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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
02/27/2009 - 9:46pm
Smoltz Uses Good Friend Tiger As Inspiration
FORT MYERS, Fla. – John Smoltz couldn’t do much, so what he did was witness what he calls “the most amazing thing I’ve ever watched.”  
Rob Bradford
02/24/2009 - 3:54am
This Is J.D. Drew: Outfielder Remains Unchanged by Boston
FORT MYERS, Fla. – The question: “How have you changed since coming to Boston?” The answer from J.D. Drew is frustratingly non-committal – a fact that, in its own way, reveals a great deal about the outfielder. “It’s hard to say,” Drew mused. “Everybody changes at some level every year at some level, different league, different team, things like that.”
Rob Bradford
02/20/2009 - 2:25am
Ortiz Faces Reality
FORT MYERS, Fla. – The moisture from the ice bag had left its mark on David Ortiz’s left shoulder. The source of it – sleeping on his side the wrong way, according to Red Sox manager Terry Francona – was no big deal, said the DH. Although the shoulder was trending to be the topic of the day, Ortiz chose to point out the fact there were no such questions about either his surgically-repaired right knee, or problematic wrist.
Rob Bradford
02/17/2009 - 2:00pm
How Dustin Pedroia Stayed Motivated
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- About four weeks into his offseason workouts, Dustin Pedroia had an epiphany. He had already won a Gold Glove and American League MVP while adding a $40 million contract to the mix. But, as Pedroia is often quick to acknowledge, every little bit of motivation goes a long way.
Rob Bradford
02/15/2009 - 5:25pm
How Beckett Is Using Last Season's Lessons For This Year's Success
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- He sat on the back porch of his rented spring training home, overlooking the kind of pond that litters almost every Florida golf course community. Risa, the dog of the house, is scratching at the screen door, trying to get out. The entrance way is finally opened, but with some trepidation.
Rob Bradford
02/12/2009 - 8:00pm
Mike Lowell Looks Back on a Winter of Challenges
FORT MYERS, Fla. – “Are you optimistic?” Mike Lowell’s answer is swift and definitive. “Absolutely.” While whispers, guesses, and proclamations born out of both have been circulated in regards to Lowell’s offseason, there has always been one piece of the equation that has been missing – the player’s own voice. Until now.
Rob Bradford
02/12/2009 - 8:00pm
Mike Lowell Looks Back on a Winter of Challenges
FORT MYERS, Fla. – “Are you optimistic?” Mike Lowell’s answer is swift and definitive. “Absolutely.” While whispers, guesses, and proclamations born out of both have been circulated in regards to Lowell’s offseason, there has always been one piece of the equation that has been missing – the player’s own voice. Until now.
Rob Bradford
02/04/2009 - 4:11am
Will Jason Bay Be The Next Big Deal For the Red Sox?
Let’s get this out of the way – the Red Sox still have not begun any sort of talks with Jason Bay and his agent, Joe Urbon, regarding any sort of contract extension. Yet.
Rob Bradford
02/04/2009 - 4:11am
Will Jason Bay Be The Next Big Deal For the Red Sox?
Let’s get this out of the way – the Red Sox still have not begun any sort of talks with Jason Bay and his agent, Joe Urbon, regarding any sort of contract extension. Yet.
Rob Bradford
01/22/2009 - 3:54pm
How John Smoltz Convinced The Red Sox He Was Worth A Chance
  The viewpoints of Nick Scherer and the Red Sox weren’t all that different.   “When I think of a great pitcher,” said Director of Operations for the Georgia Tech baseball team, “I think of John Smoltz.”   On a sunny, early December day in Atlanta, Scherer and the Red Sox met up on a collegiate baseball field to be reminded why such opinions exist. It was the Georgia Tech coach who caught Smoltz’s pitches, and it was Sox pitching
Rob Bradford
01/14/2009 - 4:03pm
How John Smoltz Convinced The Red Sox He Was Worth A Chance
The viewpoints of Nick Scherer and the Red Sox weren’t all that different. “When I think of a great pitcher,” said Director of Operations for the Georgia Tech baseball team, “I think of John Smoltz.”
Rob Bradford
01/01/2009 - 6:32am
No. 1: Celtics Win the NBA Championship
As we sit in the front entrance to 2009, it is difficult to predict a championship for any Boston pro team. Sure, there is optimism with the Celtics and Bruins each living life atop their respective divisions, and the Red Sox figuring to be at least competitive in the upper-echelon of Major League Baseball's power rankings. But until that next title comes our way, it is the memory of the Celtics' playoff run of 2008 which we will have to bask in for now. Who would have thought?
Rob Bradford
12/29/2008 - 2:37am
No. 5: Tom Brady Gets Hurt, Matt Cassel Steps Up
Tom Brady went down, Matt Cassel stepped up. In many respects, this could have been the No. 1 'Thing We Wouldn't Shut Up About' in other years. You are talking about arguably the best player in the game of football having his knee ripped apart by a Bernard Pollard hit in the first game of the season, the replacement--who looked entirely mediocre in the preseason--making his first start since high school, and then that player, Cassel, turning out to be one of the best in the NFL by season's end.
Rob Bradford
12/15/2008 - 1:39pm
Mark Teixeira, the One That Got Away From the Red Sox
When Mark Teixeira sat with Red Sox officials recently -- soaking in the recruiting process that comes with living the life as one of baseball’s biggest free agent prizes – it ended a separation of more than 10 years many believed would never be reconciled.
Rob Bradford
12/09/2008 - 1:39pm
Driven: Mike Lowell Focuses On Hip, Not Rumors
 
Rob Bradford
12/04/2008 - 1:39pm
For Dustin Pedroia and Red Sox, They Were Unique Negotiations For a Unique Player
It was August 12 and Dustin Pedroia’s agents, Sam and Seth Levinson, had ventured to Fenway Park to talk contract for their player. The meeting was far from the first of its kind. The Red Sox had shown interest in locking up their second baseman the offseason before, and continued to sporadically broach the subject with Pedroia’s representatives as the 2008 season unfolded. Both sides had carved out a sense of familiarity.
Rob Bradford
12/01/2008 - 1:39pm
Pats Heading Toward Wrong Road?
  Here they are, at the kind of crossroads few thought they would be seeing quite so soon.
Rob Bradford
11/24/2008 - 1:39pm
Patriots May Pay Price For Feisty Fourth Quarter
 
Rob Bradford
11/18/2008 - 10:18am
The Great Debate: Should Pedroia or Youkilis Win the MVP?
Alex Speier and Rob Bradford go toe-to-toe to determine whether Dustin Pedroia or Kevin Youkilis is more deserving of the American League MVP award.
Rob Bradford
11/17/2008 - 1:39pm
This Is One Pitcher Who Might Actually Be Worth the Money
Did anybody notice that Daisuke Matsuzaka was deemed the fourth-best pitcher in the American League for the 2008 season by those casting ballots for the Cy Young Award? Were you paying attention to the reality that the Red Sox starter had a 5-1 record with a 3.25 ERA against American League East foes, won 18 games, finished with a 2.90 ERA, and held opponents to the lowest batting average of any starting pitcher in the big leagues?
Rob Bradford
11/14/2008 - 1:39pm
Should We Worry About Randy?
Speier: Moss is still the man
Rob Bradford
11/08/2008 - 1:39pm
Patriots Are Starting to Answer 'The' Question
 CBS play-by-play man Dick Enberg called the ability of New England's wide receivers to toe the sidelines “delicious.” If you’re a fan of the Patriots, that was virtually the only thing that created an uneasy feeling after your team’s 20-10 win over Buffalo on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
Rob Bradford
11/07/2008 - 1:39pm
Pedroia is History in the Making
You might think life is starting to get good again for Dustin Pedroia.
Rob Bradford
10/24/2008 - 12:39pm
Brady Serves As Cautionary Tale For Lowell
It seemed like the perfect place to watch Game 7. For Mike Lowell and his wife, Bertha, the New York City bar resided just a few blocks from the hospital where he would be undergoing surgery the next day. And the fact that just about the only six people in the place were Red Sox fans offered an even greater sense of affirmation. “People were in there wearing Red Sox hats and t-shirts,” Lowell said. “It was awesome.”
Rob Bradford
10/22/2008 - 12:39pm
How Bad It Was For Beckett
Josh Beckett wanted to keep it a mystery.


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.

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

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

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

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

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