Mustard and Johnson on Sports Saturday: The Welker Conundrum and the Celtics Continue to Roll

Our group who will the it's very much approach everything. Being on the same page Richard -- appeared. I think it effect. Sometimes took longer the same opinion article to a lot of and all you heard different things from two of them settled the case here. Which is good enough. Has very. We've been working with a whole lot season. -- -- very much as saying. And up about it. He says he's happier about it products that you listen to the tone of his voice -- playing Psycho -- one no one here Brent. David Ortiz. Certainly. Frustrated is that comeback attempt from the Achilles injury from last year. 61777979. -- 37. Bill in Philly in the 215 writes on the -- line guys they sign Ortiz. Because the PR fallout would probably would cost more -- ratings. In the overall like ability of this Red Sox team his production. Is secondary. You believe that they don't well don't. Air sorted out and read his popularity. Of -- sitting on the bench. Isn't gonna do that many good people are coming to the ballpark -- big poppy sitting on the bench. So my second question TO when we get to these quickly and again I really wanted to get import today because wouldn't cover all of the major sports. Rob -- shared last secret Peter King about an -- Plane ride it would sitting next to Tom breeding and they -- -- way across country about contracts and security and really wanting him to stay there and we although by now they worked out a deal we're. Brady -- Turk about eight -- off the cap this year and seven -- off next year and he's gonna get guaranteed contract and is well money for his last three. Years. And we all the united different opinions on a but the bottom line is is that they've got a nice salary cap. Luxury caution when he did that. We don't know what conversation Manama Brady whether broad whether Brady spoke out and says listen you know I don't mind doing this but dime. Yet every so my boys back I mean one of the reasons I'm doing this as I wanna win I don't wanna set up here and I. Go to the whole process that we know our offensive system is complicated I don't wanna go through Galloway in that. You know an -- -- -- -- serious it did you gotta admit pick our offensive system is such that. Can't just bring anybody in here and wait for them to catch up I'm my question my second question is. I wonder what Brady is thinking right now is he sees. Well -- now in the stage were other teams king Arctic Hammond. -- -- contract and see what they might offer. Iranian and calm with the possibility that this guy can go out into the free agent market while we are well what Brady thinking. What we were all celebrating and debating. Great discussion last week here were only out once a week and we had. Quite a good time I think at least from me the debate point of view discussing the viability of Brady's decision. Two basically take a pay cut for the team opened up more cap space and -- 24 million under the cap. Free agency period began last night you would think. The patriots would be able to take advantage of Tom Brady's largesse. -- when you hear the news this week that Wes Welker is agents as well you know a lot west really enjoys playing with Tom Brady good friend of Tom Brady. Has had the most productive of five or six years of any. Receiver in football playing in New England but we're gonna test the free agent waters what do you think about that when it seemed like everything. Was falling into place. Wes Welker this line. A long term deal with the -- it -- doesn't mean he won't stickers total win in the water and come back to the patriots but let's face it. Once that door is open in March or route there I know Miami just sign Brian hotline to a new Greg is interesting. -- based right hotline to a five year thirty million dollar deal. Which is a comes out to about a six point two million dollar. Per year. And a hotline had several four receptions one touchdown. So I mean with Welker I don't know they did what -- franchise -- thought that tag about eleven -- was too high. But when there is the amount that you we UC Welker nine mil a -- in in I'm just telling you. There are some teams out there -- a lot of over Rome. Decided to. At least on the racquet so very few of us really know how he's wired. Off to field and how his thought process works by. Then again I'm sitting there and I'm saying to myself if I'm Tom Brady I wonder what he's thinking right now actually announcing yourself nobody I know -- Topic for Saturday. But ours is Brady lobbying. Is using the thing is he ticked off -- he made -- deal rather made a deal while he did make a deal. Is a little bit ticked off possibly that this won't work out the way he thought went well. Or do you think he just made a deal that now -- mind but which today would be crazy says that I catch a hundred. Passes every year. Well one of the speculation as we made last week and you know we were the only ones who did it was Welker must've walked into that not Welker Brady must -- walked into that negotiation. -- dollar check and anybody else who are represented the Kraft family there. And said hey I am very happy to take this pay cut he is in caps base my base salaries can be ridiculously low. My cap it is now much lower than it was before. But you have to do the right thing by keeping west poke around do you think he actually articulated those words the I don't. So how vociferous he is off the area would be like intercom -- was that Madonna giving a pay cut but. But because we want to fix up the equipment -- near and everything in -- coming -- -- And you find out they spread the money are wallpaper I mean really that all of that what they did all saying about Brady and that's a hypothetical all all of saying about Brady is. You don't know what this guy is wired like but if that's an all you can do without drugs saying it's a discussion