Cancel Duran, let Maye play and welcome the Bruins' new TV guy

Joe McDonald
| Special to The Providence Journal

A lot has happened in the world of sports since my last column. While I enjoyed a few days of family vacation, the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins and Celtics were all busy.

Let’s start with Jarren Duran of the Sox. I was one paragraph short of a perfect column on July 22nd. I wrote about an experience I witnessed while covering him in Worcester. Because of that incident and others I never reported, I am not a fan of him on or off the field. In that last column, I wrote about how he seems to have finally matured on and off the field.

“By all accounts, it looks like Duran proved me wrong. I’m happy for him that he’s matured on and off the field because the fans deserve to enjoy his talents in the big leagues,” I wrote.

Wow, wrong again.

It has a long way to go, and based on my experience, I don’t think it will get there. The 27-year-old was suspended for two games, which was not enough, for using a homophobic slur towards a fan during a recent match. He apologized and discussed the incident several times. I hope I’m wrong – again – but it won’t be the last time Duran is involved in some sort of incident.

Okay, I don’t want to waste any more time on this topic.

Starting QB of the future, Drake Maye

Just play with the baby and that’s it. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye should be the starter for the Patriots. He should be the number 1 option.

It’s no secret that the team is rebuilding. The Patriots are at least a season or two away from becoming a perennial playoff contender again. So rebuild with a player who should be your QB of the future. He showed rapid improvement during training camp, something first-year coach Jerod Mayo acknowledged after the team’s 14-13 preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday at Gillette Stadium.

The team appears to be leaning toward veteran Jacoby Brissett to start the regular season. Again, the team is in a rebuilding mode, so allow the offensive line, which also needs help, along with the overall offense, to learn with Maye. The sample size is small, but he appears to have the work ethic and desire to learn exactly what the team expects from its top pick. Let your child run with it and see how it develops. Some players can handle this pressure, while others give up. Let’s see how Maye is built.

The rebuilding plan became even more apparent when the Patriots traded veteran linebacker Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons for a third-round pick last week. Part of that deal was due to the contract extension impasse between Judon and the Patriots, so the team decided to cut ties with one of its most popular players both on and off the field. He was part of the heart and soul of the defense, which is one of the team’s strengths.

This move isn’t a popular one with fans, but it could pay dividends down the road.

Bruins fans will love new TV announcer Judd Sirott

I was excited to hear the news that Judd Sirott has been named the new play-by-play announcer for the Bruins. While I will miss Jack Edwards, whom I consider a friend and have always respected his talent, dedication and passion for his craft, Sirott is a solid choice for NESN. He spent the last seven seasons as the radio voice of the Bruins for 98.5 The Sports Hub, working with analyst Bob Beers. Sirott already has chemistry with longtime NESN analyst Andy Brickley and is excited about his new teammate.

“I grew up listening to Bruins games on the radio with legendary play-by-play voices, so I’m excited to have the latest and greatest radio voice of the B’s join me calling games on TV,” Brickley said. “NESN viewers will truly enjoy Judd’s love of the game, his knowledge and passion for the Bruins and his respect for the fans. I can’t wait to go together.”

I met Sirott when he gave me an interview for the radio station. Beers introduced Sirott to beat writers after a game at The Fours, and he immediately connected with the group. He has a reporter’s mentality when it comes to his play-by-play career, and Bruins fans will no doubt enjoy his work ethic and passion. Away from the rink, he is a kind-hearted person typical of his Midwestern upbringing.

Good luck, Judd.

To get the most out of Fenway Stadium

Part of my vacation was spent hitting golf balls during the Upper Deck Golf Experience at Fenway Park. It was a fun event and the Red Sox were able to make the most of the ballpark while the Red Sox are on the road.

It was a picturesque night under the lights and it was obvious that the fans who attended the golf event were having a great time. The beers were flowing and the golf swings were interesting, to say the least. Players were allowed two swings per hole (scenes and hitting mats) which were placed in different places around the stands. It was a great way for fans to tour the course while competing while hitting golf balls on the course. Our group was nearly hit by a ball as we exited Fenway and walked down Lansdowne Street.

During my career, I have now played golf, hockey and baseball at Fenway. I also attended a Crashed Ice extreme skating event and attended a few concerts. Fenway is a great venue for any event.

As we enjoyed a post-round libation, we discussed Fenway Park’s expiration date. The late Larry Lucchino, who was in charge of the extensive renovation project at Fenway Park after John Henry’s ownership group bought the club in 2002, once explained to me that the “expiry date” would come about 30 years after the start the original renovation project. .

The Red Sox will eventually need a new ballpark, but that’s a discussion we can save for another day. Meanwhile, the property is making the most of its 112-year tenure, and fans have been loving it.

Henry buying the Celtics would not be a good thing

Speaking of Henry owning teams, just a few weeks ago we learned that Fenway Sports Group was making a serious attempt to buy the Boston Celtics. This comes just months after the Celtics won their 18th NBA Championship. This could be catastrophic for the Celtics and their fans if Henry’s group purchases this storied franchise.

I’ve written and said this many times, and I still believe that one of the main reasons the Red Sox won three of the four World Series titles during this current ownership was due to Lucchino’s passion for baseball and winning. Henry was always close to the bottom line, while Lucchino, who served as Red Sox president and CEO for 14 years, resigned, purchased the Pawtucket Red Sox and parted ways with Henry’s group in 2015.

If Henry wins the Celtics, it could tarnish the franchise’s future reputation in the NBA and the sports world.

Cancel Duran, let Maye play and welcome the Bruins’ new TV guy

Starting QB of the future, Drake Maye

Bruins fans will love new TV announcer Judd Sirott

To get the most out of Fenway Stadium

Henry buying the Celtics would not be a good thing

By Matthew. Jr

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Cancel Duran, let Maye play and welcome the Bruins’ new TV guy

Starting QB of the future, Drake Maye

Bruins fans will love new TV announcer Judd Sirott

To get the most out of Fenway Stadium

Henry buying the Celtics would not be a good thing

By Matthew. Jr

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