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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
05/30/2009 - 6:08pm
Penny Moves Forward While Rumors Swirl
TORONTO -- Following the Red Sox' 5-3 loss to the Blue Jays, Saturday afternoon. Brad Penny had most of his mind on what transpired at the Rogers Centre Saturday afternoon. Why not? For the fourth time in his last six starts Penny turned in a quality start, giving  up three runs (two earned) over six innings, completing a months-worth of appearances that encompassed a 4.17 ERA.    All of it was close to what Penny had planned on delivering when signing with Red Sox.  
Rob Bradford
05/30/2009 - 9:49am
Five Things We Learned: Don't Count On Six-Man Rotation For Red Sox
TORONTO -- You see something new virtually every day in the course of a 162-game baseball season. And within the hours that encompassed the Red Sox' 6-3 loss to the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre, there wasn't any shortage of uniqueness.   
Rob Bradford
05/30/2009 - 9:49am
Five Things We Learned: Don't Count On Six-Man Rotation For Red Sox
TORONTO -- You see something new virtually every day in the course of a 162-game baseball season. And within the hours that encompassed the Red Sox' 6-3 loss to the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre, there wasn't any shortage of uniqueness.   
Rob Bradford
05/29/2009 - 6:47am
Five Things We Learned: End of Argument, the Red Sox Have Their Ace Back
When Josh Beckett is firing off "baseball terms" to umpires in the seventh inning and the Red Sox are actually worried that those "baseball terms" are going to end the starter's day, then that is a good thing for the Sox.   There had been more than a few seventh innings this year -- prior to this month -- that had Beckett in such a state that having catcher Jason Varitek and Sox manager Terry Francona take the bullet for him by getting an ejection wasn't really necessary.  
Rob Bradford
05/27/2009 - 7:48am
Five Things We Learned: A Confusing Day For These Red Sox
Truth be told, Tuesday night was a tough one to figure out.   After watching the Red Sox' 5-2 loss to the Twins, at the Metrodome in Minnesota, deciphering what to make of it wasn't cut and dried.   David Ortiz? He had a hit and good batting practice. He also had a couple of moments that trended the other way.  
Rob Bradford
05/26/2009 - 7:39am
Five Things We Learned: Life Is Good For These Red Sox
Sometimes it's hard to see through the 24-hour seasons that the Red Sox seem to live through, but Monday was one of those days that offered a pretty good reminder regarding just how good life is these days for this team.   There will be the constant David Ortiz talk (at least until that next home run, or the day he puts Mario Mendoza's line in the rear-view mirror).  
Rob Bradford
05/25/2009 - 7:49am
Five Things We Learned: People Can't Stop Talking About Papi
David Ortiz walked into the Red Sox dugout after one of four outs during Sunday afternoon's 12-5 Sox win over the Mets, threw up his hands and vented toward hitting coach Dave Magadan.   "Why is this happening to me?" the slugger bellowed.   Without flinching Magadan explained how he saw it.   "It's happening to you," the coach said, "because you can handle it. I truly believe that."  
Rob Bradford
05/22/2009 - 4:26am
Five Things We Learned: A Reminder Why Lester Is Here and Not Johan
In these parts, it will always be difficult to separate Jon Lester and Johan Santana.    For most, the relationship will always be defined by the trade that never happened following the 2007 season. Santana's team, the Twins, were interested in striking a deal with the Red Sox, but only if both Jacoby Ellsbury and Lester were involved. That, however, wasn't going to happen.  
Rob Bradford
05/20/2009 - 7:21am
Red Sox hope Francona's patience pays off once more
In this moment of bad, we are reminded of some very, very good.   When reporters burst through the door of the Red Sox clubhouse Tuesday, their first move was a hard right to where the lineup card was posted. Seeing whose name was in the third spot on the Sox side of the docket had become the priority.   But there was no news. Business was as usual, with the name 'Ortiz' in its familiar spot between Pedroia and Bay. There would be no news flash regarding Red Sox' manager Terry Francona's next move with his struggling slugger, only a reminder.