to complete your mindset and it. As if you were sitting around two day. In your thinking that you gave the team you don't fifteen million bucks to play with him over the next two years and in a salary cap situation. Where's my pinkie where's my right receiver man I don't want the possibility. Of him going to -- Denver any of these other teams. That's why you have to believe that when all is said and done and he as you say sticks his proverbial toe. In tribute to his favorite New York Jets coach in the water at a it may -- Maybe you'll realize that he needs to stay annexed -- the Atlantic Ocean here in New England. I don't know I also find myself mentally lazy and every dad but if the difference in money is. 1000002 million over the course of the car went three that's a three over the course of the contract. Do I really wanna approve go to a whole different place in have to learn a whole loose system. Do you really is that I know that's just part of it but do you do you wanna do that right there aren't let me ask -- what he knows this system in his -- -- is it really depends on how long he wants to stay in the National Football League if he's looking at age 32. For a career that extends beyond 3536. You know there are receivers out there who still. Are playing and playing effectively that he however he's not Randy -- he's not rocker goals over the middle right a lot of these receiver -- Harkin about. They run deep roots in polls patterns and alike and they don't experience. Those cut most of them a vicious hits take place over the mirror equality under and that's what Welker get -- -- a guy's been around for a long time. Brandon Stokley he's what 36 years old playing -- -- handing out in. Denver so I'm not saying he's gonna go to Denver necessarily is obviously the window is is is closing quickly at the Mile High Stadium. But perhaps if you wanna X ten year career few years you know want to go to Indianapolis and play. With block I mean -- is 23 years old. The future is limit list you're playing indoors in place -- catch a lot of balls conditions are going to be perfect for you. Why not something like that their plot possibilities for Wes Welker as long as he goes through to operate quarterback he will and he has that opportunity you'll excel pick up this very. We are in right now the golden age. Of quarterbacks beyond just the elite for the we talk about on gaming only I that I coming beyond the those rookie quarterbacks. He could go to because. I don't I don't know what the cap numbers here will look at the cap numbers just -- the cap numbers for a second. Just if all things were equal. There are plenty -- good quarterbacks to play with the National Football League I think anybody who thinks that it's automatic that -- is coming back here because he loves -- to -- Brady they're the great quarterback absolutely absolutely I think your foolish. I got to do if you're profits of coordinator up there is study the film right and you could see you'll know how to use -- cut my last question on this is. If your Rondo right now what are you thinking. When you're watching the Celtics team. Bomb. He going Rondo yeah. Enough that we know him personally but just in from our very superficial like -- evaluate out of Jersey -- -- -- -- -- he's probably proud to have pride doesn't -- message that's I kept I heard it earlier -- I thought it was great the ancient have you won on the big show at -- and -- and -- That he was saying that in any. But more or less it's a little bit of ball it's like -- players are stepping up in X souring. Because that they're allowed to. More election map from the BK well then we got to go back to -- far does that that was running the team a coach and I loved doc. But you've got to say at some point now entry in just a dark may be run balls that type. You can't. The assertive and -- like if you bring Rondo back next -- which were under or do you want to bring back or get apparel you know can't get his way but remember. DN and Danny and doc are eighteen they work in tandem there there handing the law of of the Boston Celtics and I think Rondo. Is certainly. A guy that has a big contract and is going to be around for awhile because -- -- has decided that the best interest of the Celtics will be served with Rajon Rondo in the back -- we all agreed to -- person even if you didn't agree before 'cause it's sounds hideous to think that your team was playing better. Without -- all stop wearing guide. -- -- The team is playing better they were under way today went a bit of a seventeen and forest -- some ridiculous number and in those that -- that the Rondo injury is going to be much more -- that -- the short term will be -- long term you just don't know wanna -- long term for the rest of the year. And the jury. Admittedly is still while they still have to play in the last remember Rondo was spectacular in the playoffs last year got to give -- that I listened. I'm on the other side -- I think events from the start there's certain players they either galvanized -- team. We're tear them apart and I hate to tell you this I've always felt that they're Rondo because he's selfish. Very contradictory. I have a better team with him -- -- this second but that doesn't that sound insane why. Did it all stop -- guy. Your team is better opera about. You know Chris Paul what the clippers about Iraq about your making it sound as if Rondo and Paul at the same no I don't -- the -- -- I know about it I know that's about it in the fake it but my question goes back to and that the question revolves reach Arrington. Brady -- now Rondo what is frontal thinking right now is this a -- him. Is the gates is he the type that can learn from watching this. Or is he ticked off. Well every year. We've been told by -- in -- anybody else over there on causeway street. Not really. Which you lord he's really starting unit -- -- little -- on why now we've got through three TVs right ahead of Akaka. That you know as well as I do that these kids. -- and they are kids in a lot of ways you you expect and be mature or adults because they make millions of dollars. He is he's no big Mac I think by 25 you should have been together why believe me you should see me at what -- -- -- now because I don't exactly six or seven. 