SB Nation Boston: All Posts by JP Starkeyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48863/boston-fave.png2013-01-23T14:08:42-05:00https://boston.sbnation.com/authors/jp-starkey/rss2013-01-23T14:08:42-05:002013-01-23T14:08:42-05:00Tecmo Bowl predicts a 49ers victory
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<figcaption>Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Though it's not a scientific prediction, the San Francisco 49ers will beat the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII -- according to Tecmo Bowl, at least.</p> <p>There's still over a week and a half until Super Bowl XLVII kicks off, when the Baltimore Ravens take on the San Francisco 49ers to determine this year's NFL champions.</p>
<p>Many analysts and fans will predict the Super Bowl between now and Feb. 3 -- and programmers are even creating video game predictions. Thanks to the TecmoBowlers, Tecmo Bowl, perhaps the most beloved football video game ever, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mercurynews.com/49ers/ci_22432877/tecmo-super-bowl-2013-san-francisco-49ers-baltimore-ravens-prediction">predicts a 49ers victory in Super Bowl XLVII</a>.</p>
<p align="center">
<i>
<b>For more on the Super Bowl, visit </b>
<a href="http://www.ninersnation.com" target="_blank">Niners Nation</a>
<b> and </b>
<a href="http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com" target="_blank">Baltimore Beatdown</a>
</i>
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<p>Though the results are hardly scientific, it's certainly entertaining. Per Tecmo Bowl's prediction, the Ravens and Niners enter the fourth quarter tied at 17-17, but a Joe Flacco interception turns the tides, and the 49ers wind up winning Super Bowl XLVII, 31-17.</p>
<p>Undoubtedly, Patriots fans will be wondering where that Joe Flacco was during the AFC Championship game.</p>
<p>Kickoff between the 49ers and Ravens is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 3. Televised coverage can be found on CBS.</p>
<p> </p>
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https://boston.sbnation.com/2013/1/23/3907940/2013-super-bowl-xlviiJP Starkey2013-01-23T13:01:18-05:002013-01-23T13:01:18-05:00Harbaugh brothers to hold joint press conference
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<figcaption>Rob Carr</figcaption>
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<p>Jim and John Harbaugh will appear at a joint press conference during Super Bowl week -- something that has never been done previously by opposing coaches in NFL history.</p> <p>Despite the fact that both Jim Harbaugh and John Harbaugh are downplaying the fact that they'll be coaching against each other in Super Bowl XLVII, the two brothers are set to do something that's never been done before in Super Bowl history --<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/1/23/3907634/super-bowl-xlvii-2013-jim-john-harbaugh-brothers-press-conference" target="_blank"> appear at a joint press conference</a>.</p>
<p align="center">
<i>
<b>For more on the Super Bowl, visit </b>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com">Niners Nation</a>
<b> and </b>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com">Baltimore Beatdown</a>
</i>
</p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: left;">The Harbaugh brothers have faced off before in a regular season contest, during the 2011 season on Thanksgiving night. John's <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Ravens</a> defeated Jim's <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">49ers</a> that night, 16-6, in what was dubbed the Harbaugh Bowl.</p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: left;">Now, the two brothers will face off in a much more important bowl -- the Super Bowl.</p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a> fans will undoubtedly groan when they hear this news, as Pats fans were hopeful that Bill Belichick and the Patriots would advance to take on the 49ers in the Super Bowl. John Harbaugh and the Ravens ended those plans, however, with a 28-13 win in the AFC Championship game.</p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: left;">The joint press conference is scheduled for next Friday, during Super Bowl week.</p>
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https://boston.sbnation.com/2013/1/23/3907692/2013-super-bowl-xlviiJP Starkey2013-01-23T12:46:06-05:002013-01-23T12:46:06-05:00CBS experts predict a Ravens win
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<figcaption>Eliot J. Schechter</figcaption>
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<p>The majority of analysts over at CBS Sports believe that the Baltimore Ravens will capture Super Bowl XLVII with an upset win over the San Francisco 49ers.</p> <p><span>Ray Lewis</span> is going to end his career as a two-time Super Bowl champion.</p>
<p>That is, if you believe what the majority of experts at<a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/21590145/super-bowl-xlvii-expert-picks-ravens-vs-49ers"> CBS Sports are predicting</a> for Super Bowl XLVII. Seven of the nine CBS Sports NFL writers are predicting the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> to upset the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> and capture their second Super Bowl title in franchise history.</p>
