Bailey, Carter vying for final spot on Red Sox roster

BY DANIEL BARBARISI

Brad Wilkerson has cleaned out his locker, in anticipation of not making the team, reducing the battle for the last Red Sox roster spot to a two-man race between Jeff Bailey and Chris Carter.

Wilkerson has not been formally released or sent down to Triple A, but it is believed the eight-year big-league veteran is weighing his options and his chances of catching on with another major-league team if he were to exercise an out-clause in his contract.

Wilkerson had a miserable spring, hitting .119 in 42 at-bats, with 18 strikeouts. He had two home runs and six RBI.

Defensively, we thought he did a really good job,” manager Terry Francona said. “He just had a tough time offensively.”

Now the choice for that last spot comes down to two extremely similar players, Bailey and Carter. The winner will be on the major-league roster through at least May 1, until Mark Kotsay completes his rehab from a back injury.

Bailey and Carter were the best hitters at Triple-A Pawtucket last year. Bailey won MVP honors of the International League, and both were September call-ups. They both play a decent first base, but are mediocre in the outfield. They’ve both spent a long time in Triple A, Carter the last three years, Bailey the last five.

And they’re both feeling nervous as they approach Opening Day with the chance of making their first big-league team.

“There’s a little bit of tension, I’m not going to lie,” said Bailey, 30, known in the clubhouse for his easygoing demeanor. “Put a little more pressure on myself, that’s usually not a good thing. But what can you do? Just go out and try to do what you do every day anyway.”

Carter, 26, known for his intensity, is equally aware of what every at-bat means. He struck out looking Saturday, and came away clearly rattled.

“I let it get to me. I need to play more relaxed,” Carter said. “It’s coming down to the wire. It really could be there for me, and that’s exciting, that’s really exciting.”

The two haven’t made the decision easy for the Red Sox. They’ve been two of the best hitters in camp, Bailey consistently getting hits, Carter putting on a home-run show.

Carter hit his sixth home run of the spring today against the Phillies, and just missed another when it died at the warning track. He is hitting .359 with 10 RBI and four doubles in 64 spring at-bats.

Bailey had a double and an RBI on Sunday against the Philadelphia Phillies. His 1-for-3 performance actually brought his average down to .356. He has one home run, eight RBI, and six doubles.

Hitting has never been the issue for either man, however. Both have been putting in extra glove work this spring, shoring up their obvious weakness.

Carter can be seen out every morning taking extra balls at first and in the outfield.

“Every day, [coach Tim Bogar] and I do early work for at least an hour,” Carter said. “I don’t want there to be anything where I could have worked harder and done more.”

Bailey has also put in extra time. He is probably the better defender of the two, especially at first base.

“First base, I feel pretty comfortable over there right now,” he said. “The outfield? Still a little shaky. I’m trying to find the little small things that will make me relax more out there. Be able to get better routes. The mental side of it, where to throw and all that, it’s not an issue.”

Francona has noticed.

“Oh yeah. He’s actually come a long way. He’s worked hard, too. He’s so low-key, it doesn’t look like anything bothers him. But maybe that’s part of what we love about him. He handles a lot. He gets called up, he gets sent down, he gets called up, we’re not afraid to play him,” Francona said.

Bailey has gotten September call-ups the last two years, and then been sent down relatively early in spring training the following year. It’s not an easy position for the converted catcher to be in.

“You kind of need guys like that,” Francona continued. “It’s maybe not the most glorious position to be in, but he handles it, and he actually handles it pretty well.”

Bailey thinks it will come down to whether the team prefers the right-handed Bailey or the left-handed Carter.

“He’s hit more home runs than me, our averages are about the same. It’s a coin flip if you go that way, but it’ll be left-handed or right handed, one or the other,” Bailey said.

Francona said that’s less relevant because both men can hit right-handers and left-handers equally well. But if it is an issue, it would seem to favor Carter, because the team already has Rocco Baldelli coming off the bench as a right-handed reserve outfielder.

The decision should come down in the next few days. Carter and Bailey don’t talk about the battle, but both said they’d be happy for the other.

“He’s a great guy, and he deserves it,” Carter said. “But I really want it for sure, too. I hope it goes to me, but if he gets it, I’ll be happy.”

Bailey has seen the big leagues twice before, but making the team out of camp would be another level of achievement, and a vindication for all his time in the minors.

“Making the Boston Red Sox is a big deal,” Bailey said. “It would mean a lot.”

It could be all or nothing for Red Sox this year

by Joel Sherman

Boston has so much talent — especially depth in pitching — that you see 95-plus wins. Nevertheless, the Red Sox have just enough uncertainty in nearly every realm, mainly because of health concerns, to fall out of the money in the AL East behind the Yankees and Rays.

Officials from the Big Three in the AL East will tell you privately they also believe that they are the Big Three in the majors. Of course, just two, at the most, can make the playoffs, and one AL East executive said there are legitimate scenarios in which the third-place team wins 95 games.

Each of the Big Three has immense strengths, notably the likelihood that the trio possesses the three best rotations in the Show.

Nevertheless, I do believe the Red Sox are most fluid. They have many key players who could flip one way or the other. I think the health of David Ortiz and John Smoltz can most influence the final record. If Ortiz has 550 productive plate appearances and Smoltz, indeed, returns on June 1 for four months of high-level pitching, then Boston probably will be the majors' best team.

Boston GM Theo Epstein works to build what he believes is a 95-win team and then looks for areas that can undermine his club and tries to create what he calls "redundancy." He particularly craves rotation depth because that is the most difficult area to fix during a season.

The perception inside and outside the organization is that Boston is overflowing with pitching options in the rotation and bullpen, but is not as deep in position players. Nevertheless, because of the bad economy, a team with money could cherry-pick an expensive player off of a financially troubled team. And the Red Sox actually have trimmed their payroll to about $126 million, sixth in the majors.

One scout who has seen a lot of the Red Sox this spring said, "One to 12, they will have the best pitching in baseball, so their offense just has to be OK."

So where are the main issues? I see three:

The old

Ortiz and Mike Lowell are coming back from injury, and Jason Varitek is in a serious fade; and they represent one-third of Boston's everyday lineup.

The read this spring from scouts is that Ortiz (wrist, knees) looks healthy, but the ball is not exploding off of his bat like his vintage 2003-07. There is clearly an ongoing transition from an offense built around Ortiz/Ramirez to Dustin Pedroia/Kevin Youkilis. But Boston still needs Ortiz to be clutch and menacing.

Will the third baseman of the Red Sox (Lowell) or Yankees (Alex Rodriguez) recover better from a torn hip labrum? Lowell has flashed power this spring, but his range is down and he has gone from slow to even slower.

Internally, the Red Sox anticipate below-league-average production at catcher with Varitek, 37 in April and coming off of a meek .220 season. Boston is yet to feel it is worth giving up the organizational pitching depth for Arizona's Miguel Montero or Texas' Jarrod Saltalamacchia. But this area could be addressed in season.

