First off, St. John’s is one of the few BIG EAST schools to be lucky enough to have two home venues: Carnesecca Arena and Madison Square Garden. The history behind both the arena formerly know as “Alumni Hall” and the “World’s Most Famous Arena” or the “Mecca of College Basketball” is undeniable. The on-campus Queens venue had to be renamed because of the accomplishments that former head coach and STJ “Legacy” Lou Carnesecca led the program to, while the annual BIG EAST Championship is held at the Red Storm’s “other” home venue.

Now my experience at St. John’s is an interesting one. I may have attended just three games as an actual fan because of my major and interest in working in athletics as both a Sports Management major at STJ and working for the athletic department since my first day on campus, I rarely experienced a game from a fans point of view. Not that it took away from my love of St. John’s basketball at all. I began working for the Red/White Club, which put on dinners prior to each home game for alumni. From my perspective, I was able to see every home game for free. I was not able to be in the student section, but I was there, taking it all in.

My traditions became heading to the arena an hour early to set up for some of the most dedicated alumni that St. John’s has ever had. Some of the most memerable moments that I can remember are former head coaches Mike Jarvis and Norm Roberts coming into the dinners pregame to talk to the alumni about that evenings game and what the team would focus on. In-game, I was able to get closer to the court than most undergrads could dream of. I was often given a press pass, where I would stand in the Garden tunnel and be near-mesmerized as opposing players such as Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon would walk by or legendary coaches like Jim Boeheim or Rick Pitino would ask me to please move as they made their way to the their respective locker rooms.

Now while my undergraduate and post-grad experience may be much different than most, it should not take away from some of the great traditions (new and old) that St. John’s has.

One of the new traditions at St. John’s is the annual “Black-Out Game.” Fans receive black STJ Basketball t-shirts while the Red Storm come out in their alternate black uniforms, which have become a huge hit for players and fans alike.

One of the greatest things about going to a St. John’s game is a chance to meet living legends. Two games that I will always remember were the times where I got to talk to Coach Carnesecca prior to the start of the matchup. Coach would often walk through the lobby talking to any and everyone, always with a kind word and an excellent story as you stood awe-struck in front of him.

Thanks to “Lou’s” unforgettable style, one other new staple of any St. John’s season is “Ugly Sweater Night.” Every year, around the holiday season, fans and even the mascot are encouraged to wear their most hideous sweaters, not only to celebrate Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza and the like, but to celebrate the career of one of college basketball’s most memorable coaches, Lou Carnesecca.

Now St. John’s is not just about its former coaches, it is about its current coach. Steve Lavin has brought his own fashion flair, substance and coaching style to the Red Storm. Most notably his signature look of Air Force Ones and the tie-less suit. Want to look like you own the collegiate basketball scene? Get yourself a fresh white pair and make sure you leave your older brother’s tie at home (No need to tell anyone you don’t own a tie or know how to tie it anyways).

Since St. John’s underwent an amazing renovation at Carnesecca Arena which put the student section directly on top of opposing free-throw shooters, students have enjoyed being a giant factor in the game. One other thing that the student section has brought in is the invention of “Lavinwood.” Being from UCLA while having a larger-than-life presence the letters L-A-V-I-N-W-O-O-D are often prominently displayed at either Carnesecca or MSG.

While some of the new traditions at St. John’s have become a staple, one tradition that will not go away any time soon is the Red Storm’s (or previously the Red Men’s) signature chant: We Are… St. John’s.

Whether STJ is trying to get trying to get back in the game or are up by 20, the student section as well as all of St. John’s die-hard fans know that as soon as they hear “we are,” the proper response will always be… ST. JOHN’S!

As always please continue to vote for me at MyBigEastVolvo.com, follow me on Twitter.com at handle @BIG3Sports and like the Facebook.com/Gambo4VolvoBiggestFan.

The first step in this process is to create the perfect S60. Of course, you would have to pick the “R-Design.” This model includes a six-speed geartronic automatic transmission, 3.0 liter engine, with 325 horses, dual exhaust and 354 lbs. of torque. Along with the usual Volvo bells & whistles, it also includes HD radio & Sirius XM, a bluetooth handsfree system, USB/IPod function, moonroof and 18-inch Ixion alloy wheels.

Time to go all out as available climate, technology and multimedia packages make this a truly “ultimate” S60. Volvo also offers two accessories that would be perfect for a true St. John’s fan. An integrated navigation system helps you find your way through New York City as Johnnies make their way Madison Square Garden, while a rear seat entertainment system allows friends to keep up on BIG EAST basketball.

