Still, he refuses to speak in anything but expletives to manager Bobby Valentine, against whom he holds a grudge for criticizing his slow pitching pace on an ESPN broadcast the previous year. Their relationship finally thaws when Beckett discovers his manager shares his life-long love for ballroom dancing.
2. In mid-March, Danny Ainge signs 50-year-old big man Sam “Big Smooth’’ Perkins to a contract for the remainder of the season.
The Celtics are desperate for depth up front, but Ainge admits to an ulterior motive. “There,’’ says the exasperated Celtics boss, “you guys finally have someone you can call Perk again. Most of you complaining the loudest about the trade don’t know the difference between him and Kendrick anyway.”
3. At major league baseball’s All-Star break, Adrian Gonzalez, in his second season in Boston and fully acclimated, has endeared himself to Red Sox fans for three reasons.
He’s hitting .406. He knows the significance of that number without needing to be told. And he’s skipping the Home Run Derby.
4. The Bruins defeat the Canucks in six games to win their second consecutive Stanley Cup.
Tim Thomas is in net for the clinching game, but fellow goaltending stalwart Tuukka Rask earns two victories himself in the series. “Tuukka’s the future, and having him here kept me from tiring out,” says Thomas afterward. “I’ll pump that kid’s tires anytime.”
5. Greg Stiemsma proves the Celtics’ most surprising big man, providing rebounding and shot-altering defense for 15 to 20 minutes per game off the bench.
Kevin Garnett, whose legs will betray him, will be the most disappointing, but only because disappointment was the actual expectation for Jermaine O’Neal.
6. Patrice Bergeron wins the Conn Smythe Trophy, finally getting his due as one of the great all-around forwards in the NHL.
But more importantly, his honor will serve as an encouraging reminder to Sidney Crosby and other players suffering the aftermath of a concussion that there can be light after the darkness.
7. The Patriots defeat the Ravens, 17-13, in the AFC Championship game.
