Peverley Out 4-6 Weeks

Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli announced Friday that forward Rich Peverley will miss 4-6 weeks with a third-degree MCL sprain in his right knee. Peverley injured his knee in a collision with Canadiens defenseman Hal Gill Wednesday night and returned to Boston for testing Thursday.

God Hal Gill still finds ways to piss me off. I hated him when he was with the Bruins, he is in trade rumors with the Bruins, and now he took out my favorite player onthe Bruins. Die Hal Gill Die.

The Bruins are going to be hurting without Horton and Peverley. This could push them to make some kind of deal for a winger.

Crawford Likely Not Ready For Start Of Regular Season

"I wouldn't be surprised if Carl's a few weeks into the season before he's really ready to go,'' Valentine said. "I wouldn't be surprised, nor disappointed if that's what nature dictates as the healing process."

"When he's ready and he's healed, he is going to be a welcome addition to our team, whenever that is," Valentine later added. "The more I've looked at Carl on film and tried to evaluate the whole thing, he's really special and we really need him. If it's later, then that's when it will be (WEEI)."

I am really hoping Crawford has a comeback year. Am I skeptical? Yea, of course, but he has to be better then he was last year. From what I have heard Crawford is able to do "baseball activities" whatever that is, but still can't swing a bat year. The best estimate I have heard is that Crawford will be ready to go by the end of April. In the grand scheme of things that's really not a big deal, but if that wrist is a problem at all after that it could be a long year for Crawford.

In other Red Sox news, ESPN put out an article that Valentine's spring training schedule has caused "frowns" in the Red Sox clubhouse, because there is a lot more going on and a lot more games. Whatever, these stories are silly, and is just out there for everyone to jump on his bandwagon, which I am fine with because I like Valentine. I hope it's true and he is kicking a little ass, because they deserve it.

Nathan Horton Has Major Setback

We wrote earlier that Horton was getting closer to making a comeback. He was able to ride a bike, and had even gotten a little time of the ice...

"He's been pulled back," Julien said. "He's got some symptoms, so we pulled him back. That's why I said as far as for me to come out every and [say there's a] step forward, a step backward. He's back to square one and we're giving him some time here. Those symptoms, once he got back on the ice, came back."

Terrible news, but that's what happens with these concussion, which we know all to well with what happened to Savard. There is obviously no timetable now, and to be honest I would be shocked if we saw him again this season. Once again, this is something the NHL has to figure out how to control. You'll never stop it, but this is happening too much, to too many good players.

Peyton Manning's Arm "A Noodle"

"On Wednesday evening, Ryan Wilson passed along a report that Peyton Manning's arm "is a noodle." That description was not complimentary. And neither is the the description of Manning from NFL Network's Michael Lombardi. Lombardi, appearing with Bill Simmons on "The BS Report," said that Manning "can't throw the ball to his left (CBS Sports)."

Guys who have caught the ball for him says he has no velocity on the ball, and the reason he can throw to his left is because he loses feeling when trying to throw across his body. That is really not good news. Manning still has a month to get his arm right before the Colts have to decide to cut him, but it's looking more and more likely they are going to.

For now structurally Manning is fine, but the nerves aren't and if he can't get his arm back then he is going to be done. I have no idea how long that might take, but I have to admit I am rooting for him to make it back. He is one of the greatest and I would love to see him back in the NFL again, and not be forced into retirement.

Clippers Lose Billups For Season

Los Angeles Clippers guard Chauncey Billups suffered a torn left Achilles tendon Monday night and will miss the remainder of the season. Really a tough break for him as he was 14.9 points and 4.0 assists a game for the Clippers. They are going to have Randy Foye replace him in the starting lineup, but it will be Mo Williams that will have to pick up the slack as that #2, which I think he can do.

Still a big loss for a team that is in 2nd place in the Western Conference. My personal opinion is that the Lakers, Spurs, and maybe even the Nuggets and Mavs will all pass them in the standings.

