Вопрос Джеффу Хоуи на NESN: "In light of opening day, if the Patriots were a baseball team, who would be in their starting lineup?
--Derek (East Bridgewater, Mass.)"
Fun question. Here's the batting order:
Wes Welker, second base: The Patriots' equivalent to Dustin Pedroia.
Patrick Chung, shortstop: Seems like he'd be a feisty hitter in the two-hole.
Jerod Mayo, left field: Leadership, pop in middle of order, athleticism in left.
Rob Gronkowski, first base: Easiest decision ever.
Vince Wilfork, designated hitter: Great athlete, if he connects, get out of the way.
Brandon Spikes, third base: Plenty of potential, and he can mash.
Tom Brady, catcher: Expos' draft pick played the position.
Devin McCourty, right field: Range in right, and speed at the bottom of the order.
Julian Edelman, center field: Swiss Army Knife can do it all.
I'd also use Brian Hoyer and Stephen Gostkowski in the rotation. Hoyer was a great high school pitcher, and Gostkowski pitched at Memphis. Ryan Mallett has the makeup of a great closer with the height and the rocket arm.