- Patriots' defensive coordinator Dean Pees' contract is up at the end of the month and he will not seek to remain with the team. The 60-year old Pees has been battling cancer and other health issues (he left the week 17 game in Houston with shortness of breath). Pees lead the D for the past four seasons, and this was one of his toughest challenges having lost many veterans including Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, Richard Seymour, Mike Vrable, and others. It will be interesting to see how Bill Belichick seeks to replace Pees; whether it is from within, or someone formally of his "coaching tree." Hopefully the Patriots can get a leader who can groom this transitioning D, and one who can get a bit creative in getting to the opposing QB.
- In better news, WR Wes Welker was named the NFL's All-Pro team. A wonderful honor for Welker who is paired with Texans WR Andre Johnson as the WRs on the profound list of top NFL players at their positions. Welker was the lone Patriot on the squad.
- Patriots senior advisor Floyd Reese appears to be a finalist for the GM job in Seattle. Reese was previously the GM on the Titans for many seasons, and was brought aboard last off-season. Reese brought great value to the organization with his knowledge of the Collective Bargaining Agreement with regards to player contracts.
- The Patriots signed LB Bruce Davis to a futures contract a few days ago. Davis, a 2008 3rd round draft choice out of UCLA by the Steelers, joined the Patriots in September and was on the team's practice squad. The 6'3" 252 pound linebacker has struggled to adjust to the 3-4 defensive scheme, but caught the eye of the coaching staff.
RED SOX
- The Red Sox avoided arbitration with LHP Hideki Okajima this afternoon. Our most reliable set-up man agreed with the Sox to a one-year $2.75 million contract. There are $50K escalators based on appearances for the lefty. Oki had a 3.39 ERA last season in 68 appearances and allowed only 16.2% (6-37) of runners to score. He is still under team control through 2012.
- In other news the Sox signed 41-year old LHP Brian Shouse to minor league contract. Shouse is nothing more than organizational depth. In 28 innings last year he posted a 4.50 ERA and held opposing lefties to a .224 average.
efficient.
ReplyDelete