http://www.yardbarker.com/rss/user/larryb33 Recent Yardbarker Articles: larryb33 en-us It's been a couple weeks since I've posted here, but there's a good reason. I've been trying to secure a new sponsor for Bostonsportz.com, and have been negotiating with Ford and Worcester's own Denis Leary to have them run some new F-150 ads on our site. The talks went well, and the deal has been signed. So, before we get on with my post, here's a brief word from Ford, and Denis Leary: "Odds are, if you're one of the people in America driving a pickup truck, you don't look at it as a luxury, but a way of life. Your father probably drove a pickup truck, and his father's father's father probably drove one too. And they didn't have fancy places to get their oil changed or pick up some twinkies while they fill up their tank. No. In fact, your father couldn't even go the gas station and fill up with unleaded gas. He had to get the lead out of the gas the old fashioned way -- forcing a hobo to suck it out with a straw...[continued]... Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:45:13 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/392272 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/392272 It wasn't pretty, but the Celtics started the 2008-2009 season with a 90-85 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The night began with the raising of the Celtics' 17th Championship Banner and a teary-eyed Paul Pierce proudly hoisting his ring to the crowd, and ended with the Celtics firmly entrenched as the team to beat in the East. LeBron and his Cavs came out firing, looked good for most of the game, but just couldn't hold off the C's for the full 48 minutes. Pierce was the catalyst for Boston, leading all scorers with 27 points while dishing out 4 assists, however it was a couple of role players who we can thank for tonight's victory... [continued] Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:39:14 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/359414 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/359414 With the Sox looking outmatched and uninterested in this year's ALCS, I thought I'd brighten up your mornings with a bit of potentially good news... I don't want to jinx anything, so I'm not going to dig too deep into this, buuuuuuuuuuuut, here's a little quote (via the Boston Globe), from Doc Rivers after last night's exhibition win over the Cavs: When asked if Cassell could be an assistant coach and not a player when the season starts, Rivers said, "I don't know yet. We'll see." So you're telling me there's a chance?!?! Other good Celtics news: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:05:02 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/351060 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/351060 Unless you're a world-class athlete, raking in millions of dollars a season, or a highly-skilled blogger at BostonSportz.com, you probably don't know what it's like to live a life of luxury, being constantly surrounded by gorgeous women, driving exotic cars, and sleeping in sprawling mansions. Well, we can't help you with the women, or the mansions, but if you'd like to drive like a superstar, Tom Brady's 2008 Audi S8 Quattro AT6 is currently up for auction over at charitybuzz.com. Here's a brief rundown of what you get with this custom Audi: Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:01:23 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/350484 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/350484 You may remember that Adidas, for the NBA Finals last season, released a special limited Finals edition sneaker featuring Kevin Garnett for a cool $1,017. I wrote about it back in June. And by "wrote about it" I mean "mocked it childishly out of spite and jealousy". I just didn't think that there were that many sane people willing to drop a grand on a pair of sneakers, no matter how nice or how limited they were. Well, chalk one up for me. Apparently the Celtics still have 13 pairs of these shoes kicking around. Adidas supposedly produced 8 pairs for each game, 1 through 7, which would be a total of 56 pairs. Doing some quick math in my head (which is rarely a good idea), that means that they managed to sell 43 pairs of these bad boys, raking in a cool $43,000 +. Not bad for a few pair of shoes. [continued] Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:34:36 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/347155 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/347155 It's taken me a while to fully digest this whole re-signing Sam Cassell nonsense. In fact, until I see him step out onto that court again, immediately throw up a 20 foot jumper with 19 seconds left on the shotclock that leads to an opponent's fastbreak, then do it all again the next possession, I don't know that I will have come to grips with it. It's not that Sam is a bad guy. By all accounts he's just the opposite. It wouldn't shock me to learn that he helps old ladies cross the street, gently lifts cats from trees and always leaves a penny, but never takes. I have no personal grudges, and am not campaigning to see his demise. I just don't want him on our team. [cont...] Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:22:17 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/344088 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/344088 For those of you stuck in a cave for the past 5 months, the Celtics won their 17th NBA Title this past season, but they had to play the most games in NBA post-season history to get it. Due to the length of the post season, and the amount of extra games (and mental and physical wear and tear on KG), he took a little extra time for himself this summer and changed up his offseason workout routine. Fear not, though, KG is ready to go. While he didn't workout with his trainer this summer, like he typically does, he began his offseason program on August 1st and hasn't stopped since. "I trained with the intent that they're coming [for me]. But guess what, I'm coming, too. We are coming." [continued...] Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:10:03 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/339492 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/339492 ESPN's Jon Robinson recently interviewed Kevin Garnett about the upcoming NBA 2K9 video game -- which KG graces the cover of. Luckily, it doesn't focus much on video games, and more on the "Secrets of Kevin Garnett". Unfortunately, it's not like the Conan O'Brien "Secrets" where we learn things like the fact that Gwyenth Paltrow kills hobos with a hammer before she begins filming a new movie (she's superstitious), and that Tom Hanks' real name is Hank Toms and that, in his opinion, the best thing about being viewed as the nicest guy in Hollywood is that no one searches his backyard for bodies. Yeah, nothing too revealing coming from Garnett. Despite all that, I highly recommend you go and check it out. In addition to the fact that the reporter was taken to the secret location in an unmarked white van to the interview, we learn such KG secrets as: Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:26:02 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/334768 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/334768 Last night, after the Red Sox crushing defeat delivered from the old, ineffective arm of Mike Timlin, the Sox lockerroom was a somber place. As the players began to file out of the lockerroom, Timlin remained seated at his locker, uniform still on, head hung low. Players passed him on the way out, some shaking their heads, other patting him on the back. Some wishing he'd just go away. David Ortiz, the last player to leave, stops by Timlin on his way home. PAPI: Mikey, lift your head up, buddy. [he ruffles Timlin's hair. Timlin doesn't react]. It's just one game. We'll catch those guys. Don't beat yourself up over it. Ortiz flashes his bright smile, hoping to cheer up Timlin, but it has zero effect. Ortiz gives Timlin one last pat on the back, then exits the lockerroom, leaving Timlin alone. A few minutes pass, and Timlin remains seated, head hung low. Camouflage shirt poking up over his jersey. There's a knock at the door. Timlin springs out of his chair and hustles to the door, opening it. In pops Arthur Slugworth. [continued] Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:39:51 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/331447 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/331447 When people think of Kevin Youkilis, they typically think of 3 things: 1. The manliest facial hair in sports 2. Gold-glove level defense 3. Sweet, delicious chocolate Well, maybe not number three... but they will soon. Youk and Phillips Candy House (apparently providing fine chocolate since 1925) have teamed up to provide the world with the "YOOUUKK!" chocolate bar, for charity. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:33:06 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/317923 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/317923 So, this is purely speculation at this point, but polarizing nonetheless. Bostonsportsmedia.com is reporting that Jay Mariotti may be bringing his bitter, antagonizing, bridge-burning style of journalism to Boston. Now, I don't have anything personal against Mariotti. He's annoying and infuriating at best, but he's never really interfered with my life. He's always been Chicago's problem, and I was just so happy to let him stir up controversies in the Windy City. But to have him stalking the hallways at Fenway, or concocting feuds with Doc – well, then we have ourselves a problem. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:47:09 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/314521 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/314521 Yesterday, the Boston Celtics signed their first-round pick, Mr. J.R. Giddens out of the University of New Mexico. Giddens is listed at 6'5", 215 and was the Mountain Conference Co-Player of the Year last season, averaging over 16 points and close to 9 rebounds per game. He comes with his share of potential character issues and question marks, but could find himself on the court frequently this season, playing the role of defensive stopper..... Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:38:41 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/313928 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/313928 It's been a while since we've written about the 17 time NBA Champion Boston Celtics, so I thought I'd share a couple of interesting items for your enjoyment. The first is about our Dirt Dog of the Hardwood, Leon Powe. Hoops Addict is running their "Floor Burn Tournament" which was created to give credit to the hardest working, albeit lesser-known NBA players. The other interesting story... Doc Rivers was in Gainesville on Thursday to speak with the Florida Gator's football team. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:59:48 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/308318 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/308318 Joe Torre is not a stupid man. He had to know that life with Manny Ramirez would be trying at best. Even the simplest requests, like asking Manny to cut his hair, would be the equivalent of asking an 8 year old to clean their room -- if they stuff everything covering their floor into their closet, you consider it a win. So when Joe told Manny he needed to cut his long, messy dreads, the Globe reports that Ramirez responded by getting a few inches trimmed from the bottom. Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:02:44 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/307136 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/307136 While the nations of the world battle for International Supremacy in China, Boston continues to steamroll other cities for the hearts and minds of America. First, we unleashed Super Bowl MVP and heartthrob, Tom Brady, on the world, gaining the fandom of females, world-wide. Then we brought Big Papi and his roving band of "Idiots" to the spotlight, winning a World Series and uniting Red Sox Nation. Then Paul Pierce welcomed KG into town as America rallied around Celtic Pride, and Banner 17. Next to succumb to the powers of Boston: The nation's children! Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:36:41 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/304107 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/304107