Garth McLennan supergarth @ hotmail.com + Sport Lives in Beantown By Dane Neumeyer Phe of Massachusetts have experienced a rather euphoric ride this year. In a land were expectations are always high, and success has shades of familiarity, the in the off-season, and were able to acquire Daisuke Matsuzaka, and Hideki Okajima, from Japan; the same island nation that produced future hall-of-famer Ichiro Suzuki. Home grown heroes stakes have “ also seemed never been “The term ‘dynasty’ is _ tocmerge, . With ° with potential scent Overused in sports, but 11 american . e e ° Lea R ki oe championships in 13 years ¢ireven football club ig @n appropriate use.” — Pusin Pedros that looks ve P, P P having an seemingly ae: post- season. Also, unstoppable, and a resurgence of an old dynasty dressed in green, 2007 has the potential to go down as the greatest year in sports, as far as Bostonians are concerned. I had the opportunity to see the Red Sox play Seattle in early August. It was clear, even at that point in the season, that the term “Big Red Machine” was not synonymous with a certain Cincinnati club that dominated the mid- 70s. Although the 2007 championship Sox looked different from their 2004 counterparts, the way in which they played ball can only be compared to a well-engineered piece of machinery. Key acquisitions were made both in 2006 and 2007 that not only culminated in a world championship, but will undoubtedly ensure a high level of success for years to come. 2006 additions Josh Beckett, and Mike Lowell certainly payed off this year. Beckett took on the role as the club’s ace, while Lowell batted in a team leading 120 RBI*s. Ownership looked beyond the usual scouting grounds of North and South America 14 there was colourful closer Jonathan Papelbon finding success on the mound. When combined with seasoned veterans such as Curt Schilling, David “Big Papi” Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, Jason Varitek, Coco Crisp, and Manny Ramirez, 2007’s outcome was virtually inevitable. Everyone in and around the National Football League this year have had one thing on their minds: the New England Patriots, and for good reason. Averaging more that thirty points a game, with a 9-0 record is astonishing. What is more astonishing; is the fact that the Pats have been able to do so with such potential distractions as the “Spy- Gate” scandal, and Randy Moss’s ego. Say what you will about head coach Bill Belichick, but his philosophy in which you leave all distractions at the door, and the concept of winning takes centre stage has proven to thwart any and all attempts to knock the Pats off their stride. That is, “Spy-Gate” got swept under the rug with little to no effort (other than a first round draft pick and $500,000) while Randy Moss’s ego is nowhere to be found. Moss is the best wide receiver since the great Jerry Rice, and is certainly putting any doubts about his two-year stint in Oakland, and whether or not it has taken its toll, to rest. Let’s not forget about the guy that Gisele calls babe, the Kraft family calls the golden boy, and we call Tom. Yes, Brady and his bunch have it together. So much so that number twelve is on record pace for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and quarterback rating. Brady’s so good, he’s throwing TD passes to linebacker Mike Vrabel. With key additions such as Adalius Thomas, Donte Stallworth, and of course Randy Moss, the Pats not only look to be at Superbowl form, but are perhaps the greatest football team of all time... there I said it. The ‘72 Dolphins, Niners of the 1980s and Cowboys of the 1990s do not stack up against the 2007-2008 New England Patriots! Far from the days of Red Auerbach and Bill Russell are the current Boston Celtics. The term “dynasty” is overused in sports, but 11 championships in 13 years is an appropriate use of the word, and was the reality of the Boston Celtics franchise from 1957-1969. Such a feat is not expected from this years team, with impeding variables such as free agency and the average core member’s age, however a ring is not such a foreign concept. Now I know the words Celtics and NBA title have not coincided since the days of Bird, Parrish, and McKale, but there is new hope. Described by the Celtic media as the “Think Big” campaign, the 2007-2008 season holds much promise, which is not hard to do considering the dismal performance of last season’s squad. This campaign does however describe actual aspirations of both the i ownership and fans. The reason for this is the two major acquisitions during the off-season. The first was the silky smooth guard drafted 5th in 1996 from the University of Connecticut whom is arguably the best pure shooter the NBA has seen since the days of Chris Mullin, and Reggie Miller. After having little team success in both Milwaukee, and Seattle, Ray Allen was traded for Delonte West, Wally Szczerbiak, and the rights to the 5" overall pick, Jeff Green. One month later, the Big Ticket arrived. For anyone out there who is not familiar with Kevin Garnett, let me fill you in. He is probably the greatest basketball specimen that has ever laced up a pair of sneakers. That is, a guy who dribbles and shoots as well as a guard, has the ability to play small forward, and has absolutely no business being seven feet tall. As a former NBA MVP and, one of the most feared players on Earth, his addition will force teams to take notice. All- star forward Paul Pierce finally has the supporting cast it will take to win a championship. Look for the Celtics to play in the finals this year. With the exception of the Toronto Raptors, there does not seem to be much competition in the Eastern Conference. The West is once again the dominant conference, and the challenge will not be to get to the finals, but whether or not the Celtics can get through, San Antonio, Phoenix, or Dallas. They certainly look good this year, both on paper and during the preseason. The greatest evidence as to the way in which professional sport is, and will be headed in Boston this year is easy... look no further than the ear to ear smile on Manny Ramirez’s face; it is indicative of the spirit of Beantown and their love of the home team. Who knows, maybe the Bruins will win the Stanley Cup. Probably not, but three out of four ain’t bad!