The injured

Once the Yanks won the bidding for Boston 's No. 1 offseason target, Mark Teixeira, the Red Sox decided to ignore the vast pool of free agents whom they saw as possessing league-average certainty at too high a cost. Instead, they focused on injured players who, if healthy, definitely could impact their season. So for about $13 million guaranteed, they signed Smoltz, Brad Penny, Takashi Saito and Rocco Baldelli.

Penny (shoulder) looks as if he will be the No. 5 starter. The Red Sox believe that, if necessary, Smoltz (shoulder) could be ready for the season. Instead, they have him working toward being strong for the closing four months. They also are working at restraining their enthusiasm at how good Smoltz has looked and felt, to date.

Saito (shoulder) has not had his best stuff from his Dodgers closing days, but his stuff has been good enough to join what the Red Sox think is their best set-up mix in years along with Hideki Okajima, Ramon Ramirez, Justin Masterson and Manny Delcarmen in front of Jonathan Papelbon.

Baldelli (fatigue) still might not be able to play consecutive days, but the Red Sox believe he has retained enough sock and athleticism to provide a righty-hitting caddy to the oft-injured J.D. Drew.

The young

Reliever Daniel Bard was the talk of camp. One scout said, "Unbelievable. He was consistently 96-98 (mph), touches 99-100, and he has always done it with little effort. He raised his arm slot from his college days and it has made a huge difference with his command and his slider. He could replace Papelbon at some point."

The Red Sox expect him up in 2009, and saw so many positives from Clay Buchholz and even recent Japanese import Junichi Tazawa (he will be in the Double-A rotation) that they anticipate seeing them, as well. It is illustrative of a deep system that points Boston toward 95 wins.

In the AL East, will that be enough?

Source: foxsports.com

Boston Red Sox Team Preview

Team Name: Boston Red Sox

Last Years Record: 95-67, lost ALCS

Key Losses: No one. Maybe Coco Crisp, though I would not call him key.Manny Ramirez is gone, but the Red Sox played the final three months of 2008 without him.

Key Additions: Brad Penny (#5 starter) and John Smoltz (returns in June). Rocco Baldelli for the bench, Takashi Saito in the bullpen.Some promising additions, but nothing huge.

1. What significant moves were made during the offseason?

Not many. We now know mark Teixeira was never going to sign with Boston, so Theo Epstein cannot be blamed for not grabbing him.Reliever Ramon Ramirez came over from the Royals for Crisp. Smoltz and Penny were signed to cheap one-year deals and could,a long with Saito, potentially be a huge bargain. The biggest move was the non-move of trading pitching prospects for a catcher to replace Jason Varitek.

2. What are the team’s biggest strengths?

It’s an all-around solid team. The influx of younger players — Dustin Pedroia, Jed Lowrie, Jacoby Ellsbury — is very encouraging and there are more on the near horizon. The bullpen has the potential to be devastating. Terry Francona and John Farrell are a fantastic manager/pitching coach combination.

3. What are the team’s biggest weaknesses?

The lineup is weaker without Manny, though they should still score runs. It is uncertain how Mike Lowell and David Ortiz will do as they return from injuries. Our catcher cannot hit at all. As always, the health of the players will be a huge factor.

4. What are the goals for this team?

The Red Sox lost the ALCS in seven games, so any improvement would put them in the World Series. It’s well within reach.

5. Just a couple of observations:

The sports media’s praise of Varitek’s intangibles behind the plate and with the pitching staff has increased in inverse proportion to his decline as a hitter. And while he receives tons of praise when the Red Sox pitchers do well, he somehow gets none of the blame when they implode and do poorly. Teflon Tek.

Predicted Record: 98-64

Source: Birdswatcher.com

Red Sox prospect reliever Daniel Bard is sent to the minors

BY DANIEL BARBARISI

FORT MYERS, Fla. –– Every winter, the Red Sox bring the organization’s best prospects to Boston to get taste of the city and learn a little about what it will take to be big-leaguers.

Then the team brings most of those players to spring training as non-roster invitees. As the spring wears on, they are inevitably cut from camp, usually reasonably early.

Daniel Bard watched as nameplates were taken off the lockers around him, a couple every few days until all 12 others in that program were gone. He looked around and realized he was the last one remaining from the winter camp.

But how could the Red Sox send him down? The lanky reliever has been perhaps the most talked-about player in camp, with his 100-mph fastball and effortless dominance on the mound.

Boston’s bullpen was so rigidly set coming into spring training that there was clearly no place for Bard. But on other teams, he would no doubt be fast-tracked to the major leagues to start the season.

“Hopefully, I opened some eyes,” Bard said after he was sent down yesterday afternoon.

Bard was picked in the first round of the 2006 draft, but suffered through a miserable 2007 as the team tried to tinker with his arm angle and he adjusted to pitching in the minor leagues. He turned it around in 2008, but some still remembered that first year in pro ball and wondered if the University of North Carolina product would fulfill his potential.

This spring, Bard hasn’t just silenced the doubters, he’s made it seem strange that there ever were doubters.

Bard threw 9 1/3 innings in spring training. He allowed six hits, walked three, and threw one wild pitch. He struck out 12, and at times seemed so overpowering and composed that it appeared that he was the experienced veteran.

With that kind of success, the expectation is that he’ll be in Boston at some point soon, either when the first injury strikes the bullpen, or perhaps by June or July regardless.

“I hope so. I think the big thing missing is experience. Whether that’s a month, two months, another season in the minors, we’ll see. That’s not for me to decide,” he said.

Manager Terry Francona has spent much of camp answering questions about Bard and his fastball.

“He’s had a good camp. He’s a good young prospect. At some point, he needs to go pitch,” he said.

Bard knew the cut was coming. When he saw the lockers around him empty out and he was the last prospect remaining, it was only a matter of time.

Source: Projo.com

Updates: Red Sox vs. Phillies

OKAJIMA REPLACES BECKETT (2:37, END 5, 2-0 SOX)
After throwing 75 pitches in five innings, Beckett is done for the day. In comes Hideki Okajima. Along with Beckett, the Red Sox removed every starter except for Varitek, Ellsbury, and Lowrie. Beckett allowed no runs on four hits and a walk.

BECKETT FIRED UP (2:14, MID 4, 2-0)
After escaping from a bases loaded, none-out jam, Beckett didn't act like it's spring training, pumping his fist and yelling as he walked off the mound. The inning started when Werth singled up the middle, and Ibanez followed by smacking a double down the left field line. Howard had another long at-bat, fouling off several pitches and running the count full, before walking on the 12th pitch.

