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
12/06/2011 - 5:04am
A look at how the Red Sox will (eventually) build a pitching staff
There are two Ben Cherington quotes that may end up defining the Red Sox' approach toward building a pitching staff this offseason. The first came in early November when the stink of beer and chicken was just starting to get washed off the 2011 season.
Rob Bradford
12/04/2011 - 1:06am
Welcome to the wonderful world of the baseball winter meetings
There's a new watering hole in the middle of the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas -- the Gossip Bar, which (as it is described on the hotel web site) "serves the perfect mix of color and commentary." Perfect. Welcome to the site of the 2011 Major League Baseball winter meetings.
Rob Bradford
11/23/2011 - 8:52am
Where is the Red Sox' next closer?
Two press conferences down …
Rob Bradford
11/21/2011 - 7:59am
No matter who it might be, this has to be Ben Cherington's manager
Larry Lucchino recently told WEEI.com regarding the process of searching for the next Red Sox manager that "ownership has a seat at the table, to be sure."
Rob Bradford
11/16/2011 - 9:16am
A look at how the baseball world is viewing David Ortiz
MILWAUKEE -- New Orioles general manager Dan Duquette calls the likes of David Ortiz "a luxury item." Alex Anthopolous, the GM of the Blue Jays, suggested identifying a new designated hitter "is not a top priority."
Rob Bradford
11/12/2011 - 8:27am
A look at why Jonathan Papelbon is headed to Philadelphia
Sure, some of it was surprising.
Rob Bradford
11/07/2011 - 9:11am
Wondering what these managerial interviews are like? Josh Byrnes can offer some insight
Asked about how he is viewing the managerial interviews in Chicago and Boston, Josh Byrnes reacts about how you would expect. "I'm definitely curious," he said.
Rob Bradford
11/03/2011 - 12:50am
Jonathan Papelbon is officially a free agent ... so what now?
It was one of the final days of April 2007, and Jonathan Papelbon had, as was written at the time, "dug himself in for the long haul."
Rob Bradford
10/27/2011 - 1:48am
Joe Maddon might not be a fit for the Red Sox, but he knows somebody who might be
Rob Bradford
10/24/2011 - 8:08am
Why John Farrell should be the Red Sox' next manager but won't be
As we sit here, right now, he is the best (semi-attainable) person for the job.
Rob Bradford
10/20/2011 - 7:26am
Forget crying, the Red Sox proved why there should be no captains in baseball
Jason Varitek was on the 'list.' It was why so many made it a point to tune into WAAF Wednesday morning to hear the catcher give his side of the story. But why?
Rob Bradford
10/18/2011 - 12:24am
Getting his message across: Jon Lester reacts to accusations from a season (and Monday)
Jon Lester had heard and read enough. In his estimation, it was time for a more proactive approach. Asked in a phone interview if his team was being portrayed fairly since the stunning end of the 2011 season, Lester's response was immediate and direct. "No," he said. "Not at all."
Rob Bradford
10/11/2011 - 7:20am
Jonathan Papelbon bracing himself for the brave new world of free agency
Jonathan Papelbon is never going to forget the moment he stepped into life as a member of the Red Sox organization.
Rob Bradford
10/10/2011 - 12:35am
Jonathan Papelbon reflects: 'Shocked' over Terry Francona's exit; clubhouse issues snuck up on Red Sox
(The following is the first in a two-part series on Jonathan Papelbon's view of the Red Sox 2011 season, and what lies ahead for the closer as he heads into free agency.) It's been 12 days since Jonathan Papelbon walked off the mound in Baltimore. 
Rob Bradford
10/05/2011 - 7:44am
Attempting to unlock the future of a much-maligned Red Sox pitching staff
C.J. Wilson is most likely not walking through that door, and you also shouldn't be counting on the big Yu Darvish press conference.
Rob Bradford
10/03/2011 - 6:28am
A look at what the future holds for Red Sox position players
The chaos will continue in the coming days.
Rob Bradford
09/29/2011 - 5:38am
Why Terry Francona was one who deserved (and deserves) better
BALTIMORE -- It's cliche to say nobody deserves the fate the 2011 Red Sox found themselves with. But that's not true. Many, for various reasons, did.
Rob Bradford
09/28/2011 - 3:07am
Why there's nobody the Red Sox rather have save their season than Jon Lester
BALTIMORE -- Three seasons ago, it was because of a sick pitcher. Wednesday it will be due to an under-the-weather organization. Regardless, Jon Lester has once again been called upon to save the Sox.
Rob Bradford
09/27/2011 - 10:29am
It might be time to face some Red Sox reality
BALTIMORE -- Do you know the last time the Red Sox won two games in a row? It was exactly one month ago. 
Rob Bradford
09/23/2011 - 7:53am
How Adrian Gonzalez has managed to live up to the hype
Within the panic, in among the pennant race chaos, stands Adrian Gonzalez.
Rob Bradford
09/21/2011 - 12:46am
The last Red Sox standing finally fell
He was all that was left.
Rob Bradford
09/19/2011 - 7:32am
A pennant race primer: What the Red Sox are up against
It was Aug. 17 and the Rays were leaving town having taken two out of three against the Red Sox. Still, reality had seemingly set in for Tampa Bay, which found itself eight games in back of the Sox in the chase for the wild card with 39 games left to play.
Rob Bradford
09/16/2011 - 3:24am
It's time for the Red Sox' pitching staff to start fighting back
This is the Red Sox' chance. Forget the six straight losses to the Rays. Dismiss the 9-2 defeat at the hands of Tampa Bay Thursday night. And disregard the dwindling lead (now three games) in the Wild Card race. Now, it's all about finally getting off the ropes.
Rob Bradford
09/14/2011 - 7:26am
Once again, Tim Wakefield offered perfect timing
Tim Wakefield knows what he's doing.
Rob Bradford
09/13/2011 - 1:32am
Taking stock of the roster the Red Sox will be relying on
The following is a look at where each member of the Red Sox (the same Red Sox who are now just three games ahead of the Rays in the Wild Card race) find themselves heading into the regular season's final 16 games:


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.

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

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

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.

More from this show

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.

More from this show

Weei Writers