Should We Feel Different About John Lackey?

As I posted yesterday John Lackey needs Tommy John. There is no doubt in my mind that he needed it all year, because Peter Gammons reported it back in June. The question now is, should be now feel different about him?

In a way we should. He battled through this all year, because the Red Sox had already lost Clay and Dice-K. They didn't have any minor league arms to come up, either due to injury or just being awful. Maybe this is the reason we hear every Red Sox player standing up for Lackey. So, for being a "tough guy" we have to give him credit.

Still, he was just such an asshole that I can't just get over it. Ok, let's forgive his on the field issues for a second. That doesn't excuse showing up the other players on the team any time he lets up a hit. It doesn't excuse the way he treats the media. It doesn't excuse his stupid face, and voice. It doesn't excuse leaving his wife while she fights cancer. It doesn't excuse using Fenway as an excuse for his troubles. It doesn't excuse drinking during his off days, and getting fat.

Red Sox fans hated John Lackey for more reasons then just his on the field performances. It's his actions, overall being an awful person, and then being a terrible pitcher.

DP doesn't think we will see Lackey in a Red Sox jersey again. I have to disagree. I fully expect to hear the 2013 John Lackey comeback story, because no one is going to take him till he proves he's healthy, and now the Red Sox (and Lackey) have their excuse of why he was so terrible.

I do agree with DP that this is a victory for the Red Sox tough. With him getting hurt it kicks in the option for Lackey, which adds a year, but he only makes a little over $400,000 that year. So, yes we have Lackey a little longer, but what it does is lower the Red Sox luxury tax. Taxes on team don't just look at what a guy makes over 1 year, but rather the average salary over the course of the deal. Basically, because he makes the league minimum now for the final year his contract his average salary of $15 million/year goes to $12 million/year. Not the biggest victory ever, but when coupled with the fact we don't have to deal with him next year I see it overall as the best thing that could've happened for the Red Sox.

Redskins Season Is Over

Not that we didn't already know that, but this news today that Santana Moss (broken hand) will miss 5-7 weeks, and running back Tim Hightower (torn ACL) will be out the rest of the season should basically end anyone's hope. Also, for anyone that cares Rex Grossman is in the hospital for the next 48 hours with pneumonia.

Without Hightower, who rushed for 321 yards and a touchdown on 84 carries this year, the Redskins now will rely on Ryan Torain and Roy Helu to take the bulk of the rushing attempts.

Moss is the bigger blow. He was their 2nd leading receiver and really the only guy on this team offensively who could explode. They will not have a core of Gaffney, Stallworth, and Armstrong to carry them along.

You wonder if this is a team that should try out Terrell Owens.

Lions Lose Best For Season?

"NFL Insider Mike Freeman reported Thursday that Lions RB Jahvid Best has been advised by people close to him to "strongly consider sitting out the year" after suffering his second concussion of the season (CBS Sports)."

Best had to miss his final 4 games in college because of concussion issues, and this is his 2nd this season. It sounds as if it might be in his best interest to sit out the rest of the year. The Lions haven't even rules him out for this week yet, but it's starting to sound like it's just a matter of time.

For now Maurice Morris will take over as the starting RB. The Lions tried to trade for Ronnie Brown, but the trade fell through when it was found out that Jerome Harrison has some kind of health issue.

This isn't a killer blow for the Lions, but it will hurt. The rest of their RBs pretty much suck (as you can tell by them trying to trade for Ronnie Brown). Best wasn't just a factor in the running game (390 yards 4.6 avg), but also the passing game (27 catches 287 yards). That is going to be tough to replace.

David Krejci Injury Update (UPDATED)

David Krejci was able to get back on the ice for the first time since his "core" injury. Krejci was able to participate in the morning skate, and it sounds like he will be back Saturday against San Jose, if not tomorrow against Toronto.

The Bruins need offense right now there is no getting around that. I do like Seguin skating with guys like Horton and Lucic, because they are bangers (when they are playing like they should) and that is the kind of guys that can cause chaos in front of the net and open the ice up for Seguin.

I didn't see the game last night, and from the sound of it I am kind of glad, but I did read the Bruins shook up their lines. Whatever it takes to breathe a little life into this team is probably a good idea. I am hoping that all this fighting last night got this team fired up. We have seen it before that the Bruins play better angry.

My 2 cents on the lines (when healthy), which mean little to nothing, but makes sense to me are...

Lucic - Krejci - Peverley
Marchand - Bergeron - Seguin
Pouliot - Kelly - Horton

I am a big Horton fan, but he has looked like shit. I like Peverley on that first line to add some speed with Lucic, and some energy. Lucic I feel like at times seems out of it, and almost bored. Sometimes a fiery guy like Peverley can breathe life into a player like that. Little worried about the size on the 2nd line, but Marchand plays a lot bigger then his actual size, and Seguin/Bergeron are such playmakers they can make Marchand a 30 goal scorer.

