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
04/23/2012 - 7:52am
Debunking myths as the Red Sox, Bobby Valentine try to weather the storm
There it was, for all the Sunday morning shows to dissect, analyze and digest -- Bobby Valentine answering boos by touching the brim of his hat on his way back from making another unsavory pitching change. What message was he sending? Could he be firing back at his critics? Was his hat falling off his head?
Rob Bradford
04/21/2012 - 9:11am
In these tough times, the Red Sox are still looking for their leader
Tito, out! It was Terry Francona's execution of this sentiment that had some of his former players buzzing after the big Fenway Park celebration Friday. 
Rob Bradford
04/15/2012 - 1:13am
Have the Red Sox figured out the secret to beating Tampa Bay?
If the Red Sox were to possess a mission statement this season, it would most likely include something involving the separation between 2011 and '12. Well, if that's the case, the last two days have been mission accomplished for Bobby Valentine's crew.
Rob Bradford
04/12/2012 - 8:20am
A week of reminders regarding the future of Dustin Pedroia
TORONTO -- In case anybody needed a reminder, Dustin Pedroia has offered one in the Red Sox' first six games. 
Rob Bradford
04/11/2012 - 2:50am
Ozzie Guillen's comments have hit close to home for Mike Lowell
TORONTO -- To understand the seriousness of what Ozzie Guillen said, let Mike Lowell paint what has become a most unappetizing picture.
Rob Bradford
04/09/2012 - 5:27am
The Daniel Bard conundrum: Why it might be time to make the move
As this is being written, the wheels hadn't been put in motion.
Rob Bradford
04/06/2012 - 9:21am
Life without Jonathan Papelbon a work in progress for Red Sox
First off, this isn't a "the Red Sox screwed up by not signing Jonathan Papelbon" column.
Rob Bradford
04/01/2012 - 12:40am
Why the Red Sox took so long to decide on their starters
The Red Sox finally will unveil their starting rotation to start the 2012 season on Sunday. That would be April 1 for those of you scoring at home. But why did it take so long?
Rob Bradford
03/30/2012 - 5:56am
How the Red Sox make their decisions
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Decisions, decisions.
Rob Bradford
03/29/2012 - 8:26am
The mystery continues: Where exactly will Jacoby Ellsbury hit?
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- In a camp chock full of mysteries, Jacoby Ellsbury is right at the top of the list.
Rob Bradford
03/28/2012 - 7:34am
It's time to give this Mike Aviles guy a chance
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- As Mike Aviles left the JetBlue Park complex Tuesday afternoon, living the life as the Red Sox' starting shortstop, he was congratulated on his latest lot in life. "Thanks," he said. "I won't let you guys down."
Rob Bradford
03/26/2012 - 7:37am
Debunking the power struggle and other spring Red Sox myths
People are getting a bit loopy in anticipation of the Red Sox' opener on April 5 in Detroit. So, while the coming days will make most of the murkiness increasingly clearer, we can take a moment to clarify some of the hot-button topics hovering around this 10-10 spring training team.
Rob Bradford
03/22/2012 - 10:33pm
Carl Crawford's new look on life (and the Red Sox)
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- In a clubhouse thick with change, there is no better symbol for the Red Sox' altered existence than the one found in the fifth-to-last locker on the left in JetBlue Park's home clubhouse. That's where you can find a usually sweat-soaked Carl Crawford.
Rob Bradford
03/19/2012 - 1:25am
Ray(s) of hope: The Red Sox' starters' new blueprint for success
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- The question was posed to Jarrod Saltalamacchia. "Can the Red Sox starters become more like the Tampa Bay starters?"
Rob Bradford
03/09/2012 - 9:11am
While you were watching Jose Iglesias, you might have missed Mike Aviles
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Another spring training day, another heaping of praise for Jose Iglesias.
Rob Bradford
03/05/2012 - 8:54am
Could Bobby Valentine's batting order strategy actually work?
FORT MYERS, Fla.
Rob Bradford
03/04/2012 - 2:18am
Carl Crawford, and the Red Sox, just got a wake-up call
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Remember the image from Saturday morning. It is the warning shot.
Rob Bradford
03/02/2012 - 8:57am
David Ortiz says not to plan his retirement party any time soon
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The moment Jason Varitek walked off JetBlue Park's field Thursday a retired professional baseball player, the search began.
Rob Bradford
02/27/2012 - 12:22am
Airing it out: On the mound and off, Josh Beckett sees no reason to change
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The spring training house is different, as are its surroundings. This rental is much bigger than the rest of Josh Beckett's previous six spring training homes since the pitcher's arrival with the Red Sox.
Rob Bradford
02/22/2012 - 7:16am
Carl Crawford: Hit me 'where I can cause havoc and do the stuff that I do'
Only Carl Crawford knew how much it was eating at him. He didn't tell his manager, hitting coach, teammates or acquaintances on other teams.
Rob Bradford
02/15/2012 - 9:25am
Red Sox spring training gets facelift thanks to Tim Bogar, Bobby Valentine
The new-look Red Sox will officially look new come Feb. 21, the first day of workouts for pitchers and catchers. And for that image, you can, in large part, thank new bench coach Tim Bogar.
Rob Bradford
02/11/2012 - 9:52am
How new Red Sox Cody Ross is putting an uneasy offseason in the rear-view mirror
Judging by the last week one could have surmised that this offseason was one long party for Cody Ross. For starters, Monday he watched the ABC show "The Bachelor" at his home with the actual Bachelor, Ben Flajnik.
Rob Bradford
02/07/2012 - 10:55am
The (new) world of Dustin Pedroia
Rob Bradford
01/25/2012 - 12:31pm
Mike Aviles, Nick Punto looking forward returning the position they call home: shortstop
“That’s my favorite and most natural position and the position I enjoy playing the most. I’m looking forward to it.” – Mike Aviles “It’s my natural position, the position I feel the most comfortable at, and it’s the position I love to play.” – Nick Punto
Rob Bradford
01/18/2012 - 9:19am
What Red Sox fans should make of the last 120 hours (or so)
It started at about 8 p.m. Friday night, when word came down that the Yankees had found what every team in baseball loves to find -- a potential No. 1 starter, not even residing in the world of arbitration. This was in the form of 22-year-old Michael Pineda.


