Columnists
RSS Feed  RSS
Weei » Columnists » Rob Bradford » Rob Bradford Archive
ArchivesBlog
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
04/24/2009 - 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."  
Rob Bradford
04/20/2009 - 5:10pm
Maybe Ortiz Isn't Done After All
Remember this time last season, on April 20, when David Ortiz finished the day with two hits but still leaving the park with a .177 batting average?   Or how about a year before that, when Ortiz went 19 straight games -- from May 10 through June 3 -- without a home run, a feat he would duplicate in '08 from August 16 until Sept. 16?  
Rob Bradford
04/20/2009 - 12:18am
Five Things We Learned: Figuring Out Papi's Problem
Kevin Youkilis has reached base safely in all 12 of the Red Sox' games this season, going 1 for 2 with a double and a walk in the team's 2-1 win over the Orioles, Sunday at Fenway Park. Jacoby Elllsbury got two hits for the second time in the last three games, stretching his modest hit streak to five contests.
Rob Bradford
04/16/2009 - 5:20am
Five Things We Learned: Jason Bay Would Throw His Body In Front of a Baseball for Tim Wakefield
OAKLAND -- After delivering the usual dismissals of regret, and team-first mantras, Tim Wakefield stood in front of his locker at Oakland Coliseum and took a second to soak it all in. "So close," he said. And it was. Wakefield took a no-hitter into the eighth inning, and wasn't finally derailed until Kurt Suzuki lined an 0-1, waist-high knuckler into left field. "But that was fun," the 42-year-old added.
Rob Bradford
04/16/2009 - 5:20am
Five Things We Learned: Jason Bay Would Throw His Body In Front of a Baseball for Tim Wakefield
OAKLAND -- After delivering the usual dismissals of regret, and team-first mantras, Tim Wakefield stood in front of his locker at Oakland Coliseum and took a second to soak it all in.   "So close," he said.   And it was. Wakefield took a no-hitter into the eighth inning, and wasn't finally derailed until Kurt Suzuki lined an 0-1, waist-high knuckler into left field.  
Rob Bradford
04/15/2009 - 6:23am
Five Things We Learned: Bullpen Suffers Cruel Fate
OAKLAND -- In case you missed it ...   At approximately 2:30 a.m. (EST) Red Sox reliever Javy Lopez faced off with Oakland's Travis Buck with the bases loaded in the 12th inning of a 5-5 game at the Oakland Coliseum.   
Rob Bradford
04/15/2009 - 4:26am
WBC Catches Up With Matsuzaka, Red Sox
OAKLAND -- Nobody wanted to say it, but this was virtually inevitable.   One inning. Forty-three pitches. Five runs. A "fatigued" shoulder.   Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you your World Baseball Classic Most Valuable Player -- Daisuke Matsuzaka.   Matsuzaka is a pitcher who is among the most difficult in baseball to decipher. The unorthodox way of pitching. The in-between starts throwing regimen. The on again, off again dominance. The cryptic post-game comments.
Rob Bradford
04/14/2009 - 4:45am
Five Things We Learned: Red Sox Out Of Sorts
OAKLAND -- The wheels can be put back on -- and most likely will be at some point in the coming weeks -- but as the Red Sox filtered out of the Oakland Coliseum's visitors' clubhouse Monday night the need for repairs wasn't hard to find. The Red Sox lost, 8-2, to the Athletics, in the series opener, handing the team its worst start since going 2-5 in 1996 (a year in which they went on to start the season 3-15).
Rob Bradford
04/14/2009 - 12:24am
Pedroia: 'I've Never Been Through Anything Like This'
OAKLAND -- Dustin Pedroia assumed his usual position in the Red Sox' dugout. It seemed like any other day in the life of the second baseman's routine: head out well before the rest of the team emerges and fill the park's stillness with a stream of baseball banter.   Monday, however, was different.   Pedroia stood on the dugout's top step relatively subdued. What awaited was on his mind.   "I've never been through anything like this,"  he said.  
Rob Bradford
04/12/2009 - 11:57pm
Five Things We Learned: Beckett Has a List
Panic has arrived.   Maybe not, but there is something about falling flat in early April that is significantly different than duplicating the failure in June. Even running into trouble later in the first month becomes much more palatable.   Does anybody remember the five-game losing streak the Red Sox endured last year thanks to games against the Angels and Rays, starting on April 22 and ending on April 27? Probably not. They were, after all, still 15-12 after the hiccup.  
Rob Bradford
04/11/2009 - 1:31am
Five Things We Learned: California Nightmares For Sox
One thing that people underestimated when looking at the Red Sox schedule was not so much the teams they were kicking their 2009 season off, but the type of teams Terry Francona's bunch were starting with.   
Rob Bradford
04/09/2009 - 12:15am
Lester Shows How Far He's Come
The results were eerily similar, but the images differed dramatically.   A year ago Jon Lester was hoping, now he is knowing.   On April 9, 2008 Lester pitched 5 1/3 innings, giving up four runs -- all in the fourth inning -- on five hits on the way to being handed his second loss of the season, a 7-2 defeat at the hands of the Detroit Tigers.  
Rob Bradford
04/08/2009 - 1:05am
Five Things We Learned: Not Much Went Wrong For Red Sox
So the Red Sox are 1-0 on their way to 161 more regular season wins. Maybe not, but they have gotten off to the start they had hoped for with a 5-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, Tuesday at Fenway Park. Other than the two runs surrendered by relievers Hideki Okajima and Justin Masterson, there wasn't much to nitpick when it came to the Sox' first home season-opener since 2002. Yet there were more than a few items that should be noted. So, here are five things we learned during the Sox' first win of '09:
Rob Bradford
04/07/2009 - 9:05pm
Pedroia Makes Yet Another Impression
Dustin Pedroia has become perhaps the most interesting athlete in town. Perhaps not the best, and perhaps not the most accomplished (although he’s not far off in both regards), but just flat-out interesting. Tuesday, Pedroia got even more interesting. “He’s a different cat,” said Red Sox outfielder Rocco Baldelli after his new team’s 5-3 win over his old team, the Tampa Bay Rays, at Fenway Park.
Rob Bradford
04/06/2009 - 12:19am
The Bradford Files: Beckett Ready For Revenge
Josh Beckett had few regrets. Giving up two runs over five innings while pitching with the most excruciating pain of his 28-year-old life, as was the case in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series, was satisfaction enough for both the starter and his teammates.   "It was pretty impressive to see him go out there," said Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester. "He competed his (expletive) off. He basically out-competed the Rays that game by himself. It's definitely one of the most impressive games I've seen."  
Rob Bradford
04/03/2009 - 2:07am
How The Red Sox Executed A Near-Perfect Spring Training
 FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Theo Epstein knew the possibility of life doing a 180-degree turn following the first day of the Red Sox' 2009 spring training, but he was making sure to relish the moment just the same.   "It's great to have some peace and tranquility on Day 1," he said back on Feb. 12.   Sure, it was nice, but Epstein understood the likelihood that chaos and unpredictability waited around some corner during the Sox' stay in Lee County. With this team -- in this market -- it never goes away for too long.  
Rob Bradford
03/31/2009 - 12:32am
Daisuke Has Returned In One Piece
KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- He made it. The Red Sox waved goodbye to Daisuke Matsuzaka last October, crossing their collective fingers and toes that the pitcher would some day return to their mound intact. It did, after all, take the better part of two seasons to discover the hurler who finished fourth in the 2008 Cy Young voting while kicking off the American League Championship Series with seven shutout innings. Gone was the endless collection of pitches, replaced by a tidy, three-pitch arsenal. And there was more.
Rob Bradford
03/30/2009 - 2:25am
The Great Debate: How Valuable Is Clay Buchholz?
(The following is a debate between Rob Bradford and Michael Felger regarding Felger's assertion that, if offered, the Red Sox shouldn't trade Clay Buchholz for Albert Pujols.)  
Rob Bradford
03/26/2009 - 12:48pm
Getting You To Care
So I was over at the TD Banknorth Garden yesterday watching three-man weaves for four hours (otherwise known as workouts for the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet Sixteen) and I had to wonder: If there weren’t those pieces of paper with numbers, lines, and the word “bracket” at the top, would anybody care about this happening? Villanova vs.  Duke. Pittsburgh vs. Xavier. The NCAA vs. good old fashioned New England sports apathy. Quite the matchups.
Rob Bradford
03/23/2009 - 12:48am
Don't forget this Bard guy
Daniel Bard made spring training a bit more palatable this year. Now the Red Sox are holding out hope he has a similar affect a few months down the road.   Sunday in Fort Myers the 23-year-old was officially notified his season will begin in the minor leagues. But it is not before leaving his legacy on this, the most innocuous of Red Sox training camps in recent memory.
Rob Bradford
03/18/2009 - 10:50pm
Penny living a whole new life with the Red Sox
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- He has had to take it slow. There was the postponement of a bullpen session. And his first two times throwing with fielders behind him came with minor leaguers wearing the gloves.  To those not knowing any better, the perception might be that Brad Penny has hit a road bump in a contract year. But truth be told, compared to last season, the path couldn't have been any smoother.
Rob Bradford
03/15/2009 - 9:25pm
What Comes Now For Lester?
FORT MYERS, Fla. – What does it feel like? Jon Lester didn’t know. He had no idea exactly how it felt to be 25 years old with a guaranteed $30 million in the bank and no other professional concerns but to live the life of a major league pitcher until this weekend. After all, everybody talks about what it takes to get there, but few discuss exactly what happens when you’re actually there.
Rob Bradford
03/13/2009 - 11:08pm
Lowell leaves doubts behind
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Mike Lowell had doubts moments like Friday night might ever come, but they had little to do with his surgically-repaired right hip.   Lowell was fully aware of the scenario -- Mark Teixeira playing in the Red Sox home whites at City of Palms Park on March 13 and not having to forgo a three-hour bus trip from Tampa. With the fall-out of such a circumstance likely leading to Lowell making a spring training debut in either another uniform, or with a drastically different comfort level.  
Rob Bradford
03/02/2009 - 2:30am
A WBC Dream Derailed
FORT MYERS, Fla. – There was Dustin Pedroia, insisting he was all about the Boston Red Sox for the moment before going “international” starting Monday. Across the clubhouse stood David Ortiz, speaking to the pressures facing the Dominicans participating in the World Baseball Classic.