Billups says he has no plan on retiring.

Melo Out 1-2 Weeks

The Knicks announced today Carmelo Anthony is out 1-2 weeks with a strained right groin. So Linsanity better be sustainable or the Knicks could come completely apart. DP hates Melo. I used to be a big fan from his time at Cuse, but even I have to admit he has been terrible for this team. He shoots too much, and just hasn't been a good addition at all. So, maybe this is a good thing for the Knicks and they can find some offensive rythm with guys like Jeremy Lin, who is coming off 2 straight games of 25+ points.

If the Knicks win without Melo it might be time to start looking to deal him. I know that sounds crazy, but they are a better team without him.

Nathan Horton Finally Getting Better

We have been waiting to hear when Horton will be able to return the Bruins from his most recent concussion. The latest report says that he is back on the ice skating, but there isn't an exact timetable.

"He's starting to skate," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "The next time you see him with full equipment practicing on ice is when you'll know he's made the next step after that. That's basically it. He's starting to skate, which is another step in the right direction. It's all the protocol of the league. He needs to be symptom-free of the headaches, and then you go from the bike, to the ice, and to contact."

I wouldn't expect him back with the team for another month, but that's really nothing more then a guess. You just never know if the symptoms around going to come back. I worry about Horton. He wasn't the same player when he came back this year, and I just worry about he will be after his 2nd. We saw Savard retire over this, and Bergeron it took a good 2 years for him to get back to being the player he was. I hope that it doesn't take that long for Horton.

Bruins' Horton Not Getting Better

"Bruins coach Claude Julien said after the team's morning skate Thursday that forward Nathan Horton has not progressed this week in his recovery from his latest concussion, and still is not riding the stationary bike.

"He's still where he was a few days ago," Julien said. "Feeling better, but not well enough right now to get to that stage of working out."

Horton suffered the injury on Jan. 22, when he was hit by Flyers forward Tom Sestito (WEEI)."

The NHL really has to find a way to limit these concussions. We have already seen it with Savard, now we are seeing it with Horton, and arguably the best player in the league Crosby. Better helmets, new rules, I don't know what it will take, but they have to find a way because they are getting out of control.

Horton wasn't the same player he was last year, and even if he does make it back I don't see him having a major impact, which is really just too bad. Thank God the Bruins have built a deep team.

Gronk To Practice Today And Play In Super Bowl

For the first time since injuring his left ankle in the AFC championship game, Patriots Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski will practice Thursday and will play in Super Bowl XLVI Sunday here at Lucas Oil Stadium, according to a tweet from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

I figured this news was coming after he saw him without a boot the last couple of days. This is obviously huge news for the Patriots, when these two team met Gronk had 8 catches for 101 yards and a TD in a 24-20 losing effort. He is a huge part of this offense, and the Patriots need all hands on deck. With him practicing today I am certain that he will be damn close to 100% for Sunday, otherwise they wouldn't bother risking a practice.

Dice-K Will Be Ready At Some Point In 2012

Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka threw a bullpen session off a mound for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery last June. Matsuzaka threw off the mound 21 times.

"Today is like a warm-up," Matsuzaka told reporters (WEEI). "I think I'll throw harder next week."

From what I have been hearing it sounds like some point in July. The Red Sox at that point could really use him if they don't make more moves before the season starts. We have been complaining basically daily about the back end of the rotation.

I forget who said it, whether is was a caller on WEEI or one of my friends, but some said they wouldn't be surprised to see Dice-K comeback and go 6-2 with a 3.50 ERA. Honestly... It wouldn't shock me either. Dice-K has to put his full effort into this season, because he is a free agent at the end of 2012. This guy is a thorn in my side, but I like him in the rotation rather then Aceves.

