Sports Redux: ARE YOU READY FOR SOME PRE-SEASON FOOTBALL?

Hank wasn’t there to get the crowd going and the normally loud crowd at Gillette seemed to have taken a Quaalude before the game. But then again, it’s not a real game. Nothing was at stake; even Tom Brady was bundled up on the sidelines like Nanook of the North. (Tom, it was 70 degrees.) Maybe it was the cool crisp air that got to the Pats, but even a push at the end didn’t get them the win. The Pats lost to the Ravens, 16-15.

The Pats' only touchdown was thanks to Lamont Jordan. Jordan had 19 carries and rushed for 76 yards. Steve Gostkowski scored the rest of the points of the game, going 3 for 3 in field goal attempts. Last night "showcased" the backup quarterbacks as well. Matt Cassel, who couldn’t even stand on his own two feet, went 1 for 4. Matt Gutierrez went for 10 for 16, throwing for 76 yards and rookie Kevin O’Connell went 6 for 13.

Even without paying a game last night, the Sox still managed to stay in the news. Reports of surfacing that Bud Selig wants to explore the Manny Ramirez deal because he thinks there were some shenanigans going on! Scott Boras do something shady to make money? Bud, you’re talking crazy! Sox also claimed Brian Gilles of the Padres off of waivers. But who knows if this trade will go through.

The Celtics released their schedule for the 2008-2009 season. No Saturday games, but this Christmas the C’s have a chance to ruin yet another holiday for Kobe. Finally, international competition in its highest form starts officially. The Olympics opening ceremonies are probably going on right now. You can go here to get check out when everything is on.