By: Alex Reimer

So where do the we go from here?

As the Red Sox suffer crippling loss after crippling loss, abysmal week after abysmal week, their playoff hopes fade from slim to nearly mathematically impossible to “if you think they’re still in this, you’re delusional.”

Declining interest in this team is a very real thing. The NESN ratings are down 36%, and will almost definitely slip even more as we head into football season with the Red Sox merely playing out the string. The secondary ticket market, slow all year, is now almost non-existent.

This upcoming offseason is setting itself up to be the most critical in this ownership group’s history. Granted, they’ve only owned the team since 2002 but still, they have a lot of variables to juggle.

Victor Martinez, Adrian Beltre, and David Ortiz are all potential free agents. For the first time in a long time, the Red Sox may have to weigh public perception when making player personnel decisions.

Can they afford another uninspiring offseason and head into the 2011 season lacking buzz?

Theo Epstein said last winter that the Red Sox are in a “bridge period.” That period could very well extend into next year too. The top prospects in the minor leagues are still a year or so away from contributing to the big league roster.

But can the Red Sox withstand another “bridge year,” especially with the economic uncertainty?

What if the Red Sox let Beltre and Martinez walk, and replaced Beltre with Jed Lowrie, Martinez with Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and went with a Mike Cameron/Ryan Kalish platoon in left? There would be even less interest to begin 2011 than what we’ve seen thus far in 2010.

As detailed in Seth Mnookin’s Feeding the Monster, which chronicled the 2005 and 2006 seasons at length, Theo Epstein and the baseball operations department do not weigh public relations when making roster decisions. However, there are other sects of the Front Office that does. Most notably, Larry Lucchino.

If the Red Sox do attempt to make a big splash of some sort, is it fair to assume that it’s Lucchino calling the shots and not Epstein? Are we bracing ourselves for another Theo and Lucchino battle like we saw in the 2005 offseason? What does John Henry have to say about all this?

This is going to be a very fascinating offseason to follow. For the first time in this ownership’s tenure, interest in the team is waning. We know that the baseball operations department scripts things out for the long-term. This year one could say they followed the script, hence why a bullpen arm wasn’t picked up and no significant payroll was added past opening day.

Will the Red Sox have to go off-script this winter? It’s a distinct possibility.

Alex Reimer is the host of the Red Sox podcast, “Without a Curse.” “Without a Curse” is available on both www.thesportsstuff.com and in the iTunes store. Alex is also the host of “The Alex Reimer Show,” which airs Saturday’s from 12-1 PM EST on 1120 AM WBNW Boston and www.moneymattersradio.net. Alex can be reached at, Alexredsox076@aol.com.

Does your son play football or club soccer and cannot to a full Fall AAU program? If so then their Fall Boys Clinic will be a perfect way for your son to keep a ball in his hands in a season where he generally may not participate in an organized basketball program.

Mass Elite Boys Fall Basketball Clinic
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Dates: Friday nights: 9/17, 9/24, 10/01, 10/08, 10/15, 10/22
Time: 5:30pm-7:00 (grades 6-8) • 7:30pm-9:00 (grades 9-12)
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Instructors include: B.J. Dunne (Assistant Boys Coach at Babson College), Leo Desimone (former Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Minuteman Technical School), Reggie Hobbs (Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Lexington High School), Jim Silvio (Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Malden Catholic), Dan Letarte (former Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at St Johns Prep) and other coaches to be added.

For more information go to www.masselitebasketball.com

Unfortuately for Patriot's fans, Peyton Manning may be celebrating another Super Bowl victory at the end of this season.

By: Alex Reimer

The leaves turn to orange, the crisp autumn winds begin to blow…and all of that stuff.

It’s football time! College football has already opened, but that’s not my forte. (Yes, I am the typical elitist northeastern sports viewer who doesn’t watch college football or NASCAR).

With the NFL opening this week, we all love to make season predictions. I am no exception to that, so here we go! (*=wild card).

