BSJ Daily Briefing 12.10.19: RIP Pete Frates, Patriots step in it again, Hayward back, Bruins lose

Good morning!

A few random thoughts while I wonder how much each us has impacted others positively...

• Sad news on Monday when former Boston College baseball captain Pete Frates passed away after his courageous battle with ALS.


• Certainly one of the most influential New England college athletes of all-time, and it had nothing to do with his on-field exploits.


• This video, shot by my buddy Aaron Frutman from DGA Productions for ESPN says it all.

• I don't think this will amount to much, but it plays into all the worst fears and paranoias that the rest of the league has about the Patriots. I'm already tired of it.


• The Celtics won last night over the Cavs at the Garden. Man, Cleveland is bad.


• Gordon Hayward looked like he didn't miss any time in his return.


• The Bruins got off to another crappy start and it wound up killing them in a 5-2 loss to the Senators. Sounds like Butch is getting made about it.


• Some lineup tweaks Butch might have to consider with the recent slump.


• The Red Sox said some words yesterday and didn't say anything.


• By the way, can we talk about this Chris Sale thing for a second? How is it the Red Sox keep having older pitchers go and see Dr. James Andrews and none of them need surgery? First David Price and now Chris Sale for the second-straight season.


• What if, and I'm spitballing here, aging players prefer not to go under the knife with not much time left and Andrews is giving them cover.


• Is this really the best thing for the Red Sox?

________________________

The only thing greater than his impact on ALS research was his impact on our community. Thank you for your strength and courage under the toughest circumstances. We lost a great soul yesterday, Rest In Peace, Pete. https://t.co/UabuDKarqY

— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) December 10, 2019