Beckett blew a fastball by Stairs, and then pitching coach John Farrell came out for a chat. Mayberry grounded hard to third, and Lowell fired to Pedroia, who made the turn for the double play. Beckett needed 30 pitches that inning, only 19 of which were strikes. His pace has slowed, and he's needed 67 overall, giving one more at most.

FORT BRETT MYERS (1:55, END 3, 2-0)
Myers has settled into a nice groove after the Red Sox knocked him around in the first. After Pedroia ripped a sharp single to left with one out, Lowell struck out and Bay grounded to short. Lowell took a few nice swings in the at-bat, though, ripping a couple balls foul.

PHILLY HIT (1:50, MID 3, 2-0 SOX)
Beckett still looks sharp, but Carlos Ruiz, batting ninth, got the first Phillies hit off the day, a two-out double. Beckett came back and struck out Brunlett to end the inning and strand Ruiz. After last year's difficult spring, this year has been refreshing for Beckett; his ERA for the spring in now less than 2.00, and he's got eight strikeouts in 16 innings.

SOX GO QUICK (1:39, END 2, 2-0 SOX)
Lowrie hit the ball well but flied to center, Paul McAnulty flied to right, and Ellsbury grounded to second.

EASY AS 1-2-3 (1:35, MID 2, 2-0 SOX)
Howard flied to left after a long at-bat, Matt Staris flied to center, and John Mayberry fisted a soft liner to shortstop. Another easy inning for Beckett.

LOWELL ROUND-TRIP (1:26, END 1, 2-0 SOX)
Mike Lowell gave the Red Sox a 2-0 lead by blasting a line-drive home run to left. A pitch before, he launched a ball just foul over the fence. The homer scored also David Ortiz, who had walked. Bay scored a double to left-center, just beating the tag at second. Rocco Baldelli walked, but Jason Varitek popped to third to end the inning.

Ellsbury led off with a grounder to Ryan Howard at first. Before the out, Ellsbury blasted a ball just foul over the rightfield fence into a stiff breeze, which was part of an 11-pitch at-bat. Dustin Pedroia, who Francona wants to get three at-bats today, popped up to shallow left.

BECKETT SAILS (1:12, MID 1, 0-0)
Busy inning for Jed Lowrie, and a quick inning for Josh Beckett. Eric Bruntlett and Jason Werth both grounded to shortstop to start the inning, and Raul Ibanez popped to shallow left. Lowrie made the catch in front of Jason Bay, narrowly avoiding a collision. Beckett looks sharp. He could go a long ways today. Terry Francona said they want to stretch him out to about 75 pitches. At this pace, that could mean six or seven innings.


Source: Boston.com

Boston Red Sox sends Tazawa, Bowden to minors

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -Right-hander Junichi Tazawa was optioned to Double-A Portland on Sunday by the Boston Red Sox, who optioned Michael Bowden to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Boston also reassigned right-hander Marcus McBeth and left-hander Bill Traber to its minor league camp.

The 22-year-old Bowden allowed one run and three runs Saturday against the Marlins and was 0-1 with a 7.59 ERA. He is rated by Baseball America as the top pitching prospect in the Red Sox organization.

"It was a little bit inconsistent for him in the fact that when he first pitched a couple of times, it was out of the bullpen, which is a little different for him,'' Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "He needs to establish some rhythm and some power in his delivery, because it's not that fluid.''

Tazawa, also 22, signed a $3.3 million, three-year contract with the Red Sox in December after pitching for four seasons in the in Japanese Industrial League. He allowed one earned run and five hits in nine innings over five spring-training appearances.

"Tazawa was lights out,'' Francona said. "He just handled everything. Nothing threw him off. He was comfortable on the mound. He's the quickest guy to the plate on our staff. ... He just needs experience.''

Source: Sportsillustrated.cnn.com

The Golden Local Goes Down to the Wire

Just like a game that’s decided with a clutch play in the bottom of the ninth, the Golden Local came down to the wire Tuesday night.

As the final votes were cast just before midnight, Yankees fans couldn’t cash in on the momentum they had going into the last few days: Voters on NBCConnecticut.com crowned the Boston Red Sox winners of the Golden Local for Connecticut’s favorite baseball team.

The Red Sox walked away with 1,429 votes to the Yankees 1,423. That six point difference represents a 0.002 percent sliver of a win. But, like everything in sports, a win is a win.

The Yanks made an impressive come from behind, after being down more than 11 percent over the weekend.

Hundreds of, um, festive comments were posted on both sides of the debate.

“Which team has 26 rings,” asked someone identified as ‘27 in 2009’, referring to the 26 World Series titles under the Yankees cap.

“If you want to be a NYer, then go to NY… and stay there!,” typed 'Michael' on the Boston comments section.

Voters cheered for “Yankee Universe” or the “Sox Nation”, and they booed the “Red Sux” and the “Stankees”.

The results are in-line with a Quinnipiac University poll released last July. The Red Sox came away with a 41 percent to 40 percent lead over the Yankees.

The Red Sox were thrilled to win the admiration of Connecticut fans. Plans are underway to make room in their trophy case for the Golden Local. (Yankees fans, of course, would be happy to point out that the Sox should have plenty of room, with 19 fewer World Series trophies than the Yanks.)

“My tickets just came in,” wrote 'Tina' on the Sox side. “Fenway, here we come!”

Josh Bard Released By Boston Red Sox: Now What?

Extra Bases is reporting that the Red Sox have cut catcher Josh Bard.

Bard signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox worth $1.7 million in late December, with a team option for a second year. But his contract was not guaranteed, and by releasing him now the Red Sox are obligated to pay only one-sixth ($283,333) of his 2009 salary.

Bard appeared to be first in line for the backup catcher position, but now George Kottaras (who skipped the WBC to stay in camp with the Red Sox) could be helping Jason Varitek behind the plate this year.

Here's a look at the current spring stats:

Bottom Line: Varitek has been working on his approach from the left side, so the crappy numbers above have to be taken with a grain of salt; however, cutting Bard was a curious move, since he was the best hitting catcher, and neither Kottaras nor Brown is the second coming of Johnny Bench.

Theories about a trade for a catcher are already buzzing around the blogosphere...

Clay Buchholz's stock is up (1.04 ERA, 8.2 IP, 9 SO, 2 BB), Micheal Bowden's stock is down (9.39 ERA, 7.2 IP, 7 SO, 4BB), and Daniel Bard's success (0.00 ERA, 7 IP, 10 SO, 2 BB) could have the Red Sox thinking about keeping Justin Masterson as a starter—making Buchholz expendable, while keeping the bullpen strong.

Here's a look at a few catchers that had been named as possible trade candidates this offseason:

That Montero kid is looking pretty good...I'm just saying.

Red Sox place C Bard on waivers

The Boston Red Sox announced on Wednesday that they have placed catcher Josh Bard on unconditional release waivers.

The move ends Bard's second stint with the Red Sox. He played in seven games with the club in 2006 before being dealt to San Diego for catcher Doug Mirabelli.