Injured Eric Gordon Rejects 4 Year Deal From Hornets

The NBA-owned New Orleans Hornets offered Eric Gordon a four-year extension and the guard rejected it on Wednesday. He will be a restricted free agent on July 1. The Hornets also learned today that Gordon will be out at least 3 more weeks with that knee injury he has been battling next year.

Although this is bad news for the Hornets they can still match any offer made to him this offseason.

Regin's Season Is Done

Really unlucky forward Peter Regin has been shut down for the year according to the Ottawa Sun and Bryan Murray. Regin, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has been continuously injured since signing a 2 year deal in the summer of 2010, which was coming off a very nice playoff series against Pittsburgh, where many had him becoming a young star. That hasn't materialized and the lack of production combined with all the injury concerns might have him moving on from the team this summer.

Thoughts?

The Eddy Curry Comeback

From ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst: "Eddy Curry has lost around 100 pounds. Yesterday he worked extra hour after practice and they literally had to mop up his sweat. Might play tonight ... Curry said he stills gets winded easily and won't be able to play much. Since Heat have no center, just 5-7 minutes would legitimately help."

I was surprised when the Heat signed him, because I feel like he hasn't touched a court in years (played 7 games last year, 3 the year before). It has to be good news for the Heat that he has lost so much weight, but why does he still get so winded? I don't know how much he has left, but the Heat really need him to do SOMETHING, because they are terrible at the center postion (Joel Anthony/Dexter Pittman).

It's kind of amazing that Eddy Curry is still just 29 years old.

Ed Reed Ready To Go?

When Ed Reed went down at the end of the Texans game this weekend I thought (and kinda hoped) he was done. He seems to be OK though, as the X-Rays came back negative on his ankle, and Reed has come out to say...

"I'll be all right. I'll get treatment and I'll be ready to go," he said after the game, per ESPN AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley. On Monday, Reed's head coach echoed the sentiment. "Ed looks like he's all right with the ankle," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh revealed, according to Hensley. "Everything's come up OK as far as the X-rays."

Ed Reed, even though he is getting older, is one of the most dangerous defensive players in the league. He scares the hell out of me, because I think he is one of the few guys that can actually lineup against Hernandez and Gronk and have a chance to hold them in check. I guess the question the Ravens have is whether or not they can pressure Brady. We all know that's how you beat the Patriots is pressure up the middle, but last week the Ravens didn't have 1 sack against the Texans. They do that against the Patriots they will get blown out.

Al Horford Out 3-4 Months

Atlanta Hawks All-Star center Al Horford will miss at least three months with a shoulder injury, a major blow to a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference.

This is too bad Al Hortford is a good young player. He kind of does everything, he can rebound, score, and he isn't bad on defense. It also too bad because this team is actually playing pretty well. They are 8-4 and 3 losses were a 2 point loss to the Bulls (who they have also beat), an overtime loss to the Heat, and two road losses to the Rockets/Pacers, which happen. I don't think they can make a serious run in the East, but you never know. I feel like the Hawks have just been one of the underachieving teams for so long now, that you just hope one day they figure it out, kind of like how the Mavericks did.

Patriots Offensive Line Finally Healthy

Sebastian Vollmer and Logan Mankins returned from injury and were able to practice with the Patriots. Vollmer missed the final five games of the season with an injured right foot while Mankins suffered a left knee injury in the Christmas Eve win over the Dolphins. This is HUGE news for the Patriots.

We all know the Patriots will only go as far as their offense takes them. The main this is being able to protect Brady, and with these two guys back (especially Mankins) that will make that job a lot easier. They are going to need them going against a hell of a pass rush that Denver has.

Beyond Brady though, I hope this means the Patroits can run the ball more. I know that sounds crazy with the offense they have, but I really liked the way Ridley has been running the ball, and since 2 out of the 3 best playmakers on offense are their TEs I would love to see them in a lot of two TE sets, maybe even using an extra offensive lineman. If they were able to pound the ball when they have a lead, or even just to take some pressure off Brady let him work off play-action.

