Absolute insanity, or is there a kernel of truth somewhere in here?

“I think you’re going to see more and more shorter term stuff in our league,” [McHale] said. “Just because the access now, there’s so much media availability and everything else.”

“There’s just so many bloggers; everybody’s got an opinion. There’s all kinds of stuff going on. Sometimes that starts forming the opinion of people in front offices, too, and owner. It’s been kind of a crazy year so far.”

Ten or 15 years ago, McHale’s words might have been about the local sports columnist. But since the majority of those guys are increasingly dipping their toes into other mediums – radio, TV – fans may be more likely to honor the word of a loyal blogger who dutifully watches every Celtics game home and away, as opposed to that of the Globe’s Bob Ryan, who might be at Patriots practice one day, a Bruins game the next, PTI the next, then on the Red Sox, and then juggling appearances on the Sports Reporters and a dozen radio stations. (This is all just an example; we have no clue as to the daily whereabouts of Bob Ryan.)

Since most papers try to keep the beat guys on a short leash when it comes to opinion, a blogger often is your best bet for daily drum beating on why Kevin Love should be playing more, and why the T-Wolves front office is the biggest joke in the NBA.

The kicker? When a blogger gets behind a crusade to get rid of a coach, message boards pick it up, and next thing you know, the front office is flooded with emails from loyal fans who believe Kevin McHale is the primary reason the franchise has been sputtering for years.