Now it may seem like a given that a St. John’s automobile would have to be some shade of red, but since 2009, when the Red Storm introduced their alternate black jerseys, the annual “black-out” game has become a huge success, while the jerseys themselves have been a team favorite. With that in mind, black sapphire metallic is definitely the color for this ultimate VolvoS60.

I really contemplated putting a giant STJ logo on the hood and/or lightning bolts down the side, but a more subtle approach to represent the Red Storm may be appropriate for this machine. Although a vanity plate that says “526″ (the number of wins recorded by legendary head coach Lou Carnesecca) or “Lavinwood” may be in order.

Instead of the excessive paint jobs, after market body kits and custom spoilers all in red & white, this “ultimate St. John’s Volvo” will have several additions to make it a true Johnnie.

Floor mats

Custom Plates

Good tunes

Lou Carnesecca & Steve Lavin (they come with the car right?)

Metta World Peace?

Perfect.

Please continue to vote for me at MyBigEastVolvo.com, and be sure to follow me on Twitter @BIG3Sports.

Also, like the Facebook page.

5) Tim Tebow- “Tebowing” 

I equate Tim Tebow to John Cena from the WWE.  You either love him or you despise him.  Much like Cena he doesn’t let people’s opinions phase him.  He can be putrid in some games yet walk on water in other games.  But no matter the circumstance, he will be found down on one knee, head bowed, deep in prayer and the rise up, yell and point to the sky.  He has even turned into a national phenomenon.

4) Rob Gronkowski “The Spike”

Rob Gronkowski put together the best season ever by a tight end in 2011.  He set the receiving yardage mark with 1,327 yards.  He also set the record for most touchdowns by a tight end with 17.  At the end of the each of those 17 touchdowns, Gronk would spike the ball to the turf with all his might.  It is a simple celebration, but when you see it 17 times, it starts to grow on you.

3) Aaron Rodgers- “Showing off the Belt”

Two WWE references in one post? Really? Really?  (Ok there’s 3).  When you have a commercial that features your touchdown celebration you are worthy of a top 5 spot.  I am a fan of Aaron Rodgers’ subtle flashing the belt because I am a WWE fan.  Not to mention Rodgers looks pretty bad ass when he does it.  Discount double-check? Yes sir.

2) Victor Cruz “The Salsa”

My favorite play from Victor Cruz this year came when the Giants were getting blown out of the stadium by the New Orleans Saints.  Cruz caught a 72 yard touchdown in the beginning of the fourth quarter.  No, he didn’t break out into his Salsa, he simply game the ball to the ref because he knew there was no celebrating losing by 30.  After seeing that, I became a big Victor Cruz fan and now thoroughly enjoy the dance.

1) Green Bay Packers “The Lambeau Leap”

Sure, this celebration has been going on for decades.  But is there truly anything better than a player running up and jumping into the fans’ arms?  Ultimately the fans are the reason the players are on the field and making the money they do.  To celebrate with the people who make you who you are is truly the greatest celebration. The Packers went 8-0 at home this season and scored 43 touchdowns at Lambeau Field.  Yes, that’s 43 Lambeau Leaps!

I can be followed on Twitter @ ScottieNTCF

This ties in perfectly with Volvo’s “Biggest Fan of the BIG EAST” contest and its third challenge post: “What are the top three BIG EAST road trip towns, and why?”

Well now it would be fairly easy to say that especially during these winter months, USF and Tampa, Fla., would be on the top of the destination list. This could easily be joined by Louisville (in my opinion, one of the best college atmospheres in the BIG EAST) and then another larger city school such as DePaul (Chicago), Georgetown (D.C.), Pittsburgh, St. John’s (NYC) or Villanova (Philadelphia).

But let’s be honest, this is the BIG EAST. This is where basketball comes first, not the nightlife and attractions that go along with it. That said, if you still had to pick three road trips (and with a Volvo S60, it really wouldn’t matter where you were going), why not have it be the top three BIG EAST basketball matchups this season!

To choose my top three games I decided to not pick seeing a team more than once and while the Volvo S60 may be fast, it is not a time machine, so games on the same day had to be weeded out. Also, games toward the end of the schedule were given favor as they will be paramount in deciding seeds in the BIG EAST Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 6-10.

February 25: Syracuse at UConn

A potential matchup of the No. 1 team in the country and the defending National Champions. Two giants will collide when Andre Drummond and Fab Melo battle in the paint while the backcourts of the Orange’s Brandon Triche and Scoop Jardine, and the Huskies Jeremy Lamb and Shabaz Napier will definitely be a good one. The X-factor could end up being Kris Joseph for Syracuse, while homecourt advantage for UConn could help to push the game in Connecticut’s favor.