Mickael Pietrus To Debut Tomorrow For Celtics

Mickael Pietrus told reporters he expects to make his Boston Celtics debut on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks after participating in his first Celtics practice on Monday. I am a big Pietrus fan, and I think he could be huge for this team. He is certainly a huge upgrade of Sasha, and I love the way this guy plays defense. Plus, he has a decent outside should, which could mix well with Bass in the middle.

I don't know if he will give the Celtics the offense boast they badly need with thier 2nd unit, but I know he is an uprade over what they had, and about the best you're going to get for the vet min.

Welcome to the team Pietrus, I'll be ordering my player t-shirt this week.

Paul Pierce To Play Tonight? (UPDATED)

We can't seem to get a reliable report on whether or not Pierce will play tonight. The best we got is a tweet from Pierce that said...

"close very very close very"

My guess is that he does play tonight. If he is that close he is going to play, especially with the Celtics home opener tonight, and their rough 0-3 start. Obviously it's early in the year, but the Celtics have a good chance to right the ship a little bit over the next 5 games...

vs. Pistons
@ Wizards
vs. Wizards
vs. Nets
vs. Pacers

Those are all winnable games (obviously a lot more winnable with Pierce on the floor). There is also rumors that say Pietrus might be able to go tonight. I think that could be a huge advantage having Pierce and Pietrus on the floor. The Celtics will be able to stop playing guys like Sasha Pavlovic, which is basically a win within itself.

While I am very worried about the Celtics in terms of being able to make a Championship run (especially with KG looking like he has aged another 5 years over the offseason) I don't think it is fair at all to judge this team till Pierce and Pietrus are back. Pierce will obviously add some scoring, and what team isn't made better by getting their 2nd best player back? Pietrus will add some defense off the bench, which could be big because the Celtics have been giving up way too many point this season.

***UPDATE***

"Celtics GM Danny Ainge tells the Globe that Mickael Pietrus likely to make debut by mid-January. About two weeks away. (Gary Washburn - CelticsBlog)"

Tom Brady Has Shoulder X-Ray (UPDATED)

Officially, the Patriots said Brady missed practice Wednesday for non-injury related reasons, but word is that he actually went out and had an X-Ray on his non-throwing shoulder. Everything has been reported to be fine, but obviously this is something the Patriots didn't want to get out.

I actually wonder if the NFL will have something to say about this, because it is kind of like lying about an injury. In the end I don't really care, because everything is said to be fine, but you can tell Belichick would have rathered if teams around the league didn't know that he was getting that shoulder checked out.

***UPDATE***

"The New England Patriots quarterback (Tom Brady) will not practice Thursday due to a left shoulder injury that reportedly required X-rays, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter (ESPN)."

They are saying Brady is still likely to play against Buffalo, but to question if he should play at all. We already know he has been dealing with some elbow issues, and now you add this shoulder. I know we are playing for homefield throughout the playoffs, but I think that is far less important then the health of Brady going into the playoffs.

How Hurt Is A-Rod?

Following the advice of Kobe Bryant, Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez recently traveled to Germany to receive Orthokine therapy on his right knee and left shoulder.

Kobe has this procedure done on his knee, and he has been raving about it sense. Even if this does go well you have to really start worrying about A-Rod's health long term now. He has not played in more than 138 games in any of the last four seasons due to injuries, yet still has six years and $143 million in base salary left on his contract.

He is coming off a year when he was only able to play 99 games, hit only 16 HRs with 62 RBIs. Those are numbers Youk puts up on an injury plagued year, which is bad, but when you're paying a guy like A-Rod that type of money it can be a killer.

The bottom line is that A-Rod in the next couple of years is going to have to turn into a DH, and the money they are going to be paying him for that is silly. With Jeter/ARod not getting any younger the Yankees have to be concerned. For now, they have to hope that this procedure can buy them another year or two.