QB

Rounds 4-7 included all but 7 hours of new careers and new beginnings for young NFL stars. There is much to be said for players taken in the later rounds, just to name a few; Marques Colston, and Tom Brady.

Oakland made in my opinion a very successful move today to acquire QB Jason Campbell from the Washington Redskins for a 2012 4th round pick. Without a 2011 1st round pick Oakland needed a splash in this years draft, and they now have Campbell locked for 2 years, this will make a huge impact on our offense. Campbell had a much better year than all of Oaklands quarterbacks in 2009. Jason brings over 3600 yds, 20 TD's, and an 86.4 rating. The 28-year old Campbell has some decent numbers in his 4 year pro career, again he is a diamond in the rough compared to anything Oakland has, although Gradkowski did show some signs of being a starter, however, his injuries last year bring big questions. Campbell will jump right in and be the starter in my opinion, there will be no competition.

Oakland in the 4th round had picks 106, and 108. As predicted the Oakland Raiders stole OT Bruce Campbell from Maryland. Campbell was said to be Oaklands 8th overall pick, instead they played there draft smart and acquire Campbell in the 4th round. The 6'6" Campbell may not start right away with the pick of Jared Valdheer, however, this will give Campbell time to prepare. Oakland is now set at OL for years down the road with OG Robert Gallery, OTs Valdheer and Campbell.

Oakland then chose WR Jacoby Ford from Clemson. Not a huge 2009 season from Ford but hopefully with the young WR core we have, he will fit right in. Oaklands other picks included Walter McFadden CB from Auburn, LB Travis Goethel Arizona State, CB Jeremy Ware Michigan State, and Steven Brown S from Michigan.

Boston Redsox

John Lackey takes the mound tonight against the Orioles. The Birds were working Lackey early in the game to get his pitch count up, however, Lackey did settle down throughout the game giving up 2 runs through 7 innings, while striking out 3.

Young lefty Brian Matusz took the mound for the O's and I must say, Baltimore has drafted a young stud. Matusz will probably become a great pitcher if the O's can get him some run support, if not Matusz unfortunately will probably be a 10 game winner. He has 16 game winner potential.

It has been said Boston may call up Mark Wagner, however, I don't see him coming up; instead I think Dusty Brown may get his last shot in the minors before bringing back Wagner. Brown does have some better numbers in AAA right now, if Theo decides to bring up another catcher Brown may get his last opportunity before becoming permanent in the minors.

No Ortiz in the lineup tonight and the Captain is behind the plate. I looked at the lineup on TV and was shaking my head in disappointment. I never thought our starting outfield would be Hermida, McDonald, and Bill Hall. The lineup is very weak offensively.

The Captain took Matusz deep to left in the bottom of the 5th inning for the first home run hit off Matusz to cut the lead to 2-1. Youk went deep in the 7th inning for a 3-run home run to take the lead to 7-3. Adam Jones hit a solo shot in the Top of the Ninth to make it 7-4 and Roman Rameriez came in to pitch the Ninth inning. Another Ninth inning nail biter, Markakis hit a double with one out, and Francona calls Papelbon in to get 2 outs. Tejada gets a single, markakis advances to third, and then Weiters knocks an RBI single to take the deficiate to 7-5. Luke Scott singled to take it to 7-6. Papelbon strikes out Wigginton for out 2, and the rookie Ryhne Hughes gets his welcome to the big leagues with a failed opportunity to grab the lead for the O's with a game ending strikeout. Redsox take game 2 7-6. Lackey goes to 2-1 on the season.

In a second straight game Papelbon is no longer Mr. Automatic. I do feel Daniel Bard will be the closer next year. Papelbon, even with his saves history, has not been automatic since the 07' season. Game 3 David Hernandez (0-3) Vs. Tim Wakefield(0-1) to try and sweep the series against Baltimore.