The Red Sox are about to start the second half of the season tonight against the New York Yankees. You’re a liar if you thought the Red Sox would be THIS good. I don’t anticipate a second half collapse, but as I’ve stated here before, I don’t think this is a World Series team. But regardless of the record at the end of the year, this team is a living reminder that chemistry in sports matters. Alex Cora has allowed this team to relax and develop as a group. Some sports fans say culture and chemistry is overrated. They are wrong.
--The U.S. Men’s Olympic basketball team got off to a flying start with exhibition losses to Nigeria and Australia earlier this week. The win over Argentina did not include Jayson Tatum who sat out nursing a knee injury. I hope this experience doesn’t turn into a disaster for Tatum.
--Cam Newton said everything right in an interview on ESPN Radio Thursday morning, but what stood out to me was him discussing how he is much more comfortable with his understanding and knowledge of the Patriots offense. Words are nice, but get the team into the right play at the line of scrimmage once in a while and I will start believing his words.
--Jarren Duran has been called up to the Red Sox from Worcester. I believe this is move 1 for the Red Sox before the trade deadline. But will any of moves 2, 3, or 4 come from outside the organization?
--And please don’t mention the name Jacoby Ellsbury in talking Jarren Duran. Ellsbury wasn't the toughest player in the game. (Google my tweet about him from years ago.)
--It’s funny to me that I’ve heard about how some on WEEI have mentioned my columns but haven’t said anything to me directly...
--UFC 264 was everything I could have hoped for and more. What an atmosphere in T-Mobile Arena. Can’t wait for McGregor-Poirier 4.
--After hearing from new Celtics assistant coach Damon Stoudamire, I think he will play a big role in helping Tatum get to the next level mentally.
--As someone who has been in the business for almost 25 years, Maria Taylor thinking she’s worth Stephen A. Smith money is a joke. But agents gotta ask.
--I have not dug in on the "expansion draft" coming up in the NHL, but my total guess is that the Bruins won’t be impacted negatively by it.
--If Shohei Ohtani can keep up this pace, he will have FORCED MLB general managers to open their eyes to two-way players.
--For those who listen to ‘Gresh & Keefe’, yes. I am that picky of an eater. FORMER FAT GUY NOTE: I’ve tasted every Chinese restaurant around, and Kowloon is the best IMHO.
--I think James White will lead the Patriots in catches this season. There I said it.
--Bruins GM Don Sweeney got a great deal with Brandon Carlo. Now, Carlo just has to stay healthy.
--Thanks to Rob Bradford for allowing me to spew my B.S. each week.
Gresh is co-host of ‘Gresh & Keefe’ 10a-2p, Monday-Friday on the WEEI Sportsradio Network. He is also co-author of ‘The Great Book of Boston Sports Lists’