7797937. Tax line up and running some great. Commentary about David Ortiz and Wes Welker and a little raw Rondell thrown in as well. -- playing with a sore neck when we went in the really bad stretch after winning six in a row that we went to the bad stretch. I think a lot of that was Paul -- Paul every gate during that stretch just really. In pain and you know a little bit warning in as we started winning I don't think it was a coincidence that -- started a little better. And adjacent area I think also we have -- I think with the addition of Jordan Crawford. You know about that and after riding him as much and you know we can really they've improved when he. Gately was last night last night he was big -- into the court on the stretch it. He's got that experience and completely unafraid of any moment. There's -- he's following the Indiana game Jason Terry followed that up -- more heroics last night nineteen off the bench on the bench scoring last night. 46 points off the beds 31 of those provided by messrs. Terry and green Celtics won in overtime despite blowing a twelve point lead. In the fourth quarter that was the most impressive thing to me aside from the play itself. In the Indiana -- game where the Paul setting the backside -- in agreeing going in for the dunk so many facets to that play that you could dissect the the law by gun that was a little bit off. And in green had to make an adjustment still made the play. Here's his reaction coming out of the time around he was laughing and -- you know how voting or anything 'cause he wasn't the Meehan. The -- reaction when green made the play was incredible. The reason dark services such a phenomenal coach is -- and everybody tried to give him credit. For running a great play out of the timeout he immediately gave credit to -- you know he -- assistant he says. I had a lot of play design and dominoes or wait a minute we were in this from before and it was pretty good motto we use it again. In other big guy like that you run to a brick wall for because he's giving you credit Craig just for him go to the phones are like is -- a -- Red starts were dark Celtics even Bruins I wonder how -- nearly felt that must have been tough going to report -- can have become a kid. But on pro football park that you're seeing it like the ravens in court Bolden who I love. Will -- -- have to take a pay cut or get cut by Tuesday. They don't have enough money under the cap today he's gonna have to take a cut by the way how do you think Dumervil feels thought they -- -- the guy at like eleven sacks last year. If they're asking him to take a pay cut by the way Peyton -- making twenty mil a year and if the. Only could -- that's -- a restructured contract like that re invincible be immortal who say that no -- crusade god or a lot of it got Bob -- I -- a lot of growth and a lot of these guys are married to you imagine them going home analysts think that their wives yet a lot of them are one income earners -- -- that is not necessarily the situation. Over there in the Brady -- -- looking at the various teams and where they are. Under the cap and the team -- Wes Welker is looking for finally. After all these years of big Natick is really has been if you think about his production has been under -- -- eleven million or so well for not lies and half last year and as the franchise to be eleven point five this year -- we know he's not franchise. He's made in his career 27 million. In particular to get a big -- Well that is the big payday Larry considering his production. More balls call up any other receiver in all it football that I also think every regularly and life. You really and you're talking about -- wide receiver right and he as a slot receivers getting out pummeled on a regular based on how he gets up from some of those hits improper design as well you look at this Indianapolis. 41. Million dollars to -- -- the play off team. 41 million under the cap who is. Indianapolis yeah. I mean you know you you may love Tom Brady may go on vacations with them and you may wanna hang out with -- all the Brady's. But if you wanna make that big payday here's your opportunity. And let me ask you this what what is the more what is more likely scenario. Now malign the colts and Andrew Luck winning that championship Tom Brady and the patriots. It's that clear cut favorite Brady the patriots. Are you get that kind of baca about money to play with you certainly can and it didn't sign tomorrow players let's I get to the phone 6177797. 937. Text line as you know while the running at 37. 937. We begin proceedings of Bobby and Brookline hello Bobby morning about a. -- -- -- -- -- And it -- and -- you know I think that really really made a huge mistake by not locked up walker wanted to work three year dealer two year deal. At least French the guy and he got to that point it's only an extra for one year to their feet now or half million of you based. -- value at nine million -- -- a -- and a half 1000001 had at least block commit for one more year. Now you're gonna have to hole if he got some morals what she's probably done. They -- what these guys like pull them. In Baltimore let go they haven't don't want. All that Mike Wallace. But not a you'd go out there given that they -- about the steps back there are troubled. We're just funny you should mention baldness and as Larry mentioned his name and it's not a name that I've heard bandied about is that a possibility I mean certainly -- I would look at that. Maybe not enough great necessarily but certainly just as good as Wes Welker