BSJ Daily Briefing 06.11.18: Slumping Sox? RIP Johnny McKenzie; Final Pats practices

Good morning!

A few thoughts while I try to figure out what kind of unrecognizable substance I would test positive for (insert Tony Mazz donut joke here)...

• Considering the NHL and NBA are over, and the Bruins and Celtics are devoid of drama (unless you want to give in to these LeBron pipe dreams), it would be easy to make a lot out of the recent struggles of the Red Sox after they just lost three of five to the putrid Tigers and White Sox. But that's reaching.


• They've been without Mookie Betts the whole time, J.D. Martinez has dealt with back spasms, and they got a false start from Dustin Pedroia.


• The bottom line is they have the two leading AL MVP candidates, the starting pitching and bullpen have been really good, and they're still on pace for one of the best seasons in franchise history.


• If they struggle against the expansion Orioles, then, ok, we can panic a little.


• RIP to Johnny "Pie" McKenzie, who passed away this weekend at the age of 80. The linemate of Johnny Bucyk and Fred Stanfield helped the Bruins win Stanley Cups in 1970 and '72. Amazing that he was just 5-foot-9, 170 pounds and amassed 917 penalty minutes in the NHL.


• Loved this fight:

• The Patriots start up the final week of practice before the summer break. We'll have access on Thursday. Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski are not expected to attend.


• Albert Breer reported that Julian Edelman tested positive for a substance that was initially unrecognizable, and will be tested further this week. That's not totally unusual for the NFL, and I wouldn't read too much into that being positive for Edelman's chances on appeal. The NFL rarely overturns positive tests. The B sample would have to have a different result. We'll see what happens.

@GregABedard My Mom says the BSJ subscription I gave my Dad is the best gift I’ve ever given him. He’s totally obsessed & talks you guys up to all friend & fam. Thanks for making me look good.

— Mandy Johnson Gilman (@MandyGilman) January 23, 2018