AFC East:

1. Dolphins 10-6 (Brandon Marshall gives the offense a much needed game-breaker while Karlos Dansby gives the defense an anchor. A young defensive-backfield will get better as will Chad Henne. Bill Parcells builds contenders wherever he goes. Miami is no exception).
2. Jets 9-7 (Darrelle Revis is back, wrapping up a chaotic training camp. The Jets feature the most talented group of players in the league. Whether they can come together as a team is another question entirely though).
3. Patriots 8-8 (This defense is riddled with major question marks and they don’t have a playmaker. The pressure is on the offense, just as it was last year. They have to play much better situational football to reach the playoffs. This could be a retooling year of sorts).
4. Bills 3-13 (This offense is a disaster, with a bad offensive line and an unproven quarterback. With a tough schedule, it’s going to be a long year).

AFC North:

1. Bengals 11-5 (Carson Palmer will once again cement himself as an elite quarterback with a great cast around him. The defense has the potential to be the best it has been in a long time).
2. Ravens 9-7 (With Ed Reed on the PUP list and with some questions on defense, they’ll have to win with a more offensive-minded attack).
3. Steelers 8-8 (Mike Tomlin’s team had a miserable finish last year, losing to Cleveland and Kansas City. With Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension and some key losses, it could be an uncharacteristically hectic year in the steel city).
4. Browns 5-11 (They finished strong and added some good veteran linebackers. Mike Holmgren and Eric Mangini may be beginning to lead this team in the right direction).

AFC South:

1. Colts 13-3 (No Super Bowl hangover here. The Colts have won at least 12 games in 7 consecutive seasons).
2. Texans* 10-6 (This is the year the Texans play to their ability and don’t throw away big games. It better be at least, or Gary Kubiak could be out of a job).
3. Titans* 9-7 (They have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. Jeff Fisher will have his club avoid another slow start this year, and make a push for the playoffs).
4. Jaguars 6-10 (It’s a make or break year for the Jaguars financially. If they’re subject to more regular blackouts, a move to LA could become a serious topic of conversation).

AFC West:

1. Chargers 9-7 (Holdout questions still linger at skill positions, and they’re going through a transition period at many skill spots. But the Chargers remain the best of a weak bunch).
2. Chiefs 7-9 (Todd Haley, Scott Pioli, Romeo Crennel, and Charlie Weis. The Chiefs have the management that will improve players. In a bad division, they could make a semi-run at the Chargers).
3. Raiders 6-10 (The defense is above average. Jason Campbell won’t throw away games like JaMarcus Russell did, but the offense lacks any real threats).
4. Broncos 5-11 (Is Josh McDaniels over his head? The roster is now totally his. We’ll see).

NFC East:

1. Giants 11-5 (If the defense is healthy, it is one of the elite units in the league. Offensively they’ll struggle a bit, but they should be in every game they play).
2. Cowboys* 10-6 (As always, the talent is there. But is Wade Phillips the right guy to lead them to the promise land? You know…because the Super Bowl is in Dallas this year).
3. Eagles 8-8 (Health is key for a defense which struggled to field a consistent starting lineup last season. The jury is still out on Kevin Kolb).
4. Redskins 6-10 (It will take a year for Mike Shanahan to take control of this organization. Look for Donovan McNabb’s return to Philly to be the highlight of this season).

NFC North:

1. Packers 11-5 (Aaron Rodgers and this offense can sling it with the best of them. The defense can blitz with the best of them. That’s a formula that works in today’s NFL).
2. Vikings 9-7 (Brett Favre is back, but he may be down a few weapons, as the receiving core lacks depth. Favre’s hideous postseason track record could be irrelevant, because the Vikings may not have the weapons to reach the playoffs this year).
3. Bears 7-9 (Julius Peppers and Brian Urlacher, if healthy, could be a deadly combination for any opposing offense. But can Mike Martz get this Bears’ offense on the scoreboard more often)?
4. Lions 5-11 (With veteran additions and the development of Matthew Stafford, respectability is not far away).

NFC South:

1. Saints 12-4 (The defending Super Bowl champions will continue to put up the points. With the offensive-minded structure of today’s NFL, that will carry them a long way).
2. Falcons* 10-6 (A young defense is ready to mature. Matt Ryan should get better in his 3rd year in the league. The Falcons are on the rise).
3. Panthers 8-8 (They must find a consistent pass-rush without Peppers. Matt Moore will head a low-risk, but likely low-reward offense).
4. Buccaneers 4-12 (This is definitely a full-blown rebuilding year. Look for development from a young defensive line, quarterback Josh Freeman, and the receiving core).