would that would that would app bare hands the other guy and lobbies are restricted free agents so there was have to be compensation but -- Victor Cruz I've always loved him. 86 catches. There and he gives you an element that none of these that maniac yards yeah yeah -- ten touchdowns so he's more you know they talk about Hernandez being in the hybrid between the tie it and in the slot receiver a look at cruises being sort of -- hybrid between the slot. And the wide receiver 'cause he does play the -- people don't think of him necessarily. As a slot receiver because he does more than just catch the ball over the middle. He cannot create some big time -- yardage for you. But the that's not that's now the -- scenario and it scares me with the with the patriots is is is we're all -- sophistication and schemes -- Arab offensive systems and defense of systems on the light. -- Quite a few people who were trotted through. Displaced who never got it. They couldn't make the adjustments they either did not sustain -- -- right Clinton -- systems of the names so you do you could also argue the point if it's not broken. And I don't understand that would Talib or Welker. I totally show me everybody he's gone back to the guys passed well. While I know is I mean you have to guy here for a season nor are half the season and you can't trying to get a read is rather not if you surround you with decent people that may give a guy has seen the light. I certainly like his play at cornerback any allowed you to. Did to move according back to safety which we all agree raging hand is a much about -- he looks like I had to. Like day and night you looks like a different players so. I do question like if it's not broken. Like I don't you know -- at two pot we all agreed. Did the that that Welker. And to leave there were not broken in factories are vast improvement when Talib was out there. So I don't I don't know I don't know what they're asking he got the other problem -- -- throw this out there as well when do you say enough. With saving their -- -- Welker how high are you willing to go. -- -- Yeah and I I think that they're probably thinking around for what he made last year as a franchise player in the nine and a half range. Depends on what the guarantee money's going to be. But they certainly do have the money to play within you'd think right away the -- attracted they would. Trying to lock up would be west brokers well I wonder if the hotline. Signing will have. Any. Influence at all on the direction is guy he's record six point two -- year I don't know what is guaranteed money as -- it's a five year deal pretty one million. Certainly Welker is a much better receiver -- him. So if he's making. The six point two yet we're walk around your year or so eight point five will we would seem to be. At a figure I think that you could live with for how many years and what's the here three year three year deal maybe. Yeah so if you give a three year deal eight or nine he pretty much equals. Of the 27 million he's been with the patriots in six seasons. From 07 through 2012 and you get a guarantee demanding that -- -- -- and Gary are happy to be some significant guarantee. Attacks -- about bolder and bolder and apparently has told the Baltimore media. That if he doesn't recess at the ravens he's gonna retire. It's our another I I cannot imagine I might be persuade us just a little bit -- -- a lot of players realize the minute they stop playing. For a professional team. -- it's very hard to go out there and find a six figure income right but but think about this Bolden. Around the same age as well her. Apparent hands he's such a playmaker. And obviously bring different things to the table Welker has that they are building resilience. Has the consistency. It has the relationship. With Tom Brady boulder is not gonna give you the number of catches the point is he makes some -- at -- The -- you and I used to debate all the time but only problem in I know my during against baseball -- no salary cap like -- the only problem is. Everybody can't get paid. Like everybody wants their payday when Vince Wilfork time comes up again when Tom. -- signed just like everybody can't get paid. Big big big money you can't do what and I think to this point but the patriots have been able to do. Is to keep a balance where nobody's on food stamps or anything but the same time. You don't want to overpay for one guy in and stop messing it up. But I arrest you meet the operative word in for par now Craig is -- right and you know I got to have you've got to have a back up back up. Right and you know the patriots have perfected that in the Bill Belichick there -- no question about that how many times have we talked about how. The patriots a bid to succeed consistently. With a group will be plus players war are not well we all whined about Vinatieri united Everett coming -- much as that are now I'm and -- I don't or somebody my lawyers -- amateurs -- well that was early on -- -- -- Super Bowl and you could make a case that certainly the aging. I think -- I would argue that -- media kept him right. It possibly that would have been enough that might have he has a freeagent by the -- maybe a little bit too late for Richard Seymour at this point. By the way he wants to go in the media and I've seen a couple times on inside the NFL on showtime he is excellent. Really he's very good I have a lot of respect for the guy like I said last week the guy claw our way across country to go -- -- Funeral a lot of respect for him and ironically enough remember he was punished by Bill Belichick wore. Going to -- -- general that that was that was a low point 6177. Nine. 79837. Free agency opened up at twelve midnight players can. Negotiate he upper picket picket tamper without getting punished that you are you regret making it but they can't sign. Are you are you talking about interfering players of the city in Florida.