Things to keep your eyes on this March

Finally March is here, and March may be one of my favorite months of the sporting year because we have Spring Training games in full swing, the NBA playoff picture begins to take final shape, the NCAA tournament gets rolling, Mel Kiper's hair will be out in all of its glory, and this year there is interest around the Bruins and hope that in April they may get out of the first round of the playoffs.

But here is what I am keeping my eyes on this spring in each of Boston's Big 4:

1. As far as the Celtics are concerned, the focus right now is Marbury. I am really interested to see how the tatooed cranium is going to be able to fit in down the stretch as the C's fight for the best record in the East. There is a lot of concern on a national level that if the Celtics don't get the number 1 seed they are not going to be able to go into Cleveland and beat the Cavs to advance to the finals. There is certainly some credence to that line of thought, and that is where Marbury comes in. Marbury very well could be the difference maker in that series. It is interesting to note Doc Rivers said he is more concerned with the team's health moreso than securing the first seed. When I look at the two teams I think about night and day. The Celtics are a more buisness like team they let their game do their talking whereas the Cavs strike me as the more cocky arrogant team, and that could play into the Celtics favor if the C's don't get the best record. Again, I think Marbury is going to be critical to how this all plays out over the next 2o something games. Marbury was a great signing, low risk high reward. He is saying the right things so far...so far.
2. Can the Bruins find their winning way again and set themselves up for the playoffs as the number one seed? Granted there have been some injuries over that past several weeks, and that reflects in their February record of 6-4-3. Despite this, the Bruins are still tied for the best record in the NHL with 93 points. I think it is going to be crucial for the Bruins to come out strong in March and play the way they have most of the season, but keep your eyes on the fast approaching trade deadline it is going to be interesting to see what moves they make...but keep in mind sometimes the best moves are the moves you don't make.
3. The Red Sox are in an unfamiliar territory...a drama free Spring Training. This is a good thing, because it allows us to focus on the right things Baseball. I am keeping my eyes on the health of certain players which if healthy could March the Sox to their third World Series title since 2004. Josh Beckett was hindered in 2008 by a nagging oblique issue which hindered him throughout the season, and seemed to work itself out until a start in September against the Yankees...of course. He found a way to work through the playoffs but not up to his typical Beckett standards. So far so good this spring as Beckett showed up to camp in great shape, and seems to have good control as well velocity. This is a good sign for the Sox. The other Big Horse, or Papi if you will, is fresh off of an injury plagued campaign in 2008. David Ortiz had a nagging wrist injury all season which impacted his ability to hit the long ball. The doctors said at the end of last season Ortiz need only time and the injury should heal...that is just what Ortiz has had since October. Ortiz showed up in camp looking slender and ready to go, but is he going to be able to get back to the Ortiz we have known and loved in years past? Of course there is the rest of the rotation...keep your eyes on the health of Brad Penny and John Smoltz. With these two healthy at the back end of the rotation, this starting 5 could be as formidable a rotation there ever was in baseball. Finally how is Mike Lowell going to bounce back after hip surgery last fall? Every report so far has been encouraging, but what I am concerned about is his age, and his mental state. Early on Lowell gave an interview where he talked about how he was indeed disappointed over the potential free agent signing of Mark Teixiera which almost certainly would have been Lowell's ticket out of town. I think Lowell is of exceptional character, and a solid understanding of how the business of baseball works and should be able to bounce back...but how is his 34 year old body going to hold up after his surgery?
4. How are the Patriots going to address the situation in the secondary? How are they going to address the aging linebacking core? Who is going to be the 3rd recveiver? How Healthy is Tom Brady, really? These are the questions that could put the Patriots in a spot to reclaim the top of the NFL mountain, but as much as it could put them back on top these questions could also see them have a repeat 11-5 season and miss the post-season again. As we have grown accustomed to in New England, "In Bill We Trust."

This is one of the best times to be a New Englander in recent years, and once we get the answers to my four questions, times could only get better. Let's wait and see.