<p align="center">
<i>
<b>For more on the Super Bowl, visit </b>
<a href="http://www.ninersnation.com" target="_blank">Niners Nation</a>
<b> and </b>
<a href="http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com" target="_blank">Baltimore Beatdown</a>
</i>
</p>
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<p>Pete Prisco and Dave Richard are the only two dissenters among the CBS folks, as both predict the 49ers to capture their sixth Super Bowl title in franchise history and first of the Jim Harbaugh era. Further, both Prisco and Richard believe the 49ers will cover the four-and-a-half point spread and win by at least five points.</p>
<p>For what it's worth, CBS' prediction machine predicts a 49ers victory, too.</p>
<p>Clark Judge, Mike Freeman, Jason La Canfora, Pat Kirwan, Will Brinson, Josh Katzowitz and Ryan Wilson all believe that the Ravens will win, capping a string of three-consecutive upset victories in the playoffs.</p>
<p> </p>
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https://boston.sbnation.com/2013/1/23/3907654/super-bowl-picks-2013-xlviiJP Starkey2013-01-23T12:27:42-05:002013-01-23T12:27:42-05:0049ers favored over Ravens
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<p>Both Super Bowl teams find themselves in a familiar place with bettors in Las Vegas, as the 49ers are favored to win Super Bowl XLVII.</p> <p>It might be difficult for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> fans to watch Super Bowl XLVII, but the game is still going to be played, as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> meet the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> in New Orleans.</p>
<p align="center">
<i>
<b>For more on the Super Bowl, visit </b>
<a href="http://www.ninersnation.com" target="_blank">Niners Nation</a>
<b> and </b>
<a href="http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com" target="_blank">Baltimore Beatdown</a>
</i>
</p>
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<i> </i>
</p>
<p>Once again, each team is put in a familiar role with the oddsmakers in Las Vegas. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.oddsshark.com/nfl/baltimore-san-francisco-odds-february-3-2013">Per OddsShark</a>, the 49ers opened as five-point favorites over the Ravens, but the line has since moved, making the 49ers either three-and-a-half or four point favorites, depending on the book.</p>
<p>The over/under for the game ranges from 47 to 47.5, after opening at 49.</p>
<p>This is familiar territory for the Ravens, as Baltimore entered its divisional round game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> as major underdogs before pulling out a thrilling, double-overtime win. The Ravens were once again big underdogs in the AFC Championship game, but easily defeated the Patriots, 28-13, advancing to the Super Bowl.</p>
<p>Likewise, the 49ers are in familiar territory as a favorite. Last week, San Francisco entered the NFC Championship game as the favorite -- despite playing on the road against the top-seeded <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
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https://boston.sbnation.com/2013/1/23/3907596/super-bowl-2013-odds-line-spread-xlviiJP Starkey2013-01-10T16:00:05-05:002013-01-10T16:00:05-05:00Patriots heavy favorites over Texans
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Tom Brady and the New England Patriots are heavy favorites to return to the AFC title game.</p> <p><span>Tom Brady</span> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> are heavy favorites to advance past the Divisional round this weekend, and advance to their seventh AFC title game since 2001 -- when Brady took over as starting quarterback in New England.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/nfl/houston-new-england-odds-january-13-2013" target="_blank">According to OddsShark,</a> the Patriots range from nine to 10 point favorites, depending on the book. The over/under for the game is set at either 47.5 or 48, again, depending on the book.</p>
<p>Houston visited New England back in Week 14 on <i>Monday Night Football, </i>when the Patriots dismantled the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a>, 42-14. In that game, the Patriots raced out to a 21-0 lead, scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions.</p>
<p>Per OddsShark, each of the four times the Patriots and Texans have met, the teams have combined to surpass the over. Three of the four times, the Patriots have won straight up -- and covered.</p>
<p>Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET from Gillette Stadium. Televised coverage can be found on CBS.</p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/patriots/2013/1/10/3861280/patriots-texans-nfl-divisional-playoffs-2013-odds-linesJP Starkey2012-12-29T13:19:56-05:002012-12-29T13:19:56-05:00NBA scores roundup