Bard, who will turn 31 on March 30, remained with the Padres through 2008, hitting .202 with one home run and 16 runs batted in over 57 games last year. He signed a non-guaranteed one-year contract with a club option for 2010 with the Red Sox in the beginning of January.

In seven seasons with the Red Sox, Padres and Indians, Bard holds a .265 lifetime average with 28 homers and 168 RBI in 431 games.

Red Sox bats turn up power with 4 HRs

By Michael Silverman

FORT MYERS - The Red Sox [team stats] put on a power display against the Twins yesterday, combining for four home runs, each impressive for different reasons, in the 9-5 victory.

Jason Varitek [stats]’s left-handed clout off Scott Baker, one of the better young starters in the game, was a no-doubter. The catcher has struggled hitting left-handed, and along with his single off Baker in the third, yesterday counted as an encouraging sign for the extra work he has put into tweaking his stance from the left side.

In the third, David Ortiz [stats] golfed a two-run home run off Baker on an 0-2 pitch. He had driven a long sacrifice fly to center field in the first. It was the most comfortable and confident Ortiz has looked so far this spring.

Jacoby Ellsbury [stats], who doubled off Baker to lead off the first, hit a two-run laser off Matt Guerrier over the right field wall in the fourth. The Sox simply are looking for Ellsbury to get on base this season, but they will take a long ball or two.

And Jason Bay’s blast came last, a two-run shot to dead center.

“I thought looking at all those swings I don’t know that I would characterize them as spring training home runs,” Sox manager Terry Francona said. “Jacoby hit a line drive, really back-spun it, and Bay, he was on his. Jason, David - they were good swings. I know some days you see the way the flag’s blowing and see balls go out in that direction. I thought those were four pretty good swings.”

Beckett bash

Starter Josh Beckett [stats] surrendered his first three runs of the spring, all coming in the second inning. A leadoff double by Michael Cuddyer was followed by three infield singles and a bloop single before Beckett escaped.

“I definitely got my work in in the second inning,” he said. “It’s not good to have a long inning like that but all things considered I thought I pitched all right.”

There was a scare in the fourth when Beckett lunged at a bunt from Carlos Gomez. After an off-balance throw to first for the out, Beckett grimaced. Francona and head trainer Paul Lessard hurried out, but it turned out that Beckett tore off a callous on his foot.

Lugo surgery OK

Julio Lugo [stats]’s right knee surgery was a success. He will be out 3-4 weeks, meaning Jed Lowrie will be the Opening Day shortstop. By the middle of April, Lugo should return, which likely will re-open the matter of who will be the shortstop.

The team was pleased there were no complications or surprises in the arthroscopic procedure performed by team medical director Dr. Tom Gill.

The plan is for Lugo to stay in Boston for the next 5-7 days, beginning two-a-day therapy and rehab sessions with physical therapist Scott Waugh.

With Lowrie now at shortstop, there is a battle for the backup infielder’s job. The candidates are Nick Green, Angel Chavez, Gil Velazquez and Ivan Ochoa.

Second baseman Dustin Pedroia [stats] (strained left abdominal muscle) fielded ground balls and is expected to take BP tomorrow. He could see game action as soon as this weekend.

Minor development

There are no more intrasquad games in minor league camp. Today, minor league games begin, and Brad Penny will start, scheduled to toss two innings. . . .

Sent to minor league camp in order to play regularly were first baseman Lars Anderson, outfielders Josh Reddick and Zach Daeges and pitchers Hunter Jones and Felix Doubront. . .

Right-handed reliever Wes Littleton did not clear waivers. The Brewers claimed him and placed him on their major league roster. In six games this spring, the 26-year-old Littleton with the funky, deceptive delivery was 1-0 with an 18.56 ERA in 5 1/3 innings. He came to the Red Sox [team stats] in a late November trade with the Rangers.

Minnesota Twins pitcher Scott Baker upbeat, despite numbers

By Phil Miller

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The numbers don't match the performance yet, Scott Baker said Tuesday, but he still has three more starts to connect them.

The right-hander allowed two more home runs in three innings in the Twins' 9-5 loss to the Boston Red Sox, giving him eight homers allowed in only 13 innings this spring. But here's the weird thing: "My stuff was very good today," Baker said. "The majority of my pitches were right where I want them to be."

Until they struck Boston bats, anyway. Jason Varitek, batting just .091 at the time, and David Ortiz, hitting .083 this spring, launched Baker pitches beyond the City of Palms Park right-field wall, and the Twins' starter hopped each time, knowing instantly where it was headed.

"They weren't bad pitches, just bad pitch selection," Baker said. The Red Sox excel at hitting fastballs, and he threw too many, the right-hander said.

He allowed seven hits, and ballooned his earned-run average to 8.31, but Baker said he's not worried, not with three more starts before his Opening Night date against Seattle in the Metrodome.

"I feel really good," Baker said. "Just some minor adjustments."

Twins cut 11: Denard Span ran into Trevor Plouffe in the parking lot, "and I knew. I know that look."

Even players with no worries about roster spots, such as Span, hate cut-down days, hate being reminded of the feeling you get when someone taps you on the shoulder and says Ron Gardenhire wants to talk to you. "You don't forget," he said. "All of a sudden, you're not part of this."

The Twins cut 11 players Tuesday, five from their 40-man roster, reducing to 45 the number of players in the major-league clubhouse. Plouffe and fellow infielder Steven Tolleson were optioned to Class AAA Rochester along with pitchers Anthony Swarzak and Armando Gabino. Infielder Deibinson Romero was optioned to Fort Myers.

The nonroster players were reassigned to minor-league camp and will be placed on teams later. They are: catcher Danny Lehmann, infielders Danny Valencia and Toby Gardenhire, outfielder Dustin Martin and pitchers Rob Delaney and Ben Julianel.

Neshek starts throwing: He admits it's only a minor step, but Pat Neshek is excited nevertheless to add light throwing to his daily workout, beginning today. Why? "It's 10 more minutes I'm not just sitting around," said Neshek, just four months removed from Tommy John surgery to replace a ligament in his pitching elbow.

Neshek will play catch from 30-40 feet, gingerly testing the new ligament. The Twins' reliever already has been warned by doctors that he's not allowed to throw off a mound until September, "so this is going to be real light. I'm taking it slow."

He expects to be sore the next day, but it's progress, so he'll take it. "At least I get to do something outside for a change," he said.

Briefly: Joe Mauer is continuing to work out in the weight room and doing light drills with the Twins' trainers, Gardenhire said, but the team is still waiting for a consensus among doctors about how to treat his inflamed SI joint at the base of his spine. "The doctors are talking, making sure we're all on the same page — that's all they keep telling me," Gardenhire said.