NFC West:

1. 49ers 10-6 (This is Alex Smith’s time. He finished strongly last year, and the 49ers have been improving since Mike Singletary took over. They also have a lot of playmakers all over the field).
2. Cardinals 7-9 (No Kurt Warner…big problem. The Cardinals rely on the passing game. Going off of track record, Derek Anderson is not up to the task).
3. Seahawks 5-11 (Pete Carroll wants to change things up. But does he have the cache in an NFL locker room to do that? It remains to be seen).
4. Rams 3-13 (Poor Steven Jackson. But at least the Rams have a direction now, going in full-board rebuilding mode).

Super Bowl 45: Colts over Packers
The formula to win is to put up a lot of points on offense and have a few playmakers on defense. The Colts and Packers both fit that profile.

Alex Reimer is the host of the Red Sox podcast, “Without a Curse.” “Without a Curse” is available on both www.thesportsstuff.com and in the iTunes store. Alex is also the host of “The Alex Reimer Show,” which airs Saturday’s from 12-1 PM EST on 1120 AM WBNW Boston and www.moneymattersradio.net. Alex can be reached at, Alexredsox076@aol.com.

CHESTNUT HILL, Massachusetts – Junior running back Montel Harris (pictured left) eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the 14th time in his career as the Boston College Eagles topped the Weber State Wildcats, 38-13, at Alumni Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the 2010 football season opener. Sophomore quarterback Dave Shinskie (pictued right) returned as the starting quarterback for the first time, going 10-for-20 for 185 yards and two scores.

“We accomplished what we set out to do and got the first win,” said BC head coach Frank Spaziani. ”That’s the hardest one to get, because you haven’t done it.”

The Wildcats scored first on a 32-yard field goal by freshman Shaun McClain just 2:15 into the game. They recovered the ball as BC quarterback Dave Shinskie threw an interception on his first attempt of the game. Linebacker Taylor Sedillo picked up the ball, but the offense was only able to carry the ball a few yards already inside the 15-yard line.

“It was a run checked with a pass and I was looking in the box, but wasn’t paying attention,” Shinskie said. “There were a lot of emotions going through my head and I ended up throwing it to a linebacker. That’s what happens when you aren’t watching!”

After the rocky start, the Eagles took off. “Settled down is a good way to put it,” Spaziani said of Shinskie’s performance. “He played better and I saw some good stuff.”

BC jumped ahead ten minutes into the first on a six-yard pass to sophomore tight end Chris Pentale to make it 6-3. Shinskie found him wide open in the end zone for the score and then Nate Freese nailed his first PAT attempt of the season to make it 7-3.

With just over five minutes left, Ifeanyi Momah caught a 17-yard pass from Shinskie and Freese nailed another attempt to make it 14-3.

Just 1:05 into the second, Montel Harris danced into the end zone for a 4-yard run to give the Eagles a 20-3 lead. Freese split the uprights on his second PAT attempt of the game.

Freese concluded a five-play drive with 7:36 to go in the second quarter with a 33-yard field goal to give BC a 24-3 advantage.

Shaydon Kehano got the Wildcats on the board with a 24-yard pass from Walter Payton Award candidate Cameron Higgins. McClain picked up the extra point on Kehano’s first career touchdown reception.

Mark Marscovetra connected for his first touchdown pass of the season as he found redshirt freshman Sterlin Phifer for a 22-yard pass with 1:18 to go in the second half. Freese remained perfect on the game by kicking his fourth extra point successfully.

The Wildcats got three more as they capped off a 17-play, 71-yard drive with a 26-yard field goal by McClain. BC was able to make a big stop inside the 30-yard line to end the threat by Higgins and the WSU offense.

With 3:20 to go in the third, DeLeon Gause made it 38-13 on a 66-yard interception return. The ball was deflected by a Weber State defender and into Gause’s hands for his third career pick and first career reception.

