COVERITLIVE.COM

11:52

Boston.com - Hello chatters -- Chad will be here momentarily, but in the meantime, feel free to start submitting questions.

12:04

Boston.com - Hey gang, thanks for stopping by. Looking forward to watching the Pats more than the Sox tonight -- want to see Brady really let it fly. At the CBS media day earlier this week -- I know, that's quickly becoming my version of "And one time, at band camp . . ." -- all the ex-QBs (Marino, Simms, Fouts, Beuerlein, Gannon, Boomer) said they thought Brady looked like his old self. Shannon Sharpe, however, said he was favoring his knee. So it goes. Anyway, to the questions . . .

12:04

[Comment From LSCII]
With Penny and Smoltz both being the latest epic failures, can we start talking about Theo's lack of ability to accurately judge major league talent? He's been great at gauging minor league players, but can we get him some advisors for current players?

12:08

Chad Finn - Well, he's certainly had a lot of relatively high profile misses lately, but in the cases of Penny and Smoltz, that was the risk. Gotta give him credit for stealing Ramon Ramirez, though, and for finally piecing together a quality bullpen. As far as the ongoing shortstop problem goes, I don't think anyone can fault him for signing Renteria, who was an accomplished player. Lugo's another story, and I suppose Drew is regrettable too, though he's at least useful. I don't know . . . I can't think of many other GMs as well-rounded as Theo, and there isn't one I'd absolutely rather have. Even with this year's high rate of flops.

12:08

[Comment From LSCII]
Is tonight a final audition for anyone on the Pats roster bubble?

12:10

Chad Finn - The third preseason game is always huge in terms of solidifying the back end of the roster. You have to figure one of the tight ends -- either Smith or Watson -- is playing for a job. Paris Lenon is on the bubble at linebacker. I'm not sure Galloway is a lock to make this team. And there are a lot of depth battles among the DBs and offensive lineman. If you see a relative name player out there in the fourth quarter, it's a pretty ominous sign about his chances of making the cut.

12:10

[Comment From John]
I read on Barstool Sports that Shaughnessey might be hired by 98.5...can you comment?

12:11

Chad Finn - I believe Dan is working 12-3 on Saturday and also contributing to the Tanguay and Zo Show. And they need all the contributors they can get.

12:14

Chad Finn - Love Barstool Sports, by the way. I'll probably get tasered for saying that.

12:14

[Comment From No friend of Mazz]
How jealous of you are Reiss? Maybe you need a clever, catchy section...like Finn's sins, and recant tales of debauchery

12:16

Chad Finn - I'm married with two kids and live in Maine. I can barely remember my tales of debauchery. And I'm not jealous of Reiss at all. I love my job, for starters. But beyond that, Mike Reiss is on a very short list of the nicest and most genuine people I have ever met, and as you all know, he's a hell of an honest and dedicated reporter on top of that. I'm going to really miss working with him, but I'll always root for the guy.

12:16

[Comment From LSCII]
With McNabb struggling and then pointing to Vick's insertion onto the field in last nights game as being disruptive to the offense, do we have the early makings of a major QB controversy?

12:17

Chad Finn - Yessir, we do. McNabb is already griping that Vick's snaps last night took away his rhythm. Recalling the last drive of the Pats' second Super Bowl win, I can say I didn't know McNabb actually had rhythm, but whatever. I think he's an ex-Eagle at the end of the season, and I imagine he suspects as much, too.

12:17

[Comment From Jon Eisenberg]
Do you think the Patriots will have all the running backs on their current roster on opening day? If not who gets sentpacking?

12:19

Chad Finn - Probably Green-Ellis. He's a little overrated by Pats fans right now, particularly the segment that loathes Maroney. He runs hard, but he can't outrun anyone in the open field, and there are a dozen guys like that who will be cut Sept. 1. I actually hope he makes the team -- he's a hard worker and a good story and all of that -- but he's probably the least-talented back among those with a chance of making the club.

12:20

Chad Finn - By the way, I like Maroney. I know, his tap-dancing is maddening. But he's had his moments for this team, particularly late in the '07 season, he has a ton of talent, and he HAS been genuinely injured. He deserves some criticism, but not even close to the amount he gets.

12:21

[Comment From LSCII]
With all th recent struggles of the bullpen, does this mean Wagner is going to have a bigger role than anticipated, and if so, where will he be utilized?

12:22

Chad Finn - Nah. The ultimate factor that convinced him to come here was the assurance that they wouldn't burn him out, specifically by pitching him on back to back days. He's going to be used against tough lefties, and I can see him being what Embree was in '04 . . . except with fewer appearances.

12:22

[Comment From mental4sox]
Nick Green: our new long-relief pitcher?

12:23

Chad Finn - Pretty impressive radar gun readings. Tells you how hard those guys who aren't pitchers actually throw. I'm wondering why he never broke out the slider he often throws to first base, though.

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