Patriots QB Tom Brady

Coming off an extremely disappointing season, the New England Patriots will look to upgrade in many areas for the 2010 season.  Boston-area fans will be happy to know that the Pats have 4 selections in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft, and because of the 2010 uncapped season, they could break the bank for a big-time free agent acquisition.  There are many holes to fill on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.  Here are the team’s most dire needs as the 2010 offseason kicks off.

Pass Rushing DE/OLB

The Patriots inability to pressure the quarterback last season was a major reason for their losses vs. the Colts, Broncos, and Saints last season.  Both leading pass-rushers from last year Tully Banta-Cain (9.5 sacks) and Derrick Burgess (5 sacks) are free-agents in 2010.  The Patriots will be almost forced to keep at last one of them, with the smart money on Banta-Cain, who knows Bill Belichick’s system more thoroughly than Burgess.  Look for the Pats to upgrade with a free-agent signing like the Cardinals’ OLB Karlos Dansby, or to address this early in the draft with a player like Michigan’s Brandon Graham or Texas’ Sergio Kindle. 

Wide Receiver/Tight End

With Wes Welker’s status up in the air for 2010, the need for another legitimate target for Tom Brady has become all the more pressing.  Tight End Ben Watson also figures to leave in free agency.  There are a slew of restricted free-agents available such as Dallas’ Miles Austin, San Diego’s Vincent Jackson, and Denver’s Brandon Marshall.  However, signing one of these receivers will cost both a 1^st and 3^rd round pick, so the Patriots would more likely go in the direction of an unrestricted free agent like Kevin Walter or Derrick Mason.  They will also need some help via the draft.  Notre Dame’s Golden Tate and USC’s Damian Williams come to mind for second-round options.  Some mock drafts have the Patriots selecting Oklahoma’s Jermaine Gresham in the 1^st, which could be unlikely due to more pressing needs. 

Running Back

The Patriots have not had a 1,000 yard rusher since Corey Dillon in 2004.  While last years’ signing of Fred Taylor looked like a steal, the fact is that he’s not getting any younger, and can’t stay on the field.  Laurence Maroney may have finally fumbled his way out of town after numerous chances to impress.  There will be free agents available such as Larry Johnson, and possibly LaDainian Tomlinson, but they have also hit the dreaded age of 30 for backs.  With 3 second round picks, expect one of them to be invested in a possible solution, but don’t be surprised if they spend a 1^st-rounder on some one like Clemson’s C.J. Spiller or California’s Jahvid Best to take the pressure off the passing game.

The philosophy of the 2010 Boston Red Sox is centered on pitching and defense – run prevention.  With that being said,  Jason Bay’s 119 RBI, and Mike Lowell’s 75 RBI (expect him to be traded sometime this spring if healthy) will be sorely missed.  Other than the rapidly aging David Ortiz, only two players in the Red Sox lineup have ever produced more than 30 homeruns in a single season 

Red Sox Ace John Lackey

– both in 2004 – six years ago when Mike Cameron hit 30 for the Mets and Adrian Beltre hit a fluky 48 for the Dodgers in a contract year (his next highest total is 26!).  Ortiz surely cannot be expected to produce at the clip that the once did, and the other two occurrences happened back when John Kerry was running for president.  It remains to be seen if the perceived defensive improvements of Cameron and Beltre will make up for the lack of punch in the offense. 

How will John Lackey pitch at Fenway over a full season?

There is no doubt that the Red Sox acquired a legitimate front-line starter when they signed former Angel Jon Lackey to an $82 million contract.  However, Lackey will probably tell you that Fenway hasn’t exactly been friendly to him.  In 9 career games at Fenway, Lackey has been beaten to the tune of a 5.75 ERA, a .314 batting average against, and a WHIP of 1.67.  In the postseason, has been slightly better with a 4.15 ERA in 2 starts at Fenway.  Granted, these numbers came against some Red Sox offensive juggernauts, but Lackey will certainly have to put up with the vaunted New York Yankees offense at home at some point this year being in the AL East.  Lackey is a fiery competitor and will certainly take this challenge to heart.

Is David Ortiz done?

Coming off his worst year since joining the Red Sox, David Ortiz enters the final year of his contract as a huge question mark.  Can he be relied upon in big spots?  Probably not.  Last season his bat appeared to be slow vs. fastballs high and tight, and there is no reason to expect that this quality will improve with age.  When he struggled, he appeared disinterested.  Pitchers no longer fear Big Papi, who will more than likely bat 6^th in the order between J.D. Drew and Mike Cameron.  It will be up to Kevin Youkilis and Victor Martinez to provide the big hit.  Ortiz seems to be a relic from a time gone by, where the designated hitter would be a specialized offensive threat.  Nowadays most teams use the position to rest position players without granting them a day off.

How will Jason Varitek being a supporting cast member affect the team?

After seeing the team captain become a virtual automatic out over the last two seasons as well as having his defensive game slip, one could certainly argue that this will have a positive effect.  Although he has been long-celebrated as the man who “handles the pitching staff very well” once Victor Martinez stepped in last year, there did not seem to be much difference in the staff’s performance.  The fact is that Varitek is a consummate professional who has constantly put the team’s interest before his own, and accepting the backup catchers’ role is another example of this.

2010 Infiniti G37 Sedan

Infiniti MA of Norwood is excited to let all of our fans know that we were the #1 dealer in all of New England for new Infiniti sales in 2009! With our friendly and professional sales team and our dedicated service department, it’s no secret why we continue to solidify ourselves as New England’s best.
We realize that there is so much more to the car buying experience than just having the best deals. It is the long lasting personal relationships that honesty and integrity help build that keep the premier businesses like us at the top of the mountain.
In these unforgiving times of cold and unscrupulous business practice, personal touch and understanding can go a long way. Thank you for a wonderful 2009. We could not have done it without you.
On the heels of a great 2009, the long-awaited 2010 Infiniti G37 Sedan was released this month and has become an instant success among critics. U.S. News and World Report has ranked the 2010 G the second-best upscale midsize car on the market due mostly to its economic value when compared to competitors like the BMW 335i.

Others such as Car and Driver laud the new G37 because of its power, checking it in at a mammoth 328 horsepower. In times like these, it is important to get the most value for your dollar, so why settle when you can get much more for less?
While it is fantastic that critics love our products, infiniti massachusetts does not make cars to appease those who strike the keyboard from a distance.

We at Infiniti Mass of Norwood want to know what our customers think. We would really like to hear comments from those who have recently purchased a G37 Sedan. Tell us your stories involving the car, or just tell us why you love it. We look forward to your thoughts. Thank you, and here’s to a great 2010!