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Doc Rivers and the Boston Celtics were dismantled by the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, and then fell to third place in the Atlantic Division on Friday.</p> <p>D</p>
<p><span>Chris Paul</span> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a> dismantled the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a>, 106-77, on Thursday, in one of just two scheduled Thursday games.</p>
<p>The Celtics dropped to 14-14 on the season with Thursday's loss.</p>
<p>Boston fell behind the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a> on Friday, after the Nets defeated the lowly <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats">Charlotte Bobcats</a> -- a win that moved the Nets over .500 for the season.</p>
<p>Luckily for the Celtics, the Atlantic division-leading <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">New York Knicks</a> also lost on Friday. New York erased a 27-point deficit, but lost to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Sacramento Kings</a>, 106-105, after <span>James Johnson</span> drained a three-pointer as time expired.</p>
<p>Elsewhere on Friday, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Pistons</a> knocked off the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a>, 109-99. <span>LeBron James</span> scored 35 points and added six rebounds and five assists in the losing effort.</p>
<p>The Clippers increased their winning streak to 16 games with a thrilling 116-114 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a>. Chris Paul led all scorers in the high-scoring affair with 29 points, while <span>Blake Griffin</span> grabbed 13 rebounds.</p>
<p></p>
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<div class="pane sports_data_widget abbreviated_schedule clearfix">
<h3>Celtics Schedule</h3>
<div class="pane-body">
<h4>Next 5 Games</h4>
<table class="zebra"><tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first">@ <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State</a>
</td>
<td>Sat 12/29</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>10:30 PM EST</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first">@ <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Sacramento</a>
</td>
<td>Sun 12/30</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>9:00 PM EST</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Memphis</a></td>
<td>Wed 01/02</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>7:30 PM EST</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana</a></td>
<td>Fri 01/04</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>8:00 PM EST</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first">@ <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Atlanta</a>
</td>
<td>Sat 01/05</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>7:00 PM EST</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>Last 5 Games</h4>
<table class="zebra"><tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first">@ <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a>
</td>
<td>Thu 12/27</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>L 77 - 106</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first">@ <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn</a>
</td>
<td>Tue 12/25</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>W 93 - 76</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Milwaukee</a></td>
<td>Fri 12/21</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>L 94 - 99</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland</a></td>
<td>Wed 12/19</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>W 103 - 91</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first">@ <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago</a>
</td>
<td>Tue 12/18</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>L 89 - 100</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<p><br id="1356805135862"></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/celtics/2012/12/29/3815050/nba-scores-2012JP Starkey2012-12-29T12:38:33-05:002012-12-29T12:38:33-05:00Celtics trail Knicks by six games
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<figcaption>Harry How</figcaption>
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<p>After 28 games, the Boston Celtics are in third place in the Atlantic Division, and trail the New York Knicks by six games.</p> <p>After 28 games, the Boston Celtics sit at 14-14 -- not exactly the type of start to the 2012-13 season that <span>Doc Rivers</span> or Celtics fans imagined.</p>
<p>Headed into Saturday's games, the Celtics find themselves in third place in the Atlantic Division. The New York Knicks lead the division with a 21-9 record, while the Brooklyn Nets, who recently fired head coach Avery Johnson, are in second place with a 15-14 record.</p>
<p>Boston leads the Philadelphia 76ers by one full game -- but two in the loss column. The Toronto Raptors (10-20) are in last place.</p>
<p>If the regular season ended on Friday night, the Celtics would be the No. 8 seed int he Eastern Conference, and would take on the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs.</p>