Like I said, that's just my idea.

***UPDATE***

Here are the lines from today's practice...

Milan Lucic-Chris Kelly-Tyler Seguin
Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Nathan Horton
Jordan Caron-David Krejci/Rich Peverley-Benoit Pouliot
Daniel Paille-Gregory Campbell-Shawn Thornton

Yea, it's a lot different then mine, but I do like it. I think Julien realizes that Horton is playing like shit, since he dropped him to the 2nd line. Like I talked about before I like that Seguin/Lucic combo, because when Lucic is playing like he should he can cause problems for teams in front of the net.

Anyways, interesting to see they are changing it up, but I think it's a good idea.

Jason Campbell Out For Year?

Jason Campbell suffered a broken collarbone in Sunday's victory, and it sounds as if he will miss the rest of the season. This makes an interesting problem for a Raiders team that has a chance to make the playoffs this year. For now, Kyle Boller came in and went 8 for 14 for 100 yards, but I don't think he will be good enough to get the job done for the Raiders and the only other QB on the roster is Terrelle Pryor. I know for whatever reason DP will say Pryor should start, but if this team actually wants a chance to go to the playoffs I think they need to go out and sign someone else.

It seems the Raiders agree as they have reached out to free agent quarterback David Garrard. I am not a big Garrard guy, but the Raiders are a heavy run team, and Garrard gives them what they need, which is a guy who is accurate (61.6% in his career, 64.5% last year). I think that Garrard is good enough that with this running game he can do enough to win.

Crosby Cleared For Full Contact

Sidney Crosby has been cleared for contact, and might be able to return to game action soon. There is still no timetable, but I am guess that it can't bee more then a week or two, as he has been able to skate and keep himself in shape. This is great for the NHL, as he is one (if not the biggest) star in the NHL. Plus, the Penguins have a sick team with Malkin back, and they actually played pretty well without Crosby, so think how good they will be with him back.

I hate seeing these terrible concussion injuries, so while I do not like Crosby at all, I am happy to hear he'll be back.

David Krejci Could Be Out Awhile

Like Boston needed anymore piss poor news today we are getting word that David Krejci hurt his knee in practice the other day. He has been ruled out of tonight's game, and there are some reports that suggest that he could miss "a couple of weeks".

The first line for the Bruins (Krecji/Lucic/Horton) have been terrible so far this season, so a shake up was probably coming soon if they didn't get it going. This injury is going to force them to do it tonight. The question is how do the Bruins react to this. Do they move Bergeron and breakup their best line so far this season (Marchand/Bergeron/Peverley)? Do you entrust Tyler Seguin to play center on the top line?I think they will do neither. I think most likely Chris Kelly will play on that first line.

We'll update you when we hear more about Krejci's injury and timetable.

"Suck For Luck" Getting Easier For Dolphins

Quarterback Chad Henne is out for the season. Henne decided to have shoulder surgery and was placed on the injured reserve list yesterday. This is not a bad thing for the Dolphins. Henne blows and it's a chance to just move on. On top of that it's just one more reason why they will be in last place at the end of the year and be able to draft Andrew Luck.

If they get Luck it will be the first QB since Dan Marino who is actually good. If you read this site you know I think very highly of Luck, and I think he could be the one guy that could turn this franchise around. Basically be the Dolphins' Peyton Manning.

The Dolphins replaced Henne on the roster by signing veteran quarterback Sage Rosenfels, which is screaming "We just don't give a shit anymore", because if they did they could've gone after someone like Garrard or something.

Next season if they get Luck they do have some other pieces around him that could make them decent quick. Marshall, when he's not being a crazy asshole, is still a damn good talent. Bush is not an every down back, but if they use him right and get another good RB that situation could work out nicely. Fasano is a pretty good TE. On top of that I think this offensive line is going to be good with Long and Pouncey.

I am not saying the Dolphins would be a playoff team or anything next year if they get luck, but they could be in 2-3 years if they do get him.

Jerod Mayo's Injury Not Season Ending (UPDATE)

"The Patriots will be without their starting middle linebacker for an extended period of time after Jerod Mayo suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee, according to a report from Comcast's Tom Curran."

Thank god, because the Patriots need this guy in the middle of their defense. He eats up a lot of tackles, and is probably the 2nd best Patriots defensive player other then Wilfork. I really thought when he came off the field that he tore his ACL, and that would be it for the season. Luckily that is not the case. Normally an injury like this takes 2-4 weeks to heal, as much as that sucks it could've been a lot worse.

