Three Quick Thoughts

Three Thoughts on Three Big Things, occurring either this weekend or in the next few days:

1. The Red Sox' trade for Adrian Gonzalez is exactly what they needed to do to reinvigorate a flagging fanbase. The Red Sox are arguably the 4th most popular team in Boston at the moment, with the Patriots with the best record in football going up against the Jets, the Celtics rolling to another division and possibly conference title, and with the Bruins making a move to the top of the Northeast Division with clutch wins against the Flyers and Lightning. They needed to make a splash, and at time of press, it looks like they've done that.

Of course, there is no contract extension in place, and there is the feel that the Sox are trying to nickel and dime a player that could be the cornerstone of their franchise for years to come. I really don't like this kind of business model, and it makes me think that Theo Epstein and Jeremy Jacobs have switches bodies or something.

2. The Patriots square off with the Jets tomorrow, and it will go a long way to answering outstanding questions about the AFC East, and the AFC in general. Tomorrow will tell people whether the Patriots are title contenders, or just benefiting from Tom Brady playing out of his freaking mind, and if the Jets are title contenders, or just incredibly and maddeningly lucky. I'm expecting a game decided by a field goal, but would really love a complete curb stomp by the Patriots. I would love nothing better than the Pats patting the Jets on the head and congratulating them for a good showing, and then kicking their asses, but that's not going to happen. Excited, at any rate.

3. Shootout loss to the Leafs of all teams notwithstanding, the Bruins had an impressive week, beating the defending Eastern Conference Champion Flyers, and then undressing the Lightning 8-1. They got Marc Savard back, and finally have the team they were expecting at the beginning of the year. The trade and then not trade of Marco Sturm is a bit weird, but I'm sure once Marco's healthy they'll trade him again, and I wish him the best. For both the Game 6 goal against the Habs in 2008, as well as the OT Gamewinner in the Winter Classic earlier this year, Sturm always had a knack for the timely memorable goal. But we'll see. A big week is upcoming, which can but the Bruins in the position they need to be in for their second meeting with the surprisingly strong Canadiens.

So, yeah. Big week. Big week ahead. I love winter sports.

-M