Picked-up pieces while wondering if Billy Beane finally can secure the services of the Greek God of Walks . . .

I think the Patriots are going to the Super Bowl. Who is better in the AFC? Houston? . . . maybe. But I like the Patriots’ chances to get back to the big game. That said, prepare for this: If the Patriots get to the Super Bowl, they probably will be underdogs. And they will have a chance to become the first team in professional football history to lose five Super Bowls. The Vikings, Broncos, Bills, and Patriots each have lost the uber game four times. How’s that for turning a positive thought into a negative?