Syracuse

Connecticut

February 26: Pittsburgh at Louisville

Coach Rick Pitino has his squad playing at a high level, but a matchup against Pittsburgh is always a tough task. Louisville is an undefeated 10-0 on the season and stands fourth in the country in the latest coaches poll, while Pitt is not far behind at 10-1 and 13th. BIG EAST Tournament seeding as well as national rankings will definitely be in play here. Preseason league player of the year Ashton Gibbs spearheads the Panther attack, while a team-first mentality of the Cardinals will make this a true BIG EAST battle.

Louisville

Pittsburgh

March 3: Georgetown at Marquette

Marquette has caught some people by surprise this year, but are playing like a top-five team in the BIG EAST this season. Head coach Buzz Williams has the Golden Eagles at 10-0 and ranked 10th in the country in the latest coaches poll. Meanwhile, Georgetown has overcome some huge player losses in the past two seasons, such as Greg Monroe and Austin Freeman, but head coach John Thompson III has the Hoyas at 9-1 and ranked 13 in the nation. This game could decide who gets a first-round bye in the BIG EAST tournament.

Marquette

Georgetown

There are several other games that could have made this list, including Louisville at Syracuse on March 3, Pittsburgh at UConn on March 3 and Villanova at West Virginia on December 28.

Either way, with a brand new Volvo and some excellent BIG EAST basketball, how can you really go wrong?

Thanks to everyone for reading and let me know what games you want to see this season. Check out the full league schedule here.

Vote for Mike Gambardella in Volvo’s “Biggest Fan of the BIG EAST” Contest.

Join Mike’s Facebook group.

Follow Mike on Twitter.

*Chris Paul will be traded before Christmas 2011.  New Orleans does not want to go through the “Melodrama” the Nuggets went through last year.  With all the leaks about the Celtics wanting Paul, it would be in their best interest to acquire the best point guard in the league by any means necessary.  The Celtics current point guard Rajon Rondo is very talented but is beyond emotionally fragile.  He broke down last year when his BFF Kendrick Perkins was traded.  He broke down when he was “dissed” by President Obama.  Now the Celtics are reportedly (by every media outlet) pursuing Paul.  If the Celtics fail at acquiring Paul, they will be in for a very long and very uncomfortable season with Rondo running the show.  Get Paul now, worry about his contract status later.

*The Miami Marlins (have to get use to saying that) have been the biggest players in baseball free agency thus far.  They landed Jose Reyes, Heath Bell, and Mark Buehrle.  They are also in hot pursuit of Albert Pujols.  While this appears to be great news for South Florida, they have alienated their franchise player in Hanley Ramirez.  HanRam has reportedly asked for a trade because does not want to move to third base for Reyes.  If I am the Red Sox, I make a strong play at reacquiring the troubled shortstop.  He comes with baggage. There is no doubt about it.  But at the end of the day he is 27 years old coming off his worst season but entering his prime.  He is under contract until 2014 at a reasonable price (3 years $46 mil left).  He is a clear upgrade over Marco Scutaro or Jed Lowrie.  If I am Ben Cherrington, I offer Lowrie or Scutaro, Xander Bogaerts or Jose Iglesias, Ryan Kalish or Josh Reddick, and Matt Barnes or Anthony Ranuaudo.  Imagine this lineup:

Ellsbury, Crawford, Pedroia, Gonzalez, HRamirez, Youkilis, Ortiz, Saltalamacchia, Kalish/Reddick.

*The Boston Bruins benched Tyler Seguin last night during a 15 game unbeaten streak due to him missing a team breakfast in Winnipeg.  Now, I may be in the minority but I love that they benched the 19 year old leading scorer.  Nipping any antics that Seguin may be a part of in the bud is essential in his early development.  It’s clear to me that his benching has a lot more to it then missing his team breakfast.  His excuse will also go down as the worst excuse in sports history.  ”My clock was set on Boston time and not Winnipeg time.” Tyler may need a geography/time zone lesson to go along with that benching.  What we all need to remember is that the kid is 19 and he hasn’t had a chance to experience the night life like we all did in college.  I cut him some slack but at the same time applaud the management and coaching decision to discipline him.

