornhole contest and to break down the Patriots offseason. He told the guys that he was upset that the Pats were unable to bring Wes Welker back to the team.

Tom Brady on the loss of Wes Welker

Tom Brady joined the program to discuss his upcoming charitable event supporting Best Buddies and his off-season. Tom said that he has learned not to worry about free agency decisions since he cant control any of them. Lastly he defended his over the top celebration at the Kentucky Derby.

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.

Jackie MacMullan on Doc: …

Jackie MacMullan on Doc: "He's coming back"

Jackie MacMullan joins Mut and Merloni to discuss the latest rumors surrounding Celtics head coach Doc Rivers and whether he'll be back next season with the team.

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.

Red Sox GM Ben Cherington…

Red Sox GM Ben Cherington on Jacoby Ellsbury

Ben joined the program to discuss the return of Terry Francona and said that he always had a good relationship with the former manager. Ben added that he thinks Ellsbury is in a slump due in part to the amount of left handed pitchers the team has faced.

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.

NESN's Barry Pederson Bru…

NESN's Barry Pederson Bruins still in control

Barry joined the program to discuss the Bruins disappointing loss last night at MSG. He said that he was impressed with how Rask responded to questions after the game.

Rangers analyst Dave Maloney on game 4

Dave Maloney returned to the show to discuss his Rangers unlikely win in game 4. He said that in all his years playing and calling hockey games he had not seen a softer goal than the one Rask allowed.

Andy Brickley, NESN, on why B's match up well against Rangers

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss what he expects to see from the Rangers tonight, why the Bruins match up well against them, and potentially closing out the series tonight

NESN's Barry Pederson Bru…

NESN's Barry Pederson Bruins still in control

Barry joined the program to discuss the Bruins disappointing loss last night at MSG. He said that he was impressed with how Rask responded to questions after the game.

Rangers analyst Dave Maloney on game 4

Dave Maloney returned to the show to discuss his Rangers unlikely win in game 4. He said that in all his years playing and calling hockey games he had not seen a softer goal than the one Rask allowed.

Andy the bee keeper on his hives

Andy from Dartmouth called in to talk Bruins but the discussion quickly got off track when he mentioned his nine bee hives.

Andy Brickley, NESN, on w…

Andy Brickley, NESN, on why B's match up well against Rangers

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss what he expects to see from the Rangers tonight, why the Bruins match up well against them, and potentially closing out the series tonight.

M&M's Voice Activated Texts- Motor Mouth Meg in the Cape

One of the many Mut and Merloni callers, Meg in the Cape, chats with Mike and Lou about the Bruins and a whole bunch of other stuff in the span of about 2 min. Afterwards, Mut and Merloni hear some voice activated text messages from people listening in to Meg.

Jackie MacMullan on Doc: "He's coming back"

Jackie MacMullan joins Mut and Merloni to discuss the latest rumors surrounding Celtics head coach Doc Rivers and whether he'll be back next season with the team.

Tom Brady plays the good …

Tom Brady plays the good soldier role in discussing departure of Wes Welker

Tom Brady appeared with D and C this morning and talked about the team's OTA's, the comings and goings, and most importantly what went down when Wes Welker left town, and how does he feel about it?

Salk and Holley's Four at Four - 05/23/13

Four guys, four topics we haven't mentioned today. Mark Sanchez, the Pacers blow it and more.

John Tortorella's Fraud Flag is flying, plus who's your 2013 Bruins MVP?

We talk about the mystique and respect around John Tortorella, and whether or not it's warranted. Plus we discuss with you who the 2013 Bruins MVP has to be. Tuuka? Bergeron? Claude?

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 - 05/23/13

Kirk's still a jerk, but we want a SWEEP!

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.

Tom Brady on the loss of …

Tom Brady on the loss of Wes Welker

Tom Brady joined the program to discuss his upcoming charitable event supporting Best Buddies and his off-season. Tom said that he has learned not to worry about free agency decisions since he cant control any of them. Lastly he defended his over the top celebration at the Kentucky Derby.

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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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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.

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Red Sox GM Ben Cherington…

Red Sox GM Ben Cherington on Jacoby Ellsbury

Ben joined the program to discuss the return of Terry Francona and said that he always had a good relationship with the former manager. Ben added that he thinks Ellsbury is in a slump due in part to the amount of left handed pitchers the team has faced.

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Bobby Valentine: Job has …

Bobby Valentine: Job has been miserable, but part of my life's journey

A fiery Bobby Valentine joined Glenn Ordway and Michael Holley and fired back about rumors of him being late to the ballpark, the perception that he's given up on the year, and more on the 2012 Red Sox debacle.

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