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.

Kevin Millar, MLB Network…

Kevin Millar, MLB Network, on Tito's return to Fenway

Kevin Millar joins the show to discuss the slumps of Jacoby Ellsbury and Will Middlebrooks, Tito's return to Fenway, and his reaction Dan Shaunghnessy's controversial column.

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.

Shawn Thornton Joins Salk…

Shawn Thornton Joins Salk and Holley

Shawn Thornton talks about what went wrong in Game 4 for the Bruins.

Andy Brickley, NESN, says he's not worried about Tuukka

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss his reaction to game 4 of the Bruins-Rangers series, and how he sees the rest of the series playing out

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.

NESN's Barry Pederson say…

NESN's Barry Pederson says the Bruins are 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.

Pierre McGuire, NBC Sport…

Pierre McGuire, NBC Sports: on Bruins Rangers Game 4

McGuire joins the show to discuss the sub-par performance from Tuukka Rask, the Bruins young defensemen, and the potential for the Rangers to get back in the series.

Andy Brickley, NESN, says he's not worried about Tuukka

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss his reaction to game 4 of the Bruins-Rangers series, and how he sees the rest of the series playing out

Kevin Millar, MLB Network, on Tito's return to Fenway

Kevin Millar joins the show to discuss the slumps of Jacoby Ellsbury and Will Middlebrooks, Tito's return to Fenway, and his reaction Dan Shaunghnessy's controversial column.

Shawn Thornton Joins Salk…

Shawn Thornton Joins Salk and Holley

Shawn Thornton calls in to talk about the Bruins losing in Game 4.

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.

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.

Memorial Day Weekend "Jer…

Memorial Day Weekend "Jerk" Off

Callers bitch about the Bruins loss, and we answer how long it takes to get over a relationship.

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.

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.

More from this show

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

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.

More from this show

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.

More from this show

Buster Olney, ESPN, on El…

Buster Olney, ESPN, on Ellsbury's future with Sox

Buster Olney joins Mut and Merloni to talk about the struggling Ellsbury and what that is doing to his contract value when he becomes a free agent.

More from this show

Weei Writers