* I once hated Tim Tebow with a unparraleled passion.  I think that was because I was an ignorant Longhorns fan that would hear nothing other than Colt McCoy was the best there was.  (In my defense he is the all time winningest quarterback in NCAA history). But after the last two months, how do you not love Tebow? Yes, the whole God squad thing can deter someone but as an athlete? The guy has “it.” Whatever “it” may be Tebow has it.  He wins football games and is exciting to watch.  Yes, I am all aboard the Tebow wagon!

*Unfortunately I don’t have any thoughts on the Patriots.  To me they are the most vanilla franchise in Boston sports.  It may be a reflection of the coach.  They win ball games and move on to the next opponent.  Until the playoffs, there is nothing I can really say about them.

*I love Ed Cooley.  When Providence College first hired him, I was skeptical at best.  My hatred of Keno Davis and his thug culture may have angered me to the point I was blind.  But there truly was no better person to hire for this position then who they landed.  Cooley has demonstrated a willingness to play defense (unthinkable during Keno’s time) and also to discipline players when needed.  (Kadeem Batts is yet to play a game.  Expected back for the URI game 12-23).  I have gone to as many games as I’ve could and have appreciated the development of Bryce Cotton.  I like that Vincent Council is playing under control.  I like that Cooley has Coleman playing defense.  I understand that the Friars may get smoked once the Big East schedule starts.  But I expected that coming into the season.  But because of Cooley, I now know they will play hard for 40 minutes every night.

*I can be followed on Twitter @ ScottieNTCF

At the end of February, a day after my birthday actually, the kind folks at Volvo (@Volvo_US) are sending me on an all-expenses paid trip back to my alma mater, St. John’s University, thanks to my involvement in their “Biggest Fan of the BIG EAST Contest“. Not only are they putting me up in a hotel in New York City, giving me tickets to the STJ – Notre Dame at Madison Square Garden and spending money, they are letting me test drive the brand new Volvo S60, all weekend long.

In preparation for the big weekend, I have been tasked with listing the must-see attractions and stops to make when I am back in NYC for the game. This is the second challenge post in the contest.

Needless to say I will have Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” on repeat, pumping through the sound system for three hours as I drive the S60 down to Queens (Maybe a ‘lil Frank Sinatra, “New York, New York” thrown in as well).

The first stop I’ll make once I get over the Throgs Neck Bridge and on to Union Turnpike will definitely have to be Romeo’s Pizzeria. Any St. John’s student can tell you that once you have had one of their “chicken cesar slices” you will never go back. My mouth is actually salivating right now as type this (February can’t get here fast enough).

From there it’s on to visit Big Ed over at the Sly Fox Inn (just five blocks down)… wait, I’m getting ahead of myself. Of course, I have to stop at Iguana’s Mexican Grill and Cantina for a margarita. To bad I won’t be there on a Wednesday (O, how I miss dollar beer night). I’ll also try to avoid the tequila museum (Yes they have a giant room with about 300 different types of tequila).

Ok, now on to the Sly Fox, for a barbecue burger and Hoegaarden (and probably a bear hug from Eddie). The Fox was always the place to go after all athletic events on campus at St. John’s. Much obliged for all the hospitality over the years.

From there, I have to make a stop in the “Verizon Store.” Now most recent St. John’s grads know that the “Verizon Store,” which is actually a cellphone store now, used to be one of the best bars at STJ. I myself actually worked the door there for a year. Whether it was known as Last Call or Gantry’s, the new phone outlet just serves as a reminder of all the good times we shared there.

Now that I’ve made it all the way to the corner of Union Turnpike and Utopia Parkway, I have finally reached the campus of St. John’s. Of course any time I stop by the school, I have to go in and say hello to the many members of the Athletic Department that still work there (special shoutout to the Sports Information Office). I spent four years as an undergraduate student worker in Carnesecca Arena (then known as Alumni Hall) and then two more as a graduate assistant. I can’t even imagine the total hours that I spent in that gym, whether it was working for the administration office, helping out with Red/White Club, watching the Red Storm play a game, or just shooting around on the court to pass the time. The days I spent there will always be some of the best years of my life.

Ok, where to next? I may actually have to head down to Fresh Meadows just to grab a queso burrito from Qdoba. I know its not local to Queens, but anyone that worked with at STJ with me knows my slight obsession. From there it will be on to the LIE, heading towards Manhattan.

Now, we are talking about the “greatest city in the world.” To be forced to have to pick just a few establishments to visit is almost near impossible. There is a reason that the BIG EAST Conference hosts its annual basketball championship at Madison Square Garden. You could go to the city for the tournament every year for the next 20 years, and do something different each time you go. That said, I am going to do my best to pick out some of my favorite spots in the city before heading to a game.

The cheesy pick will be Times Square. It is a complete tourist attraction, but no matter how many times you have been there before, any chance you have to stand in the middle of it and do a .360, you have to feel like you are a part of something. And that goes for any time of day. Whether its 8 a.m., or 5 a.m., the place always has a ton of people in it. It is simply amazing.

The next stop would probably be Bryant Park. I know a lot people would choose Central Park, but for some reason, for the first four years as an undergrad at St. John’s, whenever I took the E or F train into the city, we would always end up getting off at Bryant Park (usually with no plan of what to do, what-so-ever, but eventually having another amazing and memorable night) before we would head out. A chance to go back and feel the nostalgia set in would be well worth it.

The pregame spot for any St. John’s game at the garden has to be Stout. Whether we were hanging out upstairs getting some good food and watching whatever other game was on, or going downstairs for some darts or karaoke (both are always in play), I always had a great time there. The other good thing is that many other people felt the same way, and you never knew who would walk in the door. You could end up meeting a friend you hadn’t seen in nearly three years and not miss a beat as both of you had shown up for the game that night. You could also easily find tickets outside (not that I condone that type of thing).

After a St. John’s game, the world is practically your oyster (I’ve heard people use that saying a lot, and I don’t think I’ve ever used the saying before. Feels pretty good). As many of my friends have now moved to the city, it becomes a flurry of texts and phone calls to find out where everyone is meeting up. Riding the train around the city at one point or another is also a must as you never know what you may see (seriously, anything is in play on those things). The best part is that once you get to the first “spot” you immediately get another text that says plans have changed and we are now heading to another place 40 blocks away. Into the cab and away we go.

No matter what happens though, you are guaranteed to have a good time. And if you’re lucky you’ll end up looking out over the water at 4 a.m., staring at the Statue of Liberty, humming the lines “… concrete jungle, where dreams are made, there’s nothing you can’t do, now you’re in New York, New York, New York….”

If you haven’t voted for me yet, please do at MyBigEastVolvo.com.

And as always, follow me on Twitter at @BIG3Sports.

Starting Five

Center: Patrick Ewing, Georgetown

The Hall of Famer is a shoe-in here. He is one of the most highly recruited players in the history of college basketball, even in 1980. Big Pat was one of the first freshman ever to star on his college team and is also one of the first players to wear a short-sleeved t-shirt under his jersey, a common trend of current players now. While these aren’t necessarily “important” stats, Ewing did bring the BIG EAST Conference its first-ever National title in 1984 and nearly made it two championships during his senior season before falling to Villanova in the title game.

Power Forward: Derrick Coleman, Syracuse

From his accomplishments at ‘Cuse, he became the No. 1 overall pick by the New Jersey Nets in the 1990 NBA draft. Even though he never became the player that Charles Barkley and Karl Malone were, that should not take away from what he did for the Orange. His No. 44 jersey is now retired at Syracuse and he was an NCAA All-American First Team selection and BIG EAST Player of the Year in 1990.

Small Forward: Chris Mullin, St. John’s

This has nothing to do with my St. John’s bias. He has recently been inducted to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, large in part because of what he accomplished for the Johnnies. He is the conference’s only three-time Player of the Year and was a member of the 1984 United States National Team, as well as a member of the 1992 “Dream Team,” along with Patrick Ewing. A Brooklyn native, Mulllin averaged 16.6 PPG as a rookie with STJ before being named league POY and an All-American in three-straight seasons.

Shooting Guard: Ray Allen

Allen will go down at the best or second best (dap to Reggie) 3-point shooter in basketball history, but at UConn he was thought to be potentially the next Jordan. The man some know as “Jesus Shuttleswoth,” showed why at Connecticut. He earned All-America honors and was named USA Basketball Male Athlete of the year in 1995. In his senior season he was a first-team All-American and was also the BIG EAST Player of the Year. (I realize that this is probably my Celtics bias standing out as I probably should have put Carmelo at SF and Mullin at SG).

Point Guard: Allen Iverson

Another NBA No. 1 overall pick, Iverson is a man who put together one of the greatest freshman seasons in BIG EAST history (yes I recognize Carmelo as 1A), as he scored a conference record 357 points in his rookie campaign. Possibly JTII’s best recruit (although Ewing probably deserves the title), AI earned league Rookie of the Year honors and two Defensive Player of the Year nods. He ended his college career as the Hoya’s all-time leader in scoring average with 23. PPG.

Reserves

6. Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse – A man that will probably be in most’s starting five, he won a National Championship in his only season at Syracuse and was considered to be in the running as the NBA’s No. 1 overall pick, before LeBron-mania took over. He definitely should have went No. 2, but we all know how much Joe Dumars loves men with the name Darko… did that come out wrong?

7. Kemba Walker, UConn – He single-handedly led UConn on one of the greatest runs in college basketball history last year, running through the BIG EAST Championship (apologies to Gary McGhee) and then on to the NCAA title.

Mark Jackson

8. Mark Jackson, St. John’s – He holds the BIG EAST record with 150 assists in a season in his 1985-86 campaign and could have easily been the starting point guard on this team, but Iverson shear skill level put him over for me. If in-game announcing skills were factored in, he would be bumped up a few spots.

9. Alozno Mourning, Georgetown – Mourning still holds the BIG EAST record with 26 free throws attempted in game (made 18) and shows just how dominant he was down low for the Hoyas. “Zo” led the nation in blocks in his rookie year and was an All-American before being selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft.

10. Richard Hamilton, UConn – Even though he is more well-known for his face-mask these days, “Rip” was Connecticut’s silky smooth scorer with cut-off tee under his jersey in UConn’s run to the 1999 NCAA title where he was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

11. Dwayne Washington, Syracuse – “Pearl” makes it three players in-a-row with fantastic nicknames. The playground phenom was the No. 1 overall ranked high school player before going to ‘Cuse. The master of the shake-and-bake would be on seven of ESPN’s Top 10 plays if he were playing right now.

12. Walter Berry, St. John’s – Berry stayed home to play for St. John’s and won the John Wooden Award and BIG EAST Player of the Year honors, plus USBWA College Player of the Year accolades in 1986, averaging 23 points and 11.1 rebounds.

Coaching Staff:

Head Coach – Lou Carnesecca, St. John’s

Assistant Coaches – John Thompson, Georgetown; Jim Boeheim, Syracuse; Jim Calhoun, Connecticut

Just Missed the Cut

Dikembe Mutombo, Georgetown

Luke Harangody, Notre Dame

Emeka Okafor, UConn

Ed Pinckney, Villanova

Rudy Gay, UConn

Da’Sean Butler, West Virginia

Metta World Peace, St. John’s

Scottie Reynolds, Villanova

Kerry Kittles, Villanova

Gerry McNamara, Syracuse
Marcus Hatten, St. John’s

Mike Sweetney, Georgetown

Terry Dehere, Seton Hall

Follow me on twitter @BIG3Sports

Vote for me in Volvo’s Biggest BIG EAST Fan contest at: http://www.bigeast.org/Sports/MensBasketball/MyBIGEASTVolvo2012.aspx

With his departure, the Red Sox are left without someone to close the door in the ninth inning.  Papelbon was a model of consistency for the most part coming out of the bullpen.  For a time, I referred to him as the next Mo. (Mariano Rivera).  For a time, whenever the Dropkick Murphy’s amplified throughout Fenway Park, there was a sense of confidence that the game was over because Papelbon was coming in to shut the door.  He was usually dependable to get the last 3 outs of a game, 3 outs that most baseball pundits say are the toughest outs of any ball game.  Boston fans should be grateful for the time Papelbon gave the organization but they shouldn’t be overly upset that he is gone.

Jonathan Papelbon left Boston as fast as he possibly could.  In theory, he couldn’t wait for the end of the 2011 season to arrive so he could grab the first ticket out-of-town.  This can be inferred by the fact that he didn’t wait to see if Boston would match or trump Philly’s generous offer.  That he signed so early in the free agent period and didn’t wait for a market to be set for him, is a testament to the fact that he wanted out as soon as possible.

To be honest, it was time for Pap to take his talents elsewhere.  Personally, my lasting memories of Pap in a Red Sox uniform are not of him doing an Irish Jig with a Bud Light box on his head after the Red Sox clinched a playoff berth. My lasting memories of Pap are his blowing a 3 run lead in Game 3 of the 2009 ALDS to the Angels.  My lasting memories of Pap are his blowing the Red Sox opportunity at making the playoffs in 2011 by getting lit up by the Orioles with 2 outs in the ninth inning.

In an effort to putting a Red Sox fan’s mind at ease, I will pose this question.  When was the last time a free agent closer, who demanded a big contract panned out for their signing team?  Francisco Rodriguez’s 3 year $37 million contract was a disaster with the Mets.  Brad Lidge signed a 3 year extension with the Phillies for the same $37 million that K-Rod signed with the Mets and other than 1 great year, his other 2 were riddled with injuries.  My point is that it’s generally not a good idea to pay a closer an exorbitant amount of money unless his name is Mariano. While some may argue that the closer is one of the most important parts of a team, I counter that they are getting paid to essentially get three outs.  At the end of the day three outs is three outs.  Three outs in the 1st inning is the same as 3 outs in 5th inning is the same as getting 3 outs in the ninth inning.  I do not buy into the theory that closers should be paid more than $10 million a year.

So now with Papelbon gone the Red Sox will need to replace him.  Their in-house options include Daniel Bard and Bobby Jenks. Bard was excellent most of last year before hitting a rough patch in September.  Then again, who on the Red Sox didn’t have a bad September other than Marco Scutaro? Jenks is still under contract for next year but does have health concerns.  Kyle Weiland was quite effective last season his first time through an opponents lineup.  One could argue that he would be ideal for the closer’s role citing the theory that he shouldn’t have to go through a lineup to do his job.  Michael Bowden pitched well in Triple A Pawtucket last season.  In 52 innings he posted a 2.73 ERA with 16 saves.  Yet he has failed to impress at the Major League level.

Looking outside the organization the names that immediately spring to mind are Heath Bell, Ryan Madson, Matt Capps, Joe Nathan, Francisco Cordero, and Jonathan Broxton.  Bell and Madson would probably command the most money and we all know I am not a fan of throwing big money at closers.  Joe Nathan has been injury prone for the last 2 seasons and isn’t getting any younger at the age of 37.   Jonathan Broxton is a 300 pounder that put up a Lackey-like ERA of near 6 this past season with the Dodgers. While Cordero had a solid season in Cincinnati, he is 36 years old and not a viable option for a multi-year contract. Out of this group Capps is the most attractive.  He is 28, has a career ERA of 3.51, and gives up about a hit an inning (410 innings pitched/ 411 hits).  I would think the Red Sox would be able to get him for 3 years $25 million.  He might not be the sexiest option out there but he does his job.

Other names to kick around as potential Papelbon replacements: Francisco Rodriguez, Jon Rauch, Frank Francisco, and David Aardsma. Rodriguez has way too much baggage and is known as a drama queen in clubhouses from New York to Milwaukee.  Bringing him to Boston would be throwing gasoline on a fire.  Rauch is 6’10 and quite intimidating on the mound, but that’s about it.  Francisco is best known for throwing a bullpen chair into the stands during a brawl in Texas and Aardsma was in Boston before and wasn’t impressive in my humble opinion.

There is a part of me that will miss Papelbon coming into the game to the Shipping up to Boston song.  There is a part of me that will miss his stare into the catcher to get his sign.  I will miss the emotion that he brought to the game.  I will also miss how he was up front about his failures as much as his successes.  But all good things come to an end and for Jonathan Papelbon and the Boston Red Sox that time is now.

Follow me on Twitter @ ScottieNTCF

It’s no secret that the Red Sox are my passion.  I could write about my Texas Longhorns with their two-headed freshman quarterback and how I don’t see a national title in their future any time soon.  I could write about the commencement of Ed Cooley’s tenure at Providence College and his quest to bring the program back to some sort of respectability.  If any of my colleagues want to get back on the blog, they are more than welcome. I just rather write about the Sox.

With all that being said, it is rumor season, also known as hot stove season in baseball.  Anyone who knows me knows I love finding all the rumors and throwing them out there in the course of casual conversation.  There has been plenty of speculation about who the next Red Sox manager is going to be.  To be honest, that conversation bores me.  I am more fascinated with player movement, which at last brings me to the point of this post.

On October 31, 2o11 the Cleveland Indians declined their option to bring back Grady Sizemore.  Sizemore was once the face of the franchise, perennial All-Star, and the reason for a fan club known as Grady’s Lady’s.  The injury bug has stricken Sizemore over the past 2 seasons as he has only played 104 games since 2009.  Back in 2006 and 2007 Sizemore was one of the best outfielder’s in the game, leading the league in runs and doubles in 2006.

JD Drew has finally played out his contract leaving an opening in right field for the Sox.  The in-house replacements are Ryan Kalish and Josh Reddick.  Kalish is coming off a year in which he was hurt for the majority of the season with a shoulder issue and never saw time with the big club in 2011 after a nice showing in 2010.  Reddick started his 2011 season in great fashion hitting as high as .348 but then came crashing down to earth at the plate and showed he was a defensive liability.