<p>Luckily for <span>Paul Pierce</span> and the C's, the season <i>didn't</i> end on Friday, and the Celtics still have plenty of time to better position themselves in the Eastern Conference:</p>
<p></p>
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<div class="pane sports_data_widget conference_standings clearfix">
<h3>Eastern Standings</h3>
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<thead class="super-head"><tr>
<th></th> <th>GP</th> <th>W-L</th> <th>PCT</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a></td>
<td>27</td>
<td>20-7</td>
<td class="td-last">.741</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">New York Knicks</a></td>
<td>30</td>
<td>21-9</td>
<td class="td-last">.700</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Atlanta Hawks</a></td>
<td>27</td>
<td>18-9</td>
<td class="td-last">.667</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana Pacers</a></td>
<td>29</td>
<td>17-12</td>
<td class="td-last">.586</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Milwaukee Bucks</a></td>
<td>27</td>
<td>15-12</td>
<td class="td-last">.556</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a></td>
<td>27</td>
<td>15-12</td>
<td class="td-last">.556</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a></td>
<td>29</td>
<td>15-14</td>
<td class="td-last">.517</td>
</tr>
<tr class=" last-finalist">
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a></td>
<td>28</td>
<td>14-14</td>
<td class="td-last">.500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">Philadelphia 76ers</a></td>
<td>30</td>
<td>14-16</td>
<td class="td-last">.467</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a></td>
<td>29</td>
<td>12-17</td>
<td class="td-last">.414</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Toronto Raptors</a></td>
<td>30</td>
<td>10-20</td>
<td class="td-last">.333</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Pistons</a></td>
<td>32</td>
<td>10-22</td>
<td class="td-last">.313</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats">Charlotte Bobcats</a></td>
<td>29</td>
<td>7-22</td>
<td class="td-last">.241</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a></td>
<td>31</td>
<td>7-24</td>
<td class="td-last">.226</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a></td>
<td>27</td>
<td>4-23</td>
<td class="td-last">.148</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
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<p><br id="1356802482340"></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/celtics/2012/12/29/3814914/2012-nba-standingsJP Starkey2012-12-26T10:00:43-05:002012-12-26T10:00:43-05:00Pro Bowl rosters to be announced
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Rosters for the 2013 Pro Bowl will be announced on Wednesday, and the New England Patriots are likely to have plenty of representatives on the AFC's roster.</p> <p>Rosters for the 2013 Pro Bowl will be officially unveiled at 7 p.m. Wednesday during a televised event on the NFL Network.</p>
<p>Fan voting for the 2013 Pro Bowl concluded on Dec. 17, but unlike other professional sports, fan voting only represents a third of the actual vote. Ballots from NFL players themselves and coaches constitute the rest of the vote.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a> quarterback and MVP candidate <span>Tom Brady</span> was second in fan voting among AFC quarterbacks, trailing <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a> quarterback <span>Peyton Manning</span>. Manning and Brady ranked No. 1 and 2 in overall voting, proving that still remain the two faces of the NFL.</p>
<p>Patriots tight end <span>Rob Gronkowski</span> led all AFC tight ends in fan voting, while <span>Logan Mankins</span> and <span>Jerod Mayo</span> were also leading vote-getters at offensive guard and inside linebacker in the AFC.</p>
<p>The Pro Bowl will be held on Jan. 27 at Aloha Stadium in Hawaii, one week before the Super Bowl.</p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/patriots/2012/12/26/3802886/pro-bowl-2013-selection-show-tv-watch-onlineJP Starkey2012-12-22T14:43:52-05:002012-12-22T14:43:52-05:00Red Sox close to acquiring Hanrahan
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OpLfsAsF9Dgi5zOQrhWDOdkPbxc=/3x0:595x395/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5448633/gyi0060613096.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jared Wickerham</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>According to ESPN Boston, the Boston Red Sox are close to acquiring two-time All-Star Joel Hanrahan from the Pittsburgh Pirates.</p> <p>Ben Cherington and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a> brass are reportedly close to adding another cog to Boston's 2013 bullpen. <a href="http://espn.go.com/boston/mlb/story/_/id/8772487/boston-red-sox-closer-deal-pittsburgh-pirates-closer-joel-hanrahan-sources-say?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">According to ESPN Boston</a>, the Red Sox are "close" to acquiring <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pittsburgh Pirates</a> closer <span>Joel Hanrahan</span>.</p>
