The Mazz Files

For those of you a little slower on the uptake, the staff at Views from the Couch are big fans of the afternoon drive on 98.5 The Sports Hub with personalities Michael Felger and Tony Massarotti. They are hands-down the best sports talk show in the Boston region, this isn't debatable, fact not opinion. Their blend of antagonism, fact-supported opinions, and humorous banter make for a captivating and knowledge-infused ride home every day.

For a little background, Tony Massarotti is a reporter for the Boston Globe, a former beat writer for the Boston Red Sox, and a respected member of the BBWAA (Baseball Writers Association of America). In short, when he speaks you listen, and absorb.

I am one of the regular callers on the show, maybe you've heard of me? Ryan in the Car? *crickets* …anyway, I reached out to Tony and he expediently accepted our request for an interview about the Boston Sports Scene as a whole. I hope you enjoy the following transcript as much as we did!


VFC: When writing books with players you obviously have to form a bond with said players, you could tell Pedro Martinez had a genuine respect for you when he called your show. How difficult is it to be objective/pointed when you clearly had to form a relationship with these players? Do they ever say anything to you about your comments?

Mazz: It can be difficult. Every once in a while, a player will express his displeasure about something that was said or written. My general experience has been that as long as you don't take cheap shots, the working relationship endures. Sometimes, time needs to pass before wounds are healed.

With regard to books, it's tricky business. Ortiz asked me. Wakefield did same. But yes, it does create for a more complex dynamic. I try not to hide the fact that projects like that are compromising.


VFC: What were the Top 3 sports stories you've covered, in your time in Boston?

Mazz: The 2004 ALCS is definitely No. 1. Hard to beat that. The Patriots loss in Super Bowl XLII is also right up there. The last was a joint assignment - I covered the 2008 NBA Finals and the 2008 U.S. Open at the same time, driving between San Diego and LA. The Celtics won the title and Tiger won the Open in a playoff over Rocco Mediate despite a torn ACL.


VFC: How big of a deal was SpyGate? Some people hear it and don't know entirely what it was. Is it something that should impact Belichick's legacy more than it has?

Mazz: It's hard to say. To me, the bigger story was that the league sent out an edict and he ignored it - so he was punished. In terms of the actual impact it all had on games on the field, I don't think it was a huge factor. His titles are his titles and we all know (or believe) that many teams "cheat." His mistake came in believing that he did not have to answer to the league.


VFC: Do you think the Red Sox need an overhaul of the roster, or just a massive kick in the rear end?

Mazz: No overhaul is necessary, but they need to make some changes beyond the manager. There's pressure points in the clubhouse that must be addressed with regard to makeup, etc. They need more grinders and fewer overpaid prima donnas.


VFC: Name the Top 3 Boston Sports Personalities (Players, GMs, and Coaches etc.) on and off the record that you have covered.

Mazz:

1. Bill Belichick - one of the true greats in history, the Red Auerbach of this era.

2. Tom Brady - forever paired with Belichick, now in the discussion for greatest athletes in Boston sports history.

3. Theo Epstein - has taken on boy-king status since assuming GM duties in 2003.


VFC: If you are the GM of one of the 4 Boston Sports teams and you could make one move; trade, cut or free agent signing; which team, and what would it be.

Mazz: Can't speak to a trade - too many variables. We can all conjure up fantasy deals.

If I'm the Celtics, I'd either get Dwight Howard (via free agency) or trade Rajon Rondo. The former is a franchise player and the latter is not. Go for it all or start rebuilding by moving Rondo.


VFC: What route do the Red Sox take in right field next year? Do they stick with Reddick and possibly Kalish? Or do they go the way of a free agent signing?


Mazz: I expect that Ryan Kalish will be the starting right fielder. I think this will instantly help the clubhouse dynamic as Kalish is a young, hungry player with more talent than Reddick.


VFC: Who do you think could replace Theo Epstein if he flees for Chicago? Internal or External?

Mazz: I would expect Ben Cherington to be the replacement. Look at the Red Sox' hiring history under Henry, Werner and Lucchino. They almost always go young.


VFC: Do you think it's time for Belichick to rethink his draft strategy of stockpiling picks in the later rounds and picking up what can be summed up as depth players while they give up their early picks that could possibly land the defensive playmakers the Pats defense desperately needs?

Mazz: I long ago decided that one great player is more valuable than two good ones. I don't like the concept of trading down and never have. To me, their linebacking corps has deteriorated badly. That's the area I would focus on and I don't understand why Belichick hasn't used more high picks on linebackers.


VFC: The catching situation. Is it a situation? Does there have to be serious thought into handing the reigns over to a rookie (Lavarnway) or should they stick with Saltalamacchia?

Mazz: I'd go with Saltalamacchia and Lavarnway (or a veteran backup) going forward. I love Jason Varitek but it's time to part with the old era. I'd move from Wakefield and Ortiz, too. When players stay too long with one organization, they gain status and become more important than the team. That can't happen. Also, Varitek is too easy a lure for Beckett if he's around. I suppose you could also solve this problem by trading Beckett, but I'd rather go younger at the catching position.


Views from the Couch would like to thank Tony Massarotti for his efforts and insight. Make sure you follow Mazz on Twitter, and catch him every day between 2pm-6pm on 98.5 The Sports Hub, the home of the New England Patriots and Boston Bruins, for all of the hottest "sports takes".

Stay Tuned,

Norton