When I first heard the rumors of the Red Sox interest in Sizemore I was pessimistic.  Signing Sizemore now is a lot like Lindsay Lohan posing in Playboy now.  It would have been awesome 5-6 years ago.  They are both damaged goods and way past their prime.  Lohan is clearly using Playboy as a way to gain some publicity hoping to revive her “career.”

If the Red Sox were to sign Sizemore, it would be much like their signing of Adrian Beltre in 2009.  They would offer him a 1 year
deal worth about $8 million and call it a low risk high reward type deal.  It worked with Beltre back in 2009 as he led the league in doubles with 49, hit .321 with 28 home runs and 102 runs batted in.  He played 154 games proving his durability.  That one year was a perfect audition for the rest of Major League Baseball.  The Rangers went on to sign him to a 6 year $96 million deal.  It proved to be a win-win for Beltre and the Red Sox.

If Ben Cherington and the rest of the Red Sox brass feel that Kalish and/or Reddick aren’t ready to be an everyday player in right field they can turn to Sizemore and offer him a Beltre-esque deal.  Ultimately, I would not be upset if that were to happen.  I loved Sizemore back in 2006 much like I loved Lohan.  An outfield of Crawford, Ellsbury, and a healthy Sizemore would be unbelievable. I see no reason why the Red Sox can’t offer him a one year deal.  My only reservation is the amount of pink hats would most likely double and there would be a Grady’s Lady’s section followed by an Ells’ Belle’s section at Fenway Park.

Follow me on Twitter @ScottieNTCF

With those horrid 4 months behind me, I look to start over again and bring this blog back to some form of prominence.  What better way to do it then to address my favorite franchise in all of professional sports and the disaster they have become.  Everyone knows what happened to the Red Sox in 2011, so there is no need to open wounds that have just started to scab.  Instead, I am going to be progressive and look to the future and see what changes can be made that will get the Red Sox out of the pre-2004 era and back into the 2004-2007 timeframe.

First things first; With Terry Francona gone and likely headed to St. Louis, the Red Sox organization needs to find a manager to right the ship.  New general manager Ben Cherrington has probably the most talented all around roster in baseball he just needs someone to steer the unit in the right direction.  Names that have been rumored and/or interviewed to this point have been Pete Mackanin, Dale Sveum, Mike Maddux, Sandy Alomar, Jr, and Bobby Valentine.

Cherrington has said that he wants someone with major league experience.  I disagree with him here.  If someone is available that has major league experience, they are available for a reason.  They couldn’t win where they were before and were relieved of their duties.  In 15 years of managing at the big league level, Bobby Valentine has a record of 1117-1072.  That is a winning percentage of .510.  If 15 years, he has one exactly one pennant and didn’t win a World Series.  Why his name continuously comes up when a managerial job opens up is beyond me.  Sure he won in Japan, but baseball is backwards in Japan.  Isn’t Dice-k tangible evidence of that?  Bobby Valentine? No, thank you.

Dale Sveum was the Red Sox third base coach in 2004 and 2005.  Frankly, I don’t have one happy memory of him being in Boston.  He didn’t do well in Boston and if he couldn’t handle the job as a third base coach, what would make someone think he’d be able to take on additional duties as a manager?  He had a successful year in Milwaukee as a hitting coach, but when you have a lineup that includes Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, and Ryan Braun it is difficult to be unsuccessful.  In addition Dale Sveum even looks like Terry Francona.  Bringing in Sveum would just be more of the Sveum old problems.

Pete MacKanin.  To be honest his hair is just way too much for me.  I don’t know a single thing about the man other than he has been in baseball for 35 years and never has had a managerial position.  Theo and the Cubs are interested in him as well.  If I could ever get over the crazy hair style, I think he would be a good candidate to be the fresh voice the Red Sox need in the dugout.

The last two candidates, Sandy Alomar Jr. and Mike Maddux are two guys that I would prefer.  Alomar was a great catcher for a number of years and has a great knowledge of the game.  Like Maddux, he comes from a family of major league baseball players that include Hall of Famers.  There is something to be said coming from a pedigree of that nature.  Just ask Buddy, Rex, or Rob Ryan.  I also believe both of these candidates would be very influential on the Red Sox pitching staff.  The Red Sox pitching crumbled spectacularly in September and proved to be the biggest weakness and a team that on paper looked very good, but on the field was very much flawed.

Because of their baseball pedigree’s I would have to believe that both men would instantly garner the respect of every man in that clubhouse.  If the Red Sox hire either of these 2 candidates, it would be a step in the right direction for a troubled franchise.

Follow me on Twitter @ ScottieNTCF