# Nick Punto still has not played since returning from the World Baseball Classic last week, but he is scheduled to return to the lineup Friday. The shortstop's right elbow was swollen after he was hit by a pitch at the WBC, and "we're making sure all the soreness is out before we put him back in there," Gardenhire said. Outfielder Jason Pridie also will return Friday after several days off to treat a sore throwing arm.

# Baker wasn't the only pitcher having problems with home runs Tuesday. Matt Guerrier allowed four runs in his one inning of work, two on Jacoby Ellsbury's line drive into the right-field seats, and two on Jason Bay's mammoth home run that cleared the batter's eye in center field, a blast of roughly 450 feet. Jose Mijares also allowed a run on two hits and a walk yet still lowered his spring ERA to 10.13.

# The Twins, 9-8 after losing for the fifth time in six games Tuesday, travel to Bradenton, Fla., today for a noon game against Pittsburgh.

The Greatness Continues: Previewing the 2009 Boston Red Sox

by Carter

The Red Sox slipped only a little in 2008, reaching game seven of the ALCS after entering the year as defending World Series Champions. But even if the Sox hold their ground again in 2009, others appear to have gained on them.

Though Boston returns virtually the entire roster from a team that has been the class of the AL over the last two years, it failed in its pursuit of No. 1 offseason target Mark Teixeira, who signed with the rival Yankees.

Nonetheless, Boston still looks like a contender in 2009, thanks largely to a solid nucleus and productive farm system that has provided good balance and depth throughout the organization.

Rotation

Assuming Josh Beckett remains in good health, Boston boasts a young and deep group of starting pitchers. Beckett, who was bothered by nagging injuries throughout last year, will be backed by Jon Lester, Diasuke Matsuzaka and Tim Wakefield.

The Red Sox agreed to terms with righthanders Brad Penny and John Smoltz to add some veteran depth. Smoltz is battling back from shoulder surgery last summer; the Sox might not have his services until June.

The team still has prospects Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden, among others, and righthander Justin Masterson could also start. Thanks largely to the emergence of Lester, Red Sox starters finished last season with a 4.02 ERA that was third-best in the AL. This remains the strength of the club.

Bullpen

Beyond closer Jonathan Papelbon, manager Terry Francona experienced some difficulty from his relievers during the first half of last season. That all changed when Masterson joined the group. In the final two months, with Masterson serving as a primary setup man for Papelbon, the Boston bullpen stabilized and pitched quite well.

During the offseason, the Sox further fortified the relief corps by adding right-handers Takashi Saito and Ramon Ramirez. They join the group that also incudes right-hander Manny Delcarman, as well as lefties Hideki Okajima and Javier Lopez, giving Francona one of the deepest and most balanced bullpens in baseball. At least on paper.

Middle Infield

One year after winning the 2007 AL Rookie of the Year Award, second baseman Dustin Pedroia claimed the AL MVP award. The Sox subsequently signed Pedroia to a six-year, $40.5 million contract with a club option that could keep him with the team through 2015.

For all the stability that Pedroia has given the Red Sox at second base, shortstop remains the major question. Julio Lugo has two years remaining on a four-year, $36 million contract. He essentially missed all of the second half of last year with an injury and was extremely unproductive.

Rookie Jed Lowrie did not make an error in 49 regular season games at shortstop, but he slumped badly at the plate late last year. Shortstop remains one of the few areas where the Sox can still make a significant upgrade.

Corners

The big question concerns the health of third baseman Mike Lowell, who underwent offseason hip surgery and has two years remaining on a three-year, $37.5 million deal. Lowell’s recovery appears to be coming along quite well, but the Sox seemed full prepared to trade him if the had been able to sign Teixeira. Had that happened, third base would’ve belonged to Kevin Youkilis, who has evolved into one of the best corner men in the game.

Despite moving from first to third last year, Youkilis was one of the most productive players in baseball, finishing third in the AL MVP balloting. If Lowell proves to be healthy, the Red Sox are in very good shape at first and third (offensively and defensively). Both Youkilis and Lowell own Gold Gloves.

Outfield

In the recent history of the Boston Red Sox, there is a clear delineation: Before Manny and after Manny. The Sox traded Manny Ramirez last July 31 in the deal that brought Jason Bay to Boston, a trade that had ripple effects throughout the team’s lineup.

Bay performed quite well during his two months in Boston, but the Sox nonetheless chased Teixeira during the winter. Because of the Crisp trade, too, there is no uncertainty with regard to the Boston outfield: Bay will be in left, Jacoby Ellsbury on center, and J.D. Drew in right.

The Sox signed Rocco Baldelli from Tampa Bay to add some depth, given Drew’s injury history and the inconsistency of Ellsbury, who batted .240 during a three-month stretch in the middle of last season. Defensively, this group can cover ground and is quite good.

Catching

For much of the past decade, the Red Sox have benefited from having one of the best two-way catchers in the game in the switch-hitting Jason Varitek. In 2008, however, Varitek’s offense slipped badly, and the Sox dropped to near the bottom of the league in offensive production from their catchers.

Varitek subsequently filed for free agency, leaving the position in a great state of uncertainty. Even though Varitek later re-signed with the Red Sox, the team also signed Josh Bard to a major league contract. The Red Sox explored a number of trade options, too, repeatedly inquiring with the Texas Rangers about Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Unproven minor leaguers Dusty Brown and George Kottaras also remain options.

Designated Hitter / Bench

Losing Ramirez was damaging enough to the Boston lineup, but a wrist injury to David Ortiz also hurt the 2008 club significantly. Ortiz never needed surgery and returned to the team for the final two months, but there is some concern in the Boston organization that Ortiz will never revisit the glory years of 2003-07, when he was one of the most feared hitter in baseball. That fact, too, inspired the pursuit of Teixiera. The Sox bolstered their bench in January by adding Rocco Baldelli and re-signing Mark Kotsay.

Management

Over the last several years, there have been few management teams as successful and shrewd as the Red Sox. As a big market team, Boston has the resources to spend with the big boys. Nonetheless, the Red Sox have emphasized the draft and player development since GM Theo Epstein took over, and they have built one of the best and most productive farm systems in the game.

Three years after temporarily resigning from his post, Epstein agreed to a contract extension last fall that will keep him in Boston for the foreseeable future. Overall, the Red Sox operation is in very good hands with a talented, young baseball operations staff and committed ownership, which seems to make Boston one of the most stable organizations in the game.

Final Analysis

Red Sox fans are optimistic after their team reached game seve of the ALCS, but here’s the question: If the Sox are so good, why was their management so concerned about improving the offense?

This team is still a contender, to be sure, and the Red Sox have enough talent, youth, experience, pitching and money to make a run at any team in baseball. Still, the lineup looked uncharacteristically soft at the end of last season, and no one should be surprised if the 2009 Sox have difficulty scoring runs.

Tampa Bay is now a legitimate threat and the Yankees have rebuilt their starting rotation, meaning the Red Sox will face improved pitching on a regular basis. If the lineup is indeed weaker, that could put an awful lot of pressure on the pitching staff.

