I am convinced there have been some media members who have (or are still) posted here secretly, or at least read the page. I have definitely gotten the impression that Gorman has been here before. I think Simmons did too, years ago (although I am not sure he ever participated).
I've certainly seen media stories (including some by Simmons) mentioning facts/theories that have been discussed at length here.
We obviously don't have a monopoly on ideas, but occasionally it's something so precise or trivial that it seems like it can't be a coincidence.
I'm not criticizing, either, or whining about it. If I wrote for the Globe or ESPN Boston I'd certainly lurk here in search of story ideas, or at least to get the pulse of the fan base.