Josh Booker added a four-yard run with 19 seconds to go in the fourth to make the score 38-20.

Despite losing the game by 18 points, the Wildcats got 381 yards of total offense and 24 first downs, compared to 411 and 17 for the Eagles.

“This group was able to was able to put it together and get it against a very well-coached, athletic Weber [State] team,” Spaziani said. “Obviously there were a lot of mistakes and our youth and depth issues were evident, but it was a good win and starting point.”

Shinskie praised the WSU offense, especially in third-down situations. “We couldn’t get them off the field on third down,” he said of the Wildcats, who finished the game 9-of-21 on third down conversions. “We had ‘em third-and-long a few times and if we do that it causes problems. As a quarterback, you have to have a short memory.”

The season-opening game was played in front of 34,168 fans.

NOTES

* The game also marked the return of linebacker Mark Herzlich. The 2008 ACC Defensive Player of the Year came back after winning a battle with Ewing’s sarcoma. He saw action in 31 plays during his first start in 87 weeks, totaling five combined tackles.

“I think it worked out from my perspective and played the way it needed to play out,” coach Spaz said. “He started and played, although we were trying to watch how many plays he played. He was able to go out there and it was a tremendous step that we can hopefully build on.”

“It was excitement,” Herzlich said. “I thought it would be nervous. It was all about playing and the emotion didn’t stray away from football, which I was a little suprised and happy about.”

Herzlich felt right at home on the podium when addressing the reporters after the game. “I slept great last night,” the Wayne, PA native laughed. “It was weird, but I was back in my comfort zone and I was worse last year when I had to watch the guys play.”

* He had many guests in attendance, saying that his father, Sandon Sr., purchased 75 tickets. All the way from his hometown were two very special guests, Sisters Barbara Ann Hallman and Mary Hoernig. For Sister Mary, a loyal Notre Dame fan, it marked the first time that she had missed an Irish game in over 60 years. “That was the plan,” he said. “She can go catch it now and I think they’re beating Perdue,” he added with a smile and a cheer from Sister Mary in the background. Herzlich said that the plan is to have her fly back out on October 2 “to watch [the Eagles] beat her beloved Notre Dame.”

LOWELL, Mass.— Coming off of back-to-back Stedler Division Championships in the 2008 and 2009 seasons, a lot was expected out of the 2010 Lowell Spinners.

The high expectations were quickly diminished as the Spinners went on an eleven-game losing streak from July 13-July 23. On the tenth loss during the streak, the Spinners record was 7-27. This record tied with the New Britain Rock Cats (Double-A Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins) for the worst record to start a season in all levels of minor league baseball.

On the positive side of things, the Spinners have a very young team and the Minor Leagues aren’t always about winning but rather developing talent for the Major League Teams. And talent the Spinners have. The Spinners’ roster as of September 1, 2010 boasts 6 players who were drafted within the Top 5 Rounds of the First-Year Player Draft in either 2009 or 2010.

Although not playing, Ryan Westmoreland (6th Round in 2008) is also on their roster. Westmoreland, who is recovering from off-season brain surgery, is the Red Sox #2 Rated Prospect and #1 Rated Position Player according to soxprospects.com. He will soon be sent to the Greenville Drive (High-A) in their last playoff push.

That being said, the Spinners’ looked to treat their fans to a win in their final home game of the season against the Tri-City ValleyCats.

The game, like the most of the season ended in a loss.

The offense struggled to score runs, although the pitching and defense did their job holding the ValleyCats to only three runs. The final score was 3-1.

David Renfroe went 2-for-3 with 1 RBI for the Spinners.

With the loss, the fans were not given a “show” in that respect but were treated to a post-game fireworks show.

The Spinners finish off their 2010 campaign with a three game series at the Hudson Valley Renegades.

Hopefully the Spinners have a bounce back season next year, but with rosters always being shifted (especially when your major league team has a lot of injuries!) it is hard to have a consistent lineup thus making it tough to judge the skill of a team until they play. So by next June/July let’s hope the Spinners set the record for best START to the season in all of the minor leagues!

A pregame meal should be low in fat, moderate in fiber and high in carbohydrate, about 2-3 hours before you exercise. You want a balance of carbohydrate foods for energy and protein foods for satiety (fullness). Try to include grains, lean proteins, fruit and vegetables. Because fat takes a long time to digest, you want to avoid high fat foods such as deep fried foods, burgers, fries, chips, pizza at least 4 hours before exercise. If you choose to eat high fat foods right before exercise, it may give you an upset stomach and may likely take energy away from your muscles. Practice a food routine before game day and find what works for you. Here’s some examples of pregame meals that might work for you:

Turkey sandwich with tomato, lettuce and light mayo, glass of milk, baby carrots and a pear

Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, red pepper slices, yogurt and sliced peaches

Ham and low fat cheese pita with mustard, baked chips, green beans and an orange

Chicken stir-fry over rice and fruit and yogurt as dessert

Pasta with marinara sauce, grilled chicken and spinach, glass of milk, 1-2 plums for dessert

Baked potato topped with low fat cottage cheese, pork tenderloin, summer squash and watermelon for dessert

Breakfast for lunch: Veggie and low fat cheese omelet with 1-2 slices toast and 1 cup berries

It is go time for Boston College football as the 2010 season kicks off this weekend. The Eagles open the season with four straight home games, including Saturday afternoon’s season opener against Weber State at Alumni Stadium. The slate features seven total home contests.

Head coach Frank Spaziani and his squad defied the odds last season, posting a solid 8-5 record and third-place finish in the ACC Atlantic Division. Prior to this season, the Eagles were picked to finish third again after last season’s predicted last-place finish.

The biggest story of summer camp for the Eagles was the health of senior linebacker Mark Herzlich. Herzlich, the 2008 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, missed the 2009 season after being diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma and will return to full-contact practice this week. It is unknown if he will suit up on Saturday, but it looks like a comeback story for the ages can be penned on Chestnut Hill.

For the first time since the departure of Atlanta Falcon Matt Ryan, the Maroon and Gold will welcome a true starter under center. Spaziani named sophomore David Shinskie as his starting quarterback for the opener. The Kulpmont, PA native started the final ten games last season and set BC freshman records by throwing for 2,049 yards and 15 touchdowns.

The Eagles lose just one starter on the offensive line in 2010, but several players will be playing key roles to fill the void, including junior Nathan Richman, who moves from guard to center. Senior lineman Anthony Castanzo garnered several preseason honors and will be the key man on the unit. The Lindy’s All-American and ACC all-conference team member has started in all 41 games since arriving at BC in 2007.

Castanzo and the line have the pleasure of blocking for one of the nation’s top up and coming backs in junior Montel Harris, a fellow ACC preseason team selection. Harris started all 13 games for the Eagles last season and finished fourth in the country with 308 carries and tenth with 1,457 rushing yards. He recorded eight 100-yard games last fall, including touching the hundred mark in each of the team’s final five games. Harris is the obvious top guy with redshirt freshman Sterlin Phifer listed second on the depth chart. Senior James McCluskey will start at fullback and is completely healthy after battling a torn Achilles’ heel last spring.

At the tight end slot, the Eagles are young, but experienced and will feature names you will be hearing about for the seasons to come. Sophomore Chris Pantale and junior Lars Anderson will anchor the position. Pantale and Anderson each started 11 games last season and were tied for third on the team with 25 catches.

The Eagles lost two starters and five total letter-winning receivers from last year’s team, including the all-time receiving yards leader Rich Gunnell. This preseason, top returner Colin Larmond Jr. suffered a season-ending knee injury, which loses experience on an already young unit. Senior Billy Flutie and sophomore Clyde Lee have just nine combined receptions, but will suit up as starters, while senior Ifeanyi Momah and redshirt freshman Johnathan Coleman are also expected to play key roles.

Senior Alex Albright returns completely healthy to anchor the defensive line with the loss of starters Austin Giles and Jim Ramella. Junior Kaleb Ramsey and sophomore Conor O’Neal will start at the tackle positions. Ramsey has battled injuries in his first two seasons, but can become a constant if he stays healthy. O’Neal appeared in eight games off the bench last year. Senior Brad Newman will now start at defensive end after being slated to start at tackle in the spring.

