Some Things I Think I Think: Red Sox starting to show signs of personality

· Yahoo Sports

∗ In an otherwise relatively news-free spring training for the Red Sox, Payton Tolle’s comic clubhouse presentation this past week extolling the virtues of America, was a true highlight.

Tolle showed himself to be an expert hype man after he was challenged by manager Alex Cora to put together the address for the benefit of his teammates. With props, accompanying video and a special — via remote – guest star, Tolle entertained the masses. It was a fun, light-hearted bit that helped ease the drudgery of spring training.

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But it also was a reminder that sports can be fun. And that players need not hide their true selves while speaking like programmed bots.

The most popular teams in recent Red Sox history have done more than win; they’ve also had fun and connected with the fan base. Think of the “Cowboy Up/Idiots” of 2004 and the bearded wonders from 2013. Those teams had appeal that went beyond their on-field success because fans could relate to the outsized personalities. The 2004 team was more than the otherworldly talents of Pedro Martinez and Co. There was also the lovable goofiness of Kevin Millar, Johnny Damon and others. It was the same in 2013, when Jonny Gomes, Mike Napoli and Ryan Dempster showed themselves to be delightfully irreverent en route to an improbable title.

There are others on the current roster who could add a splash of fun to the season, including Caleb Durbin, Triston Casas and a few others. Players needn’t wait until “Players Weekend” and custom cleats to show their personality.

At a time when the Red Sox are trying to earn back some good will that’s been lost, having players with whom fans can identify is a good step.

More of this, please.

∗ Those expecting a surge of interest in the NHL after the recent Olympics are bound to be disappointed.

I’m old enough to have experienced the Miracle On Ice in 1980, and remember hearing the same unbridled post-Lake Placid optimism — how the sport’s exposure and the glow of the gold medal would surely lift the game to new heights in the US. Didn’t happen.

The same, I’m afraid, can be said this time around. There are millions who watched last Sunday’s game out of curiosity and national pride. But that doesn’t translate into a sudden need to follow the pro game. Those increases of interest are temporary and can’t be transferred.

Will some start following the NHL more after their exposure to the sport last month. Yes, but not in any significant way.

Some advice from a long-time hockey fan who used to dream of the NHL attaining the same level of mainstream popularity enjoyed by the Big Three: It’s not going to happen. But don’t let that detract from your own enjoyment of a great sport.

∗ Those endless shots of the Patriots’ team logo-festooned plane, sitting on the runway and poised for takeoff, now seem somewhat less majestic after yet another failing grade was given to the team’s travel experiences. AirKraft looks more like a modern-day Spruce Goose.

∗ He might be the best pitcher in the game after winning consecutive Cy Young awards, but Tarik Skubal doesn’t strike me as the ultimate gamer. Limiting himself to just one start in the WBC makes him look more interested in his own upcoming free agency than how his country fares in the tournament. In or out, Tarik.

∗ Unless they can do something to help themselves in future seasons, I’d advise the Bruins to stand pat by Friday’s trade deadline. Giving up resources for rentals doesn’t make much sense for a team on the bubble.

∗ The only MLB franchise that discloses its financial data – because they’re publicly owned – is the Atlanta Braves. Last year, they endured a losing season and lost their own lucrative local TV deal, yet still saw their revenues increase.

All of which makes it difficult for MLB owners to cry poor mouth as the labor talks begin to intensify.

∗ I get the call for the Patriots to select either an another offensive lineman or an edge rusher, as pass protection and the pass rush are two areas of obvious need. But I wouldn’t object to them splurging on a pass-catching tight end to provide Drake Maye with a big offensive target for years to come.

∗ If you think you’re unhappy with the myriad streaming services you now need to watch sports, just wait until the NFL starts to renegotiate its various TV deals this summer.

∗ The San Diego Padres are likely to fetch an MLB-record $3 billion or more on the open market, which makes you wonder what the Red Sox — and their own ballpark — would get if they were to be put up for sale.

∗ Understanding that there’s always a good deal of subjectivity involved, the NHL can’t seem to find any consistency to its goaltender interference calls from one game to the next.

∗ If it turns out that Jayson Tatum has orchestrated his comeback so that his return to the court just happens to line up with a nationally televised game, then shame on him and the Celtics.

∗ With each passing day, the Chris Sale-for-Vaughn Grissom deal gets worse for the Red Sox. Sale, who recently agreed to yet another contract extension with the Atlanta Braves, suddenly looks like he’s going to pitch until he’s 40.

∗ I keep waiting for Stephen A. Smith to break character and admit that the thought of him making a White House run is just a good-natured prank and that not even he takes himself that seriously. But it never happens.

∗ Floyd Mayweather Jr. (age 49) vs. Manny Pacquiao (age 47) this fall — just what boxing needs.

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