Carter’s Projected Red Sox Lineup:

CF Jacoby Ellsbury

2B Dustin Pedroia

DH David Ortiz

1B Kevin Youkilis

3B Mike Lowell

LF Jason Bay

RF J.D. Drew

SS Jed Lowrie

C Jason Varitek

Bench:

C Josh Bard

C Dusty Brown

IF Julio Lugo

UT Mark Kotsay

OF Rocco Baldelli

Rotation:

RH Josh Beckett

LH Jon Lester

RH Diasuke Matsuzaka

RH Tim Wakefield

RH Brad Penny/ RH John Smoltz

Bullpen:

RH Jonathan Papelbon (Closer)

RH Justin Masterson

LH Hideki Okajima

RH Ramon Ramirez

RH Manny Delcarmen

LH Javier Lopez

RH Takashi Saito

Green Sox

Posted by Chad Finn

The Red Sox will follow their relatively recent tradition and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by wearing green caps and white jerseys with green lettering during today's crucial Mayor's Cup showdown with the Twins. Reportedly, the uniforms are slightly different than the ones they have worn in past seasons.

According to the Red Sox' public relations staff, it is believed the St. Patrick's Day tradition began in 1990, when Roger Clemens purchased green caps and stirrups for the entire team. Feel free to supply your own punchline here.

The Red Sox are 6-2-1 on St. Patrick's Day since 2000, but they have not won since 2005 -- and that game was actually played the next day after a rainout. (They still wore green.)

Given that their Mayor's Cup battle with the Twins is tied at a game apiece thus far this spring, the importance of prevailing today cannot be overstated. (Okay, maybe it can.)

In keeping with the good spirit of the day, Jason Varitek today will wear green catcher’s gear, which will be auctioned off on redsox.com to benefit Children’s Hospital.

The Good, The Bad, and The Boston Red Sox

By Steve Waverly

First and foremost, I've been an Angels fan long enough to remember that they were once considered to be cursed on a level nearly comparable to the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs (who still are.) It was no laughing matter. Star players were shot and killed, others died in car accidents, others simply crashed and burned the moment they put on a Halo uniform. And there were the epic collapses of 1983, 1986, and 1995, to name a few.

Then came 2002, and the curse was over. I never thought I'd see it in my lifetime. I was there at game six (magical) and game seven, and watched Salmon run around the field with a trophy over his head like a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

It was lifted off mine as well.

But now... I want them to do it again. In fact, Mike Scioscia told me personally they would. Back in the fall of 2004, I was still smarting from the Bosox sweep of the Angels, when I crossed paths with a solid looking guy with his wife and kids on Balboa Island, California. One look and I knew: it was Mike. As I passed him on the sidewalk, I had to say something. So I gently told him that the move to bring in Jarrod Washburn to face Ortiz was iffy (it was worse than iffy, it was a horrible) but that I had been an Angels fan since I was a kid and he had given me a World Series, and I would always be grateful for that. He slowed down, actually turned around to keep talking to me, smiled, and said 'We'll get you another one."

So there it is. The Mike Scioscia guarantee. What he didn't say was when. So, is this the year? Well, here are a few early thoughts:

The good: Escobar (had forgotten about him, but could be the difference;) Abreu (how did that happen?;) Kendrick (please, please, get 500 at bats. The season depends on it;) Arredondo (needs a nickname, but everything else is in place;) the report that players in the Angels system are now being encouraging to take pitches. The 2002 team worked every count like a magician, but since then, nothing but free swingers who think a walk is something you do on the beach. It took only NINE years to get back to where they were. Way to go, Hatch!

The bad: Well, most of the bench. Willits - pop up power. Can't hit it out of the infield with a tail wind. If you want to squeeze, he's your guy. Matthews - clean, sober, and a .260 hitter. And honestly, unreliable in the outfield. One great catch and he's enshrined. The Angels got snookered on that deal. A guy has six mediocre years and one good one and he gets fifty million? Scioscia said Matthews had finally figured it out. What he'd figured out was where to stick the needle. Mathis - a good catcher, but if he's anywhere near home plate with a bat in his hands, game over, and not in a good way.

Then there's that other team. The one I hate writing about. Hate thinking about. And really hate facing. The Boston Red Sox. But there's no getting around it. They're the 800 pound gorilla in the room. Even without Manny. So root for Tampa, root for Toronto, even root for the Yankees, 'cause the Angels kick their butt. But I don't want to see Boston anywhere in the playoffs. Not when the Angels are there.

And they will be there. The Angels are solid, won't win it by 20 games again (mark that down in your lifetime, you'll never see it again. Oakland, Seattle, Texas all tanked at once, Angels rolled... it was a beautiful thing - until the playoffs) but they'll win the west in 2009. Best pitching, plain and simple.

And before we head into the promise of a new season, one last word on the little squeeze that couldn't. I know, it's been talked to death. But let me just say this about whether Scioscia blew it. He didn't. And if you blamed him for that bunt, well, you lose a few points in Angels fandom. Sorry. You just do.

Now, Scioscia is not bullet proof. Not by a long shot. He blows a handful of games every season. Pulls a starter too soon, leaves a struggling player in the line-up too long. But the squeeze was a good call. An obvious call. I knew it was coming - ask my cat, I yelled it at her. The problem wasn't the call, it was the execution. The blame falls on Aybar. And to those who say Scioscia shouldn't have put that kind of pressure on a rookie, I agree. The Angels never should have traded Orlando Cabrera. But they did. And Izturis got hurt. And all Aybar had to do was make contact. And - this is the key - Scioscia called it on the right pitch. Boston knew it was coming, too, so the first two pitches were way out of the strike zone. Scioscia waited patiently, then pulled the trigger on the third pitch. The one Aybar was supposed to bunt. The one that was hittable. And that was the real problem.

Aybar tried to bunt for a hit, instead of for contact. If he squares up correctly at worst he fouls it off. But he didn't follow fundamentals, he made a mistake, and the series was over.

Broke my heart, all I'm sure it did all of yours. But the call was correct. If Aybar gets it down the Angels win. Probably. I mean, who knows what Boston would have done to K-Rod. 61 saves or not, Boston always had his number in the playoffs (which is why I don't mind seeing him on the Mets.)

But that was 2008. This is 2009. And this year is going to be different. Right, Tampa? Right, Toronto? Right, New York?

Huntzinger settles in as Red Sox prospect

By George Bremer

PENDLETON —

Brock Huntzinger got a good look at his future shortly after arriving in Fort Myers, Fla., in early February.

The former Pendleton Heights star was working out on the back fields at the Boston Red Sox’s spring training complex when he saw a familiar face.

Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester had reported early and was working at a feverish pace. A 16-game winner last year, Lester was pushing himself as hard as the players in the low minors.