***UPDATE***

According to this source it could be a lot worse then I thought....

"The Boston Globe reports that Patriots LB Jerod Mayo (knee) will likely miss six weeks with a medial collateral ligament sprain, citing a league source."

That seems really long to me, since Mayo had this injury in 2009 and was able to come back in 6 weeks. We probably won't find out much more since it's the Patriots, but that was be terrible news if he is really out that long.

Buchholz Staying With Red Sox

"WEEI.com has learned that Clay Buchholz, who was originally believed to be scheduled to pitch in an Instructional League game in Fort Myers, Fla. Wednesday if the Red Sox' regular season finale meeting with the Orioles meant anything in the wild card race, will remain with the team. With Buchholz staying in Baltimore, the team is leaving open the possibility of activating the pitcher for Wednesday's game.

Buchholz -- who hasn't pitched in a big league game since June 16 thanks to a stress fracture in his lower back -- had thrown 18 pitches in an Instructional League game Monday (allowing a double) before rejoining the Red Sox later that day (WEEI)."

Interesting. I am not sure what the Sox think they are going to get from this guy after pitching only 18 pitches? Maybe there thinking of combining all their shitty pitchers together on Thursday and try to some how get an inning of good pitching from all of them.

As DP wrote before Lackey is starting Thursday if we get that far. That makes it even more important tonight that no only does Lester win, but go deep into the game. They need Aceves to get the night off. He has pitched a bunch of innings over the past couple days, and I know he has a rubber arm, but everyone get tired at some point. If Lester can go 7 innings (I know that is asking a lot with the way he has been playing), and then the Sox can go Bard, Papelbon (in a close game) that would be huge for the Red Sox, because I can guarantee they are going to need Aceves in that Lackey (if they make it that far).

Kenny Britt Out For Season

Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt will undergo season-ending surgery on his right knee to repair multiple torn ligaments. Tough blow for the Titans, as Britt was leading the AFC in receiving with 14 catches for 271 yards and three touchdowns. The Titans don't have a lot of receiving depth, so they are really going to need Chris Johnson to get going. He has only 98 rushing yards through 3 games, and they are going to need him to start having those 150 yard games if they are going to do anything the rest of this year.

No Matter What They Say Manning Is Done For Year

"During a business breakfast with Super Bowl donors Monday, Colts owner Jim Irsay announced that Peyton Manning could miss the entire season while he recovers from offseason neck surgery, according to a reports out of Indianapolis.

After the reports surfaced, Irsay sent out a tweet clarifying his comments and indicating there remains a possibility of a late-season return by the veteran quarterback: I didn't say Peyton out 4season FOR SURE,keeping him on ActiveRoster n taking it month by month/Outside chance of return n December possible," Irsay wrote (WEEI)."

The Colts are 0-3 and they will be lucky to win more then 3 games all year. So, there is really no point for Manning coming back this year. I wrote about this before, but how interesting will it be if the Colts have the #1 pick? Would think pick Luck? I mean Manning can't have too long left in the NFL, so I would think they would have to. It would be a very interesting situation. Imagine if they go from Manning to Luck and have back-to-back franchise QBs without any kind of break? As you can tell I am sold that Luck is going to be a top 5 QB within his first 3 seasons in the NFL.

Anyways, Manning is done for this year.

No Way.... Vick Is Hurt!!!! (UPDATED)

I think this could be a weekly article for me now. Every week we can say how Vick got hurt. This time it was a broken hand, and then after Vick pulled back his new golden boy persona and said that it's unfair he gets hit so much.

"I was trying to protect myself," Vick said in his postgame news conference. "Still didn't get a flag and that's pretty much been the story for the last three weeks. I mean, obviously at some point something catastrophic is going to happen and I broke my hand."

"Looking at the replays, I'm on the ground every time, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't frustrated," Vick said. "The refs have got to do their jobs. And I mentioned it to the refs in training camp when I talked to them. I'm on the ground constantly, all the time. Every time I throw the ball, I'm on the ground. And I don't know why I don't get the 15-yard flags like everybody else does (ESPN)."

Maybe you should talk to your offensive line, or maybe you should release the ball earlier, or maybe you shouldn't be Vick for a day and make every play 30 secs long. Whatever the reason, this is just trying to get future calls. As for the Eagles they are in serious trouble if they don't have Vick. This team is terribly overrated, and the only thing that makes them special is Vick. Without him this could easily be an 8-8 team. No word yet how long he will be out, but we will be sure to update when we get a chance.

Then again, even if he is back next week he'll probably break his leg or something. Good thing they gave Mr. Glass a $100 million dollar deal.

***UPDATE***

Michael Vick's broken right hand isn't actually broken and instead a misread X-ray. Good, we can see how he will get hurt again next week.