<p>If the Red Sox do acquire Hanrahan, he'll constitute the second major addition to a bullpen that blew 22 saves in 2012 -- tied for the third-most blown saves in baseball. Earlier this offseason, the Red Sox signed free agent reliever <span>Koji Uehara</span> to a one-year, $4.5 million dollar deal.</p>
<p>Hanrahan has been named to the NL's All-Star team each of the last two seasons. In 2012, Hanrahan went 5-2, and recorded 36 saves while only blowing four saves. Hanrahan struck out 67 in 59 and 2/3 innings of work, but did walk 36 batters -- which translates to 5.43 BB/9.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeymanCBS/status/282560816467816449" target="_blank">CBS Sports' Jon Heyman tweeted</a> that "multiple players" would be in the deal. Per Heyman, Red Sox shortstop <span>Jose Iglesias</span> is not a part of the trade.</p>
<p>While ESPN Boston hears that a deal is close, the<a href="https://twitter.com/BrinkPG/status/282568898337988608" target="_blank"> Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Bill Brink</a> does not believe a deal is close yet.</p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/red-sox/2012/12/22/3795672/joel-hanrahan-trade-rumors-red-sox-piratesJP Starkey2012-12-22T12:12:46-05:002012-12-22T12:12:46-05:00NBA Standings: Celtics struggling
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TzyCc27Mg4Y9TlV3WnGbyU1cNh8=/0x160:2663x1935/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5442331/20121218_pjc_ag5_059.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After going 4-6 in their last 10 games, the Boston Celtics find themselves with a 13-13 record -- and in third place in the Atlantic Division.</p> <p>Though the NBA season is only 26 games old for the Boston Celtics, it's safe to say that <span>Doc Rivers</span>' team is struggling so far. The Celtics sit at just 13-13 through their first 26 games, and are hanging around the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference -- and <i>could</i> be in danger of missing the playoffs this coming spring.</p>
<p>Boston has gone just 4-6 in its last 10 games, and has dropped four of its last five contests, losing to Houston, San Antonio, Chicago and Milwaukee in that span.</p>
<p>Still, if the season ended today, Boston <i>would</i> be a playoff team. The Celtics have plenty of time to move up the Eastern Conference standings, and are just one and a half games behind the Milwaukee Bucks for the fifth seed.</p>
<p>In the Atlantic Division, the Celtics find themselves six games behind the first-place New York Knicks -- the same Knicks that have defeated the Miami Heat twice this season. Boston also trails Brooklyn by half a game for second place in the Atlantic division.</p>
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<h3>Eastern Standings</h3>
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<table class="standings zebra sbn-pte-table" cellspacing="0">
<thead class="super-head"><tr>
<th></th> <th>GP</th> <th>W-L</th> <th>PCT</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">New York Knicks</a></td>
<td>25</td>
<td>19-6</td>
<td class="td-last">.760</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a></td>
<td>23</td>
<td>17-6</td>
<td class="td-last">.739</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Atlanta Hawks</a></td>
<td>23</td>
<td>15-8</td>
<td class="td-last">.652</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a></td>
<td>24</td>
<td>14-10</td>
<td class="td-last">.583</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Milwaukee Bucks</a></td>
<td>24</td>
<td>13-11</td>
<td class="td-last">.542</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana Pacers</a></td>
<td>26</td>
<td>14-12</td>
<td class="td-last">.538</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a></td>
<td>25</td>
<td>13-12</td>
<td class="td-last">.520</td>
</tr>
<tr class=" last-finalist">
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a></td>
<td>25</td>
<td>13-12</td>
<td class="td-last">.520</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a></td>
<td>25</td>
<td>12-13</td>
<td class="td-last">.480</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">Philadelphia 76ers</a></td>
<td>26</td>
<td>12-14</td>
<td class="td-last">.462</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Toronto Raptors</a></td>
<td>27</td>
<td>8-19</td>
<td class="td-last">.296</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats">Charlotte Bobcats</a></td>
<td>25</td>
<td>7-18</td>
<td class="td-last">.280</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Pistons</a></td>
<td>28</td>
<td>7-21</td>
<td class="td-last">.250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a></td>
<td>27</td>
<td>5-22</td>
<td class="td-last">.185</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a></td>
<td>23</td>
<td>3-20</td>
<td class="td-last">.130</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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</div>
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https://boston.sbnation.com/celtics/2012/12/22/3795320/nba-standings-2012JP Starkey