The sight was an eye-opener for Huntzinger, a third-round pick by the Red Sox in 2007 out of Pendleton Heights.

“It’s cool to see how these guys operate and go about their business,” Huntzinger said during a recent telephone interview.

One Red Sox scouting Web site projects Huntzinger to join Lester in Boston by 2012.

The hard-throwing right-hander has won seven of his first 11 pro decisions and posted a 3.09 ERA. He split last year between two Class A teams in the Red Sox organization.

Huntzinger was 5-0 with a 0.64 ERA in eight starts at lower level Lowell before finishing the season 2-3 with a 7.09 ERA at High-A Greenville. He threw 68 2/3 innings between the two stops and said fatigue was a factor late in the season.

“I felt really good about (the season),” Huntzinger said. “But I was scuffling a little towards the end. I threw a lot of innings, and I was getting tired toward the end. It’s a grind.”

Huntzinger, who will turn 21 in July, threw a 95-mph fastball at Pendleton Heights. His velocity has dipped to around 92 as a pro, but that’s been attributed to a change in his mechanics. He has a slider that acts more like a slurve high in the zone, and he’s been mastering a changeup since he was drafted.

Command is an issue, as it is for most young pitchers, but his early performances have sent expectations soaring.

For his part, Huntzinger feels better equipped entering his second full professional season.

“You kinda know what to expect and how to get yourself ready to compete,” he said. “Last year, I really didn’t have any idea how things operated.”

Huntzinger said he expects to start the season back at Greenville, a city he enjoyed during his six starts with the Drive last year.

“I loved it,” he said. “It was awesome. Their field has the exact same dimensions as Fenway (Park, in Boston). I loved the town. It was big enough, but it wasn’t dirty and grimy.”

Originally Published At:
http://www.theheraldbulletin.com/sports/local_story_075231317.html

Audit questions Boston Red Sox spring training complex financing

By CHARLIE WHITEHEAD

If Lee County commissioners follow their recent financing trend for the new Boston Red Sox spring training complex, they should make sure there’s enough money for both it and the services residents expect.

That’s the advice from Clerk of Courts Charlie Green in a new audit released Monday.

The audit is of the county Construction and Design Department. It points to a recent trend by the county of borrowing money for projects from property taxes instead of the more traditional bonding of projects.

“The latest trend for county financing of projects is the borrowing of money for projects from general fund (property tax) sources with long-term paybacks,” the audit conclusion says.

“This internal ‘debt’ funding process allows for the select projects to progress, but there is a question on whether this process places an undue burden (risk) on other general fund core services that rely on (property tax) sources, now with budget shortfalls and in the future.”

Commission Chairman Ray Judah - who leads the county effort to keep the Red Sox and to attract a third spring training team - said Green simply opposes the new Red Sox project and doesn’t get what baseball means to the local economy.

“He’s opposed the project from the outset,” Judah said. “He has no earthly understanding of the economic impact the Red Sox have on the community.”

Estimates place that impact at anywhere from $25 million up to $45 million. Judah said that spring training baseball is one part of the local economy that’s ducked the economic beanballs being thrown at the rest of Southwest Florida. The Minnesota Twins also train in Lee County.

Green said he’s not against baseball but is concerned with where the stadium money will come from.

“The question is when do we pay that back,” he said. “Should long-term debt be accrued on future revenue for future boards?”

If commissioners decide to build the Red Sox a new complex - they approved a new 30-year deal before Christmas that called for the new stadium - they should simply bond tourist taxes and pay for it, Green said.

“Why not just bond the bed tax?” he asked. “Thirty years is a long time to be paying that back.”

Green said other services funded by property taxes could suffer. One account that’s been identified as a possible source is the unincorporated municipal services account, from which the county pays for everything from recreation centers and programs to law enforcement outside the cities.

Commissioners haven’t yet decided how to finance the new stadium, but Judah said services will not suffer as a result.

“By borrowing internally we could position ourselves to provide an enhanced level of service,” he said. “Now we’re getting a half-percent maybe less on short-term accounts.”

Greens concerns are familiar ones. Commissioner Brian Bigelow’s been raising them.

“I still think we need to put the horse before the cart and figure out how much we’re willing to spend,” he said. “I want that done only if we’re able to find someone for the perfectly good facility we already have.”

That would be City of Palms Park in Fort Myers, which the Red Sox want to leave in 2012 to move into their new stadium. The county’s been talking with the Baltimore Orioles about moving in, but there is no deal yet.

“I think it’s a bad idea to borrow from reserves to build a sports facility,” Bigelow said. “I’m troubled by the notion of us being the banker and the borrower.”

A future board could decide the Red Sox are such a good investment they could forgive the stadium debt, Bigelow said, leaving a hole in the property tax-fed budget.

County administrative services director Dinah Lewis said that she’s exploring all the financing options, internally and externally.

“We still think there’s a lot of merit to internal financing,” she said.

Bonding would cost an estimated 5 to 6 percent, plus another 11⁄2 to 21⁄2 percent to issue the bonds, Lewis said. If the stadium costs $50 million - the low end of the county estimate - bonding cost alone would be as much as $2.5 million before any interest is paid. An internal loan could be repaid early if conditions allow.

“That’s part of why options are being considered internally,” Lewis said.

Lewis said she will lay various financing options before commissioners and they will decide.

“We’ll do that when we have a big contract that needs to be executed, like the land purchase,” she said.

Commissioners will take a step toward that today when they vote on a short list of potential stadium sites. The plan is to negotiate with all four landowners at once and make the best deal.

Originally Published At:
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/mar/16/audit-questions-boston-red-sox-spring-training-com/

The Boston Red Sox' 2009 Slightly Premature Preview

by Andrew Nuschler

This is gonna be a little experiment driven by necessity.

I'm borrowing the idea of joint and several liability from law to solve an irritating little glitch. The idea is to write a single article, lop it in two, and have the two parts work autonomously. More accurately, it's to write two articles at the same time that are the product of a single thought process.

It may work or I may thoroughly confuse myself and end up writing about the National Football League by the end. We'll see.

The "little glitch" was that, with only the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox left in my preview series, I was locked up.

Ironic, because I was also giddy with excitement—these are the sexy celebrities of my world. Forget Jennifer Aniston, Meagan Fox, Meagan Good, Jessica Alba, etc. Well, don't forget 'em, but you see what I'm getting at.

I don't give a flying fornication about Hollywood—my deviant time-drain is Major League Baseball and these are the two biggest names in town.

Anyway, I sat down to write about the Pinstripes and got about a paragraph into it before I found myself thinking about the BoSox. I got another couple sentences and found my mind back on Beantown.

Further adding to my angst, the stuff I had on screen regarding the Yanks was garbage. So I tried starting with Boston—the same thing happened with the roles reversed.

