As March rolls in the Celtics are gearing towards another strong playoff push. This past week, after being very quiet during the trading deadline, they picked up the troubled Stephon Marbury off the waiver wires. Having not played all year, and battling the team coaches, players, and front office, “Starbury” was bought out of his contract with the New York Knicks.

Known to be a disrespectful player and bad teammate, Marbury faces challenges in the Celtics locker room, where he will be backing up point guard Rajon Rondo. But with very little financial risk for the Celtics, the team’s officials decided that the chance was worth taking. For the Celtics, the scoring threat that Marbury brings to the table was too good to pass up. Marbury must prove to the team that he can cooperate if he wants to earn his next contract.

Also picked up by the C’s was big man Mikki Moore, who might play Brown’s role from last year’s team. To make room for these two acquisitions the Celtics released guard Sam Cassell, who had yet to play a minute this year, and little used Patrick O’Bryant.

Meanwhile, the Patriots raised some eyebrows with the much-anticipated trade of Matt Cassel, the $14 million backup to hobbled Tom Brady. With Cassel, the Patriots also traded the highly appreciated Mike Vrabel, who was starting to become a burden on the salary cap with his contract set to expire next year. Both went to the Kansas City Chiefs, but the Pats only managed to receive a 2nd round pick in the NFL draft in return.

To many fans, the fact that Cassel only drew a second round pick is disappointing because he helped the Patriots stay in contention last year after Brady went down in the first week of the season. The Chiefs receive a quarterback who has proven himself in the game. However, in defense of the Patriots, it was better for the team to gain some compensation for someone who could have left in free agency.

Red Sox spring training is officially underway, with all players having reported to Fort Myers. The team has begun pre-season games, and fans will get their first chance to check out the new additions to the team. With the Yankees adding C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira, and the surprise AL East champs the Rays in our division, the AL East looks to be one of the most exciting and competitive divisions in the MLB.

The Celtics should be quite competitive in their quest for Banner 18 and the repeat. The Matt Cassel trade suggests that the Patriots management is confident in Tom Brady’s return, and baseball season is almost underway. It was a big week in New England sports!