New Patriots tight end Chris Baker held a conference call with media members today (4:30 p.m.) and here were a few nuggets of note: 1) Nothing like playoff action. Baker was asked if there was a game that stands out to him over his seven-year career, and he pointed to the 2004 playoffs -- when the Jets beat the Chargers, 20-17, in overtime, before falling to the Steelers, 20-17, in overtime. In signing with the Patriots, Baker said he hopes to be part of more playoff action. Baker also called last season's overtime win over the Patriots one of the most fun games in which he's played. 2) Patriots were the primary suitor. Baker said he did not take any other visits. The Patriots jumped out early in terms of their interest. "It was kind of a quick process," he said. "That's where I wanted to be." 3) From Brett Favre to Tom Brady. Asked if he's given any thought about going from one all-time great (Favre) to another (Brady), Baker said that has indeed crossed his mind. "That's a unique situation -- I can't imagine too many people have had the opportunity to do that," he said. 4) Pride in combination skills. When asked what he does best, Baker said he takes pride in being equally as effective as a blocker as he is a pass-catcher. 5) Always got up for the Patriots. Told he had more catches against the Patriots than any other team, Baker said he didn't realize that was the case. "I always got up a little more for that game, to be honest, because they were always the best team," he said.

Bits from Baker

THE CONSPIRACY theories sparked by the Patriots' trade of quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel to Kansas City for a high second-round draft choice are worthy of downtown Beirut. If the Securities and Exchange Commission had examined Bernard Madoff with a fraction of the skepticism being lavished on coach Bill Belichick's juggling of the Pats' roster, the con man's fleeced investors would still have title to their yachts and Palm Beach estates. But the intensely competitive Belichick did not attain his professional preeminence by peddling talented players at discount prices. Critics of the Cassel trade risk putting themselves in the position of a tourist who thinks he knows that a rug merchant in the Tehran bazaar has sold a couple of carpets too cheap. --- Boston Globe Editorial

The Patriots have agreed to terms with safety James Sanders on a three-year contract. Sanders, 25, turned down more money elsewhere to return to the Patriots. Sanders' agent, Steve Feldman, confirmed the agreement. "It gives him a chance to grow and become a playmaker," Feldman said. "He stays in the same system with a championship team. They know him. He knows them. It was the right fit."

Safety James Sanders inks 3 year deal to stay in New England