Updates

I apologize for the absence. I was without computer access for a few days over the July 4th weekend. Here are some updates on what has been going on in the world of Sports.

Rasheed Wallace- Wallace has verbally agreed to sign with the Celtics for 2 years at about 5.8 a season. This deal will become official tomorrow when free agents are first allowed to sign contracts. For my thoughts on this signing please look back at the previous post

Grant Hill-Reports have been linking him with the Celtics for the past few weeks and it appears after several meetings with Doc Rivers that Hill will be a Celtic by then end of the week. This is a good move for the Celtics assuming Grant Hill can be Grant Hill. It allows Doc more options to go to off the bench and allows him to spell Paul Pierce and control his minutes better than last season. Hill did play a career high in games last season appearing in every game for the Phoenix Suns, averaging 12 points a game.

Nomar Garciaparra- Nomar (insert Boston accent here) appeared in his first game at Fenway Park last night since leaving Boston in 2004. He received a standing ovation and appeared to be very emotional at the plate. It was great to see Nomar back in Boston and it was also nice to see the fans show him our love and appreciation for what he did during his time in Boston.

Steve McNair- McNair, 36, was shot to death in a Condo in Tennessee this past weekend. McNair was a great quarterback for the Titans and Ravens franchises as well as a role model for young African American football players. May he rest in peace.

Aaron Bates- Bates, 25, was called up yesterday and made his major league debut last night. Bates is known for his professional demeanor and preparedness for each game both mentally and physically. He was widely considered the best power prospect the Red Sox had in their system outside of Lars Anderson. Bates was hitting a whopping 340 with 7 Homeruns and 39 RBIs in AA Portland this season. However in 24 games at the AAA level he only managed a 182 average with 2 Homeruns and 7 RBIs. I wish him the best of luck.

All-Stars- Tim Wakefield was granted his first All-Star appearance by American League manager Joe Maddon. Coming with Wakefield will be fellow starting Pitcher Josh Beckett, Closer Jonathan Papelbon, and First Basemen Kevin Youkilis. The Sox also have two starters in the All Star game with Left Fielder Jason Bay and Second Basemen Dustin Pedroia. Nor real snubs from Boston although you could make a case for Jason Varitek who is having a better season than he did last year when he was All-Star.