Therein lines the problem with Boston and New York baseball: It's not impossible to separate the two, but it's frequently easier if you don't. The two franchises have a pseudo-symbiotic relationship.

Heretofore, it was a parasitic symbiosis with one team dominating and the other carried along by the rival's wake.

First, the Yankees rose to prominence and rumbled off a string of World Series wins. Their success buoyed the profile of Boston and forced them into a corner. Either the Red Sox had to become a punching bag for their biggest rival or they had to answer the bell.

For those of you not around in 2004, the Sox answered the bell.

That flipped the paradigm and suddenly Boston was the trolling shark with New York playing the little minnow that cleans its teeth.

The Yankees responded by throwing money at the problem. And then more money. And then more. None of it worked as the Sawks began to dominate the rivalry—maybe not in the regular season since those games always seem to be tight, but in the postseason and public perception.

Then came this offseason and the $400 Million Spending Spree in New York. It's a little early, but I think a new day is dawning—I think New York has put together so much talent in all areas that it's a shark again.

Don't think for a second that means Boston has become a minnow.

Its offseason acquisitions weren't as expensive or showy, but they were just as shrewd. Make no mistake—Boston is still a very dangerous shark. In fact, I think it's the shark that will still be swimming in November.

Take a look at the roster:

Projected starting lineup

Catcher—Jason Varitek

First base—Kevin Youkilis

Second base—Dustin Pedroia

Third base—Mike Lowell

Shortstop—Jed Lowrie

Left field—Jason Bay

Center field—Jacoby Ellsbury

Right field—J.D. Drew/Rocco Baldelli

Designated hitter—David Ortiz

Hot damn, I love that lineup! And I'm not a particular fan of the Red Sox.

Catcher's almost a total void, but Boston can easily sacrifice the offensive production from the typical professional backstop if it feels Varitek's leadership/game-calling are important assets.

Pedroia's got a little tweak going, Drew's always good for several over the course of the year, Lowell will surely go down at some point, and Ortiz probably won't make it through 162 games unscathed. But injuries are something all teams must deal with and Boston has the bench to do just that.

Baldelli will probably float around the outfield and DH to basically qualify as an everyday player, but the true bench looks pretty stout.

Julio Lugo's turn as a starter in Boston has been a notorious flop, but he's more potent than your average back-up. Mark Kotsay is a gamer and could probably still start for some clubs. Josh Bard fell of a cliff last season, but he swung the bat pretty well in prior years.

Boston also may opt to break camp with its top prospect—first baseman Lars Anderson—in tow. Baseball America lists the 21-year-old stud as the 17th up-and-comer in all of baseball, so he might click right away. So far, he's struggling in Spring Training.

Top prospects Chris Carter (26, outfield) and Josh Reddick (22, outfield and Boston's No. 5 prospect) are both in camp. Carter is treading water while Reddick is scalding the pill. There doesn't seem to be much room for either, though, so they'll probably head to the minors come April.

He's not with the club, but I've got to mention top prospect Casey Kelly. Baseball America lists him as a pitcher/shortstop. What is that?

I've never seen it before—I've heard of guys getting converted from one to the other, but never simultaneously doing both. I'm fascinated.

Starting rotation

Ace—Josh Beckett (R)

Second spot—Daisuke Matsuzaka (R)

Third spot—Jon Lester (L)

Fourth spot—Brad Penny (R)

Fifth spot—Clay Buchholz (R)

Talk about an embarrassment of riches.

John Smoltz isn't even up there because he's not supposed to be ready until May/June, but reports had him throwing 90 mph as early as January and the Boston team doctors are calling him a freak of nature due to his shoulder's response to treatment after surgery.

Tim Wakefield has always been a reliable option and he's still in the mix since he's getting a lot of starts so far in Spring Training. Justin Masterson was once a top prospect and he's almost surely relegated to the bullpen.

Furthermore, Boston has its No. 2 and No. 4 prospects in camp. Michael Bowden is No. 2 and the 22-year-old righty has seen some starting action in exhibition (got lit up). Flamethrower Daniel Bard is No. 4 and the 24-year-old (in June) righty is pitching very well, but out of the 'pen.

Let's say the Red Sox have several nice options and leave it at that.

Bullpen

Closer—Jonathan Papelbon (R)

Set-up—Takashi Saito (R)

Set-up—Hideki Okajima (L)

Set-up—Manny Delcarmen (R)

Set-up—Javier Lopez (L)

Set-up—Ramon Ramirez (R)

It's odd looking at this roster and New York's after previewing 28 other professional baseball franchises. I say that because, next to each other, the two rosters look very close (and next to Tampa's as well).

Next to the rest of baseball? They're like night and day—the weaknesses are tiny and to collateral parts like the catcher or the bench or the fifth spot in the rotation or the middle arms in the bullpen.

The essentials are very good and, often, the best in baseball.

On offense, get ready for Jason Bay.

He gave a preview after coming over to Boston last year, but it's gonna get better. He's in his prime at 30 and built to swing for the Green Monster. In 2008, he bounced back from a knee injury to hit .286 with 35 doubles, 31 home runs, 111 runs scored, 101 RBI, 10 stolen bases, a .373 on-base percentage, and an .895 OPS.

And he played over 100 games in the Pittsburgh Pirate lineup. Like I said, look out.

Because the Pirate lineup did not feature guys like Kevin Youkilis.

Youk is a defensive machine along with raking to the tune of a .312 average with 43 doubles, 29 bombs, 91 runs, 115 RBI, a .390 OBP, and a .958 OPS. Those numbers are insane and he's 30 as well so 2009 should see about the same, if not better, production.

The Pirate lineup did not feature guys like Dustin Pedroia.

Although I think the AL Most Valuable Player award should've gone elsewhere, it's tough to argue with Pedroia's '08 campaign—.326, 54 doubles, 17 homers, 118 runs, 83 RBI, 20 swipes, .376 OBP, and .869 OPS. This from a 25-year-old (26 in August) second baseman.

Let us not forget the mental toughness this kid's got. Like him or not, what he's been able to accomplish since the anemic start to his career in '06-'07 is remarkable.

How about a table-setter like Jacoby Ellsbury? Think that kid might enhance Bay's production?

The 25-year-old water strider struggled for stretches in '08 and has been brutalized for his low-ish on-base abilities, but his final tally was dandy—.280 with 22 doubles, nine taters, 98 runs, 47 RBI, 50 steals, a .336 OBP, and a .729 OPS. Additionally, it was Ellsbury's first full season in the Show so his plate discipline figures to get better and that OBP will rise.

In any event, such a gripe proves just how robust Boston is. Only a truly elite team could care about such things when you've got speed, good peripherals, and defensive prowess like Jacoby.

Jed Lowrie probably won't make the All-Star team at any point, but he's a good glove and can help at times with his bat. At the very least, the name on his jersey doesn't read "Lugo."

J.D. Drew, Mike Lowell, and David Ortