Sports Redux: Full-Tilt Edition

AP photo

No one can really top Bill Belichick, who skipped the hoodie and steely resolve and went for a dapper look and genuine emotion during Monday's "important player announcement" at Gillette, when it comes to praising New England's most beloved linebacker. You can't top "a perfect player" remarks, especially given the source.

But that's not going to stop people from adding their two cents. Bob Ryan points out the fact that Pats fans should be thanking Tedy for all he's done and for keeping to classy the entire time. Eric Wilbur refers to Bruschi as "one hell of a player" and a heck of a guy. Ian R. Rapoport bills him as "the consummate Patriot." And if you took a look at Facebook, Twitter and blogs, the fans were acknowledging that Patriots football will never be quite the same.

But with the arrival of Tuesday, eyes moved away from Gillette and down to the Trop, where Jon Lester is set to lead the Sox in a huge series against the Rays. The Sox have struggled all season against Joe Maddon's crew, but these are now must-win games. Lester's showing will help set the tone of the trip.

On the basketball front, the Celts are set to sign Marquis Daniels. Yes, really.