Rob Bradford
05/19/2009 - 6:15am
I've Just Jinxed the Blue Jays
"You know," I told a member of the Blue Jays' decision-making team, "by writing this I'm virtually guaranteeing that you plummet in the standings."   Laughter.   "I guess we'll take our chances," he said.   The way they're going, I don't blame them one bit.  
Rob Bradford
05/18/2009 - 6:15am
Five Things We Learned: A Big Week Ahead For Sox
So where do the Red Sox stand?   This team, the one that left Fenway Park so secure a week ago, is still carrying a healthy dose of optimism as it heads home from its 2-4 road trip, the Sox' final trip across the country of the season.  
Rob Bradford
05/15/2009 - 7:06am
Five Things We Learned: Ortiz Might Have Hit Bottom
ANAHEIM -- This has gone well beyond slight adjustments, pitching trends or worries about well-placed fielders.   David Ortiz has reached one of -- if not the -- low point of his career as a Red Sox. And it is going to take more than simple video analysis to prevent things from going even deeper.   "Sorry guys, I don't feel like talking right now," Ortiz said calmly after the Red Sox' 5-4, 12-inning loss to the Angels on Thursday at Angel Stadium. "Just put down 'Papi stinks.'"
Rob Bradford
05/14/2009 - 4:49am
Five Things We Learned: Sox Have Starting Problems
ANAHEIM -- Let's get right to it. The first (and second, and third) thing we learned, and really already knew, was that the Red Sox need Tim Wakefield to be good.   
Rob Bradford
05/13/2009 - 5:28am
Five Things We Learned: It's Rarely Boring In LA
ANAHEIM -- The day started with a sense of the surreal, and its ending didn't disappoint.   The first bit of action leading into what would turn into a Red Sox' 4-3 win over the Angels, Tuesday night at Angel Stadium, came in the form of David Ortiz' proclamation that he hadn't turned a blind-eye to a homer-less streak that had stretched to 130 at-bats.  
Rob Bradford
05/11/2009 - 7:24am
Five Things We Learned: The Red Sox Have Some Unique Relievers
Jason McLeod said it Sunday night, although he's neither the first or last person to make such a remark.   "I've never seen someone throw a ball as easy as Daniel Bard," the Red Sox scouting director commented. "It's fun to watch him just play catch. There are certain guys who, the way they throw a ball or swing a bat, you say, 'Wow, that's not normal. That looks exceptionally easy for this guy.' That's how Daniel is."  
Rob Bradford
05/07/2009 - 10:54pm
Manny Reminds Us, Life Is Good For the Red Sox
Just think what could have happened.   What if the news came down that Manny Ramirez had been suspended 50 games for using Performance Enhancing Drugs while he was still wearing a Red Sox uniform? While we witness the media buzzards circling Ramirez' legacy from across the country, how would life have unfolded in these parts if it was the Sox who had to put up a wall of press releases?   Fifty games without your cleanup hitter. No Jason Bay. A round of distractions that would have made last July's Manny-palooza seem tame.  
Rob Bradford
05/07/2009 - 4:19am
Five Things We Learned: Exactly What Is Most Important in the Red Sox' Lineup
If you were in the "which game is going to be the most interesting?" pool when looking at a night in Boston sports that included the Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins, it wouldn't have been wise to pick the one over at Fenway Park.   On the surface, it wasn't that intriguing. The Red Sox, dragging home after their 10-day road trip, play dead-@#!, dropped a 9-2 decision to the Cleveland Indians to snap the Sox' nine-game home winning streak.  
Rob Bradford
05/04/2009 - 7:21am
Five Things We Learned: Who Is To Blame For Crawford's Six Steals?