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

Andy Brickley, NESN: Go w…

Andy Brickley, NESN: Go with the young guys at D

Brickley joins the show and discusses what the Bruins should do with their young defensemen once the veterans return from injury, the play of Rask, and Torterella's coaching style.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kirk sings the Star Spangled Banner

After hearing the horrible performance by Alexis Normand at the Memorial Cup in Canada, Minihane saved us all by delivering a heartfelt rendition of our national anthem.

Andy Brickley, NESN: Go w…

Andy Brickley, NESN: Go with the young guys at D

Brickley joins the show and discusses what the Bruins should do with their young defensemen once the veterans return from injury, the play of Rask, and Torterella's coaching style.

Lyndon Byers on the Bruins defensemen situation

LB joins the show in studio to discuss the Bruins taking a 2-0 series lead against the Rangers and what Claude should do when Seidenberg, Redden, and Ference are ready to play.

Sox Talk- M&M discuss the winning streak and future of Ellsbury

Mut and Merloni get into a Red Sox discussion after a successful weekend in Minnesota. They discuss Pedroia, Lackey, and the future of Ellsbury with the Red Sox.

An Hour with Jack: Jack E…

An Hour with Jack: Jack Edwards joins Salk and Holley to break down a game two win and preview game three

What's better than a whole hour with NESN's Jack Edwards? Not much. We talk all hockey, all the time with Jack live from his study, with a "Loving Cup", whatever that is.

Bruins in complete control of Rangers two games into series

We talk hockey as the Bruins have had little problem taking a 2-0 series lead against the much talk about NY Rangers. Will this continue in games 3 and 4 at MSG? We discuss.

Salk and Holley's Four at Four - 05/21/13

We tackle four topics we haven't yet touched upon today. Gronk!, Proms with celebs and athletes and much more.

Daily Planet Monday May 2…

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.

Daily Planet Wednesday May 8th

Daily Planet Wednesday May 8th

Salk and Holley's Miked U…

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!

Salk and Holley's Miked Up and Answer the Question - 05/16/13

Damn New Yorkers!

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

Danny Ainge dispels the r…

Danny Ainge dispels the rumors: "I have the best coach in the NBA"

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.

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

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.

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

Weei Writers