The linebackers will surely be the stars of the defense despite losing captain Mike McLaughlin. The return of Mark Herzlich will fill in the hole, along with 2009 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year Luke Kuechly and senior Mike Morrissey.

Kuechly came in last season as a true freshman, starting in place of Herzlich in the sam linebacker spot and caught the attention of the entire college football world as one of the best in the nation. He finished the season second in the country with 158 total tackles and 87 solo stops and was a three-time ACC Player of the Week last year.

Kevin Pierre-Louis joined the team at the turn of the year and is the only true freshman in the lineup. Junior Will Thompson will back him up at the will linebacker position. He was named the Gatorade Connecticut Football Player of the Year in his senior season at King Low Heywood Thomas.

On the secondary, the Eagles lost strong safety Marcellus Bowman and corner Roderick Rollins, but there is much experience to fill the void again. Junior Dominic LeGrande and sophomore Jim Noel, an Everett native, will be starters at short safety, while senior free safety Wes Davis will captain the backs. Junior Donnie Fletcher and senior DeLeon Gause will bring experience on the corners.

For the first time since walking on to the team in 2006, Steve Aponavicius will not fufill the kicking duties due to graduation. Redshirt freshman Nate Freese will take over his spot, while junior and starting punter Ryan Quigley will back him up. Quigley was one of the top punters in the ACC as he set a BC record with 72 punts last season. The special teams unit also brings back holder Billy Flutie and long snapper Sean Flaherty. Gause is also slated to return kicks and punts.

Saturday’s game against the Wildcats begins at 1 p.m. on ESPN3.com and all games can be heard on WEEI 850.

LOWELL, Massachusetts (Tuesday, August 31, 2010) – With living proof of two miracles in attendance, the Lowell Spinners could not come up with one of their own. Olympic hockey hero Mike Eruzione and Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland both watched the Lowell Spinners snap their four-game winning streak with a 4-0 loss to the Tri-City ValleyCats on Tuesday at LeLacheur Park.

Eruzione, the former Boston University hockey player, was the star of his own bobblehead that was given out to fans upon entrance. Westmoreland returned to his former team for the first of a series of workouts after recovering from surgery to remove a cavernous malformation in his brain just a mere six months ago. Just two prime examples that miracles do happen, although one could not be created on the diamond.

The ValleyCats jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning against Spinners starter Madison Younginer as first baseman Marcus Nidiffer grounded a single into left field. Younginer issued two walks in the inning, including one to designated hitter Austin Wates, who scored the first run.

They extended the lead to 3-0 with one out in the third against Younginer. With Wates batting, second baseman Ben Orloff scored on a fielding error by Lowell third baseman David Renfroe. Catcher Josue Peley threw a pretty good caught stealing attempt down to third, but Renfroe could not make the play. The next batter was third baseman Tyler Burnett and he legged out an RBI single second base way, scoring Wates for the third run.

Madison Younginer uncorked a wild pitch with two out in the fifth, scoring Wates for the second time in the game. Left fielder Adam Bailey gets credit with an RBI as he was batting on the play.

Younginer exited the game after five innings, during which he allowed five hits and four runs (three earned), while walking three and fanning four. He suffered the loss and fell to 3-7 on the season.

Charlie Rosario played stopper for the Spinners, tossing four innings of three-hit ball. “I felt good with my pitch and count selection,” said the third-year Boston minor leaguer. “It’s really all about getting comfortable.”

“Charlie had it all working for him,” Spinners manager Bruce Crabbe said. “If you control the zone, good things will happen.”

David Martinez was superb for the ValleyCats, striking out seven and scattering eight hits over seven innings for his fifth win. Joan Belliard threw two perfect innings to close the game for Tri-City in a non-save situation.

Crabbe said that the key to the loss was Younginer not controlling the running game. “That was the difference,” he said. “He didn’t control his pitches and wasn’t very consistent.”

The loss snaps the season-long four-game winning streak and Crabbe is “just looking for the same stuff” as the Spinners look for a strong finish.

The game took a brisk two hours and 13 minutes, in front of 4,888 fans.