The first member of last year's Boston Bruins team dipped their toes into free agency on July 1 with a report by TSN that the Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Steve Montador to a two-year, $3.1 million contract. Montador was an unrestricted free agent after arriving in Boston from the Anaheim Ducks at the March 4 trade deadline last season. Montador had a grand total of 21 points (4 goals, 17 assists) in 78 games for the Ducks/Bruins last season, and had an assist and 18 PIMs for the B's in 13 games following the trade. The Bruins weren't expected to have much interesting in retaining Montador after last season. Read up on all of the latest from the first day of NHL free agency at the Big Bad Blog.
Rocco Baldelli delivered a two-out, two-run single in the ninth to tie the game, and Julio Lugo connected for an RBI base hit in the top of the 11th to help lift the Sox to a 6-5 win over the Orioles Wednesday afternoon in Baltimore. Boston, which trailed 5-1 heading into the ninth, got a two-run blast from Kevin Youkilis to make it 5-3. That set the stage for Baldelli's heroics, which plated Jacoby Ellsbury and Jeff Bailey to tie the game. Two innings later it was Lugo, who cracked a base hit through a drawn-in infield for the game-winner. Ramon Ramirez (5-2) got the win with a hitless 10th, while Jonathan Papelbon picked up his 20th save with a perfect ninth to wrap things up.
Reymond Fuentes, the high school outfielder from Puerto Rico whom the Red Sox selected in the first round of this year's draft, has agreed to terms with the Red Sox on a signing bonus of approximately $1.13 million. Fuentes has already passed a physical and drug test, and his signing will become official on Wednesday.
The outfielder, whose speed and defense have earned him comparisons to Johnny Damon and Jacoby Ellsbury, is expected to be assigned to Fort Myers of the Rookie Level Gulf Coast League. For more on Fuentes, click here.
Here are the lineups for the series finale between the Red Sox and Orioles this afternoon: Red Sox -- Drew RF, Pedroia 2B, Youkilis 3B, Bay LF, Ortiz DH, Ellsbury CF, Kotsay 1B, Varitek C, Green SS, Beckett P; Orioles -- Roberts 2B, Pie CF, Markakis RF, Huff 1B, Scott DH, Reimold LF, Wigginton 3B, Zaun C, Andino SS; Bergesen P.
Matt Hunwick's agent, Peter Fish, told WEEI.com he hasn't spoken with the Bruins since before the NHL draft last weekend about his client, and that multiple teams had already expressed interest in the 24-year-old defenseman on the verge of restricted free agency. Hunwick was third among Bruins defenseman scoring with 27 points this season, and tied with highly-touted Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty for tops among rookie defenseman scoring last season.
“There has been zero change (since last week). Since the draft we haven’t talked at all,” said Fish. “Right now it’s pretty much status quo. You never know and things can happen at the last hour and the last minute, but we’re prepared (for free agency) and we know that Matt is highly thought of out there. That’s for sure.
“We’re allowed to talk to other teams about him (on Tuesday) and there have been a lot of teams inquiring...
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Will Middlebrooks hit a 3-run double in the top of the 9th inning to power the Red Sox to a 4-3 victory over the Rays tonight. He joined Joe & Dave after the final call live from the dugout.
Larry joined the program to discuss the teams recent struggles and informed the guys that it is still early in the season. Larry also said that he still has faith that Daniel bard can turn things around.
Stephen Drew helped the Red Sox to a 9-2 victory over the Rays tonight with a grand slam in the 3rd inning. He spoke with Joe Castiglione & Dave O'Brien after the game.
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.
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.
Pierre McGuire joins Tom Caron and Mut to discuss the Bruins young defensemen, the intensity and energy level in the game, and the Rangers offense.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Millar joins the show to discuss the recent Sox slide, Jacoby Ellsbury's lack of power, and hitting in the big leagues.
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.
We talk all things game one with Jack Edwards of NESN, and get to hear a little from Jack's Finnish protege as well.
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...
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.
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
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.
Sounds like a prostate exam to me!
Damn New Yorkers!
Sauce Man stylings!
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 showLinda 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 showWe 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 showJeff 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 showDale 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