Media Blitz by John Molori: Fenway heroes meet their matches in Foxboro
In the wake of the Red Sox’ scintillating run to their first World Series championship in 86 years, WEEI’s Bob Neumeier asked Sports Illustrated’s Peter King to compare the current Red Sox to the Super Bowl champion Patriots.
King droned on about strategy and team philosophy, but I’ll take it a step further. In truth, each member of the Red Sox has a kindred spirit in Foxboro.
Bronson Arroyo-David Givens: Arroyo and Givens are young and immensely talented, but their link is on the inside. They both have an uncanny desire to star and thrive in big moments, an unusual trait for an inexperienced athlete.
Alan Embree-Lonie Paxton: The link is specialization. Embree exists to retire left-handed hitters. Paxton exists to execute perfect long snaps. Both men may go unnoticed, but both are essential.
Keith Foulke-Adam Vinatieri: Foulke’s 2004 postseason performance puts him at least in Vinatieri’s area code in terms of clutch performances. Both men come into the game with everything on the line and both deliver.
Curtis Leskanic-Daniel Graham: While neither player is a superstar, they are key contributors to their teams. Leskanic cane to Boston as a last bullpen option, but pitched key innings down the stretch. Graham has overcome the dropsies to thrive in New England.
Derek Lowe-Bethel Johnson: You’d be surprised what good can come out of a doghouse. Both men have seen the highs and lows of life in pro sports. They have had run-ins with their coaches and have responded positively. Redemption is their watchword.
Pedro Martinez-Rodney Harrison: Pride, adrenaline, passion, ability, confidence and toughness. These superstars share these traits. They are also unafraid to talk openly to the media and will back down from no one. They create fear in opponents and trust in teammates.
Mike Myers-Matt Chatham: Like Embree and Paxton, these men are paid to do specific jobs. The submarining Myers must get left-handed batters out, while Chatham is a special-teams workhorse who consistently delivers.
Curt Schilling-Tedy Bruschi: Pure, unadulterated leadership is the link here. Both players display an inner fire that explodes and affects teammates positively. They are strong of heart, mind and spirit, and will sacrifice their bodies for the team.
Mike Timlin-Willie McGinest: Here are two more veterans who have seen it all in their pro sports careers. McGinest and Timlin have been, at different times, excoriated and exalted. They are the true embodiments of the word survivor.
Tim Wakefield-Ted Johnson: In their respective decades in New England, Wakefield and Johnson have displayed selflessness for the good of the team. They were once superstar front-liners, but have aged gracefully into key veteran contributors. Both are willing to play any role that will lead to victory.
Jason Varitek-Tom Brady: Brady is more of a matinee idol. Both are fundamentally sound and true field leaders. They make everyone around them better.
Doug Mirabelli-Joe Andruzzi: Let’s compare these two tough guys in terms of importance. Andruzzi is the quiet leader of the most underrated offensive line in football. Mirabelli is invaluable as a backup to Varitek and in handling Wakefield’s unpredictable knuckleball.
Mark Bellhorn-David Patten: Count these guys out and you will be proven wrong. Patten has rebounded from injury to reclaim his slot in the Patriots’ arsenal, and Bellhorn overcame early playoff woes to become a postseason hero.
Orlando Cabrera-Eugene Wilson: Which would you prefer to encounter, a solid open-field hit by Wilson or a hard slide into second by Cabrera? And how about the “replacing a legend” parallel? Wilson has stepped in admirably for the departed Lawyer Milloy and Cabrera has more than compensated for the trade of Red Sox legend Nomar Garciaparra .
Doug Mientkiewicz-Dan Klecko: The word is versatility. Klecko has done everything that Bill Belichick has asked him to do. Mientkiewicz, a starter in Minnesota, has subordinated his own star status to be a role player on the Red Sox. He even filled in at second base during the season.
Bill Mueller-Mike Vrabel: Cool, calm and consistent. These are the hallmarks of both stalwarts. Vrabel played at Ohio State and Mueller grew up in St. Louis. Their Midwest sensibilities characterize their professional play.
Kevin Millar-Matt Light: Facial hair alone puts these two scrappy players together. Neither is camera shy and both will stand up to defend teammates in the wake of media criticism. They might make a good governor-lieutenant governor pair in a few years.
Pokey Reese-Deion Branch: Both players possess pure athleticism and can do things on the field that few others can imitate. They also have a real joy of playing that is evident in their actions and productivity. Watch them leap and dive after every ball.
Johnny Damon-Richard Seymour: They are the quiet leaders of their respective teams. The pair share an easygoing, mellow style off the field, but a raw determination and drive on the field. Seymour and Damon are true pros and indispensable to their respective teams.
Gabe Kapler-Christian Fauria: Both are veteran leaders who think team first and individual accomplishment second. Kapler could have signed elsewhere for more money and security, but chose Boston because he wanted to be a part of history. Fauria has already been a star and serves as a role model for young players.
Trot Nixon-Larry Izzo: You get the feeling that neither of these guys enjoys showering after a game. They are scrappy, tough, rugged and ready for a fight. Neither man is blessed with great size or speed, but their tenacity and will to win are unmatched.
Manny Ramirez-Ty Law: Love them or hate them, Ramirez and Law are the best at their positions in their respective games. They are true superstars who have had their share of off-the-field controversy and clashes with fans, ownership and the media. Still, they are all-stars and have the ability to dominate a game and carry a team.
Dave Roberts-Kevin Faulk: Who would win this footrace? They are fast, shifty and extremely athletic. They also serve a specific purpose in their teams’ respective game plans. Whether it’s a third-down catch or a stolen base, Faulk and Roberts are tough to stop.
David Ortiz-Troy Brown: These two legends have taken on leadership roles, but it is truly more than that. They are father figures to their teammates. Ortiz and Brown have the respect of their cohorts and their coaches. These are the guys who carry out the game plan and take care of business in the locker room.
There you have it. Let the media debate rage on as to the connection between New England’s two championship franchises. The fact is that the link is less about game plans and more about good people.
Rising Stars
Jerry Remy, Don Orsillo, NESN: Great job on pre-parade Red Sox interviews. If only the local duo could have replaced Fox