Carl Crawford has a knack for leaving an impression on the Red Sox.   Back in the first game of 2003, the Tampa Bay outfielder spoiled Theo Epstein's first game as a general manager with a walk-off home run. Dustin Pedroia still talks about the marvel of watching Crawford work out in his group at Athletes' Performance over the past two offseasons. And then there is Jason Varitek's perspective on the man who could have played football at Nebraska or basketball at UCLA.  
Rob Bradford
05/02/2009 - 6:37am
Five Things We Learned: The Red Sox Bring Out the Best in the Rays
The Red Sox get the Rays jacked up.   If you don't think so -- even after Tampa Bay's latest win over the Sox, a 6-2 victory at Tropicana Field, Friday night -- consider these numbers:   Rays vs. American League: 10 wins, 14 losses, .269 batting average, 30 HRs, .450 slugging, 4.38 ERA, .251 batting average against, 23 HRs against.   Rays vs. Red Sox: Five wins, one loss, .300 batting average, 9 HRs, .547 slugging, 2.45 ERA, .211 batting average against, 3 HRs against.  
Rob Bradford
04/30/2009 - 7:10am
Five Things We Learned: All's Well That Ends Well With Van Every
There are these kind of moments in every season. Those "remember when ..." kind of moments.   A couple of seasons ago it might have been Willie Harris throwing out Tampa Bay's Joey Gathright at home to end the game. Or Devern Hansack's five-inning no-hitter on the final game of the regular season.   Or perhaps you recall one of last year's instances, such as when Brandon Moss helped the Red Sox win their season-opener in Japan by sending the game into extra innings with a ninth-inning solo home run.  
Rob Bradford
04/28/2009 - 7:38am
Five Things We Learned: New Colors, Same Results
There was something different about the Red Sox Monday night.   They wore red undershirts.   This has been in line with this team's approach thus far throughout the 2009 season, seeing a problem and fixing it. In this case the Sox hadn't done well on the road -- and the new all-blue attire away from Fenway had some players grumbling -- so a little color was added. Problem solved.  
Rob Bradford
04/26/2009 - 11:08am
Five Things We Learned: Winning Makes The Time Go By Quicker
Where do you start?   Perhaps the best way to roll through what transpired Saturday at Fenway Park is to simply pilfer the outstanding work of the Red Sox media relations department and relay the wave of tidbits that came from the Sox' 16-11 win over the Yankees.   - The 6-0, fourth-inning deficit is the largest hole the Red Sox have escaped against the Yankees since May 16, 1968, at Fenway Park. In that game the Sox were down 9-3 but came on to win, 11-10.  
Rob Bradford
04/25/2009 - 8:59am
Bay Proves Once Again He Fits In Boston
Mark Teixeira struck out with the go-ahead run on third base in the 10th inning Friday night.   As much as Red Sox fans would like, they shouldn't hold that against him. A lot of hitters -- even really, really good ones -- swing and miss at 96 mph, Jonathan Papelbon fastballs. That shouldn't be the ultimate moment to determine Teixeira's ability to play in the furnace that is a New York-Boston get-together.   Jason Bay's moment, on the other hand, should be noted.  
Rob Bradford
04/24/2009 - 8:20am
In Search of a Slugger: The Sox' Future Without Teixeira
Scott Boras stood atop a platform in one of the back rooms at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and described THAT player -- a "get-on-my-back", carry-the-team-more-times-than-not, middle-of-the-order hitter.  
Rob Bradford
04/23/2009 - 3:32am
Five Things We Learned: Terry Francona Knows How To Throw a Party
Jeff Bailey was late to the Terry Francona 50th birthday party, but once he arrived the reserved first baseman certainly made his presence felt.   "I didn't find out until the fifth inning of the first game. I was taking some swings in the cage and Don mentioned it on TV so I quietly shook his hand and said happy birthday," Bailey said. "It's a good birthday, two wins in one day."  


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.

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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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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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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.

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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.

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