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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
07/08/2011 - 3:46am
What to make of six unforgettable Red Sox home runs
The Red Sox hit six home runs Thursday night, a feat they hadn't accomplished since Sept. 8, 2009.  They also managed to go deep in back-to-back-to-back at-bats for the first time since Aug. 13 of last season.
Rob Bradford
07/01/2011 - 7:50am
How Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Jason Varitek gave Red Sox one less thing to worry about
PHILADELPHIA -- The pregame image is distinct from what transpires in the rest of the clubhouse.
Rob Bradford
06/30/2011 - 3:19am
The two sides of John Lackey
PHILADELPHIA -- The perception of John Lackey up until he threw his first pitch Wednesday night was hardly that of the kind of top-of-the-rotation anchor fans hang their hopeful hats on.
Rob Bradford
06/27/2011 - 7:44am
Jonathan Papelbon. Justin Masterson. Daniel Bard. Now Andrew Miller?
PITTSBURGH -- Alfredo Aceves stopped in his tracks while walking by the media scrum gathered around Andrew Miller after the Red Sox' 4-2 win over the Pirates Sunday afternoon, the 6-foo-t7 pitcher's head rising above the group collecting around him.
Rob Bradford
06/25/2011 - 9:10am
Interleague reality setting in for David Ortiz, Red Sox
PITTSBURGH -- David Ortiz had every right to be somewhat perplexed. When the rain chooses to make its most powerful appearance during a single at-bat -- as was the case when the Sox slugger stepped up to pinch-hit in the eighth inning Friday night -- eyebrow-raising is perfectly acceptable.
Rob Bradford
06/24/2011 - 12:57am
A closer look at why we're talking about making Adrian Gonzalez an outfielder
PITTSBURGH -- This wasn't supposed to be so complicated.
Rob Bradford
06/20/2011 - 8:10am
Even Adrian Gonzalez's speed (or lack thereof) can't slow him down
Adrian Gonzalez can hit. He fields his position about as well as anybody in the majors. And the 29-year-old’s day-to-day approach appears to be beyond reproach. So, what can’t Gonzalez do?
Rob Bradford
06/17/2011 - 8:46am
Five things we learned about the Red Sox after a dominating road trip
This just in: The Red Sox are good.
Rob Bradford
06/10/2011 - 10:37am
Maybe these Red Sox were as good as we thought they were
NEW YORK -- Eyes are being opened. For Carl Crawford, the latest enlightenment was something as simple as putting on the gray "Boston" uniform that turns the dial for Yankee Stadium fans.
Rob Bradford
06/08/2011 - 8:05am
David Ortiz' quest to make the designated hitter cool again
NEW YORK -- The image paved the way for the question.
Rob Bradford
05/31/2011 - 2:51am
Jonathan Papelbon continues to send a convincing message
Jonathan Papelbon is making a pretty good case. Monday, he attempted to clarify it further.
Rob Bradford
05/23/2011 - 2:53am
How Adrian Gonzalez has helped David Ortiz reunite with .300
It wasn't hard to uncover Adrian Gonzalez's contributions to the Red Sox' 5-1 win over the Cubs. Fortunately for the Sox, when it comes to hitting, subtlety still isn't the slugger's strong suit.
Rob Bradford
05/17/2011 - 3:02am
Adrian Gonzalez' bat sends a message (in more ways than one)
It was all new for Adrian Gonzalez, but you wouldn't know it by looking at him. Sure, he had claimed a walk-off hit before, the same kind the first baseman came away with Monday night thanks to his ninth-inning, two-run double off the left field wall. Gonzalez had done it four other times, to be exact.
Rob Bradford
05/12/2011 - 8:00am
In search of the real John Lackey
TORONTO -- What should we make of John Lackey?
Rob Bradford
05/11/2011 - 3:16am
Believe it or not, you still shouldn't worry about these Red Sox
TORONTO -- Admit it, you want to panic. And nobody would blame you if you did.
Rob Bradford
05/09/2011 - 8:32am
Why Jose Iglesias figures to make the most of his promotion to the big leagues
The tests didn't stop for Jose Iglesias Sunday just because he was now a major leaguer. All that meant were more answers and eyebrow-raising impressions. First, the introduction to Fenway Park.
Rob Bradford
05/05/2011 - 5:08am
What the Red Sox did (and didn't do) while you were sleeping
Terry Francona entered the Fenway Park interview room just after 3 a.m. Thursday, processing the reality of a 5-3 loss to the Angels.
Rob Bradford
05/03/2011 - 7:50am
Adrian Gonzalez, Dustin Pedroia have left injury concerns in rear-view mirror
Two players, two injuries, few concerns. Both Dustin Pedroia and Adrian Gonzalez entered February with at least some questions regarding what April would hold. 
Rob Bradford
04/25/2011 - 2:30am
Trying to uncover the reason it took so long for Carl Crawford to be Carl Crawford
Sunday was a day of firsts for Carl Crawford. First home run as a Red Sox. First smile as a Red Sox.
Rob Bradford
04/23/2011 - 7:28am
Jonathan Papelbon has offered a convincing closing argument
Spring training had barely begun, but Jonathan Papelbon had little doubt what path he would be taking in 2011.
Rob Bradford
04/20/2011 - 8:51am
Resurfacing some legitimate long-term concerns for Red Sox
So, what red flag should be raised the highest after last night’s Red Sox loss in Oakland?
Rob Bradford
04/17/2011 - 12:02am
A look at how Josh Beckett got his groove back
For Josh Beckett, the swagger never left. The finish on the fastball might have taken a hiatus, but the pitcher had no inclination that he wouldn't find ways to dominate the bat-toting opposition standing 60 feet, six inches away.
Rob Bradford
04/12/2011 - 2:39am
One hundred starts later, the Daisuke Matsuzaka mystery remains unsolved
Rob Bradford
04/08/2011 - 3:32am
A look at how Terry Francona is going about finding the right Red Sox lineup
CLEVELAND -- The record isn't about to change Terry Francona's routine.
Rob Bradford
04/06/2011 - 6:40am
Red Sox in search of their swagger (and a win)
CLEVELAND -- Moments after the Red Sox' 3-1 loss to the Indians Tuesday night, David Ortiz turned in his chair and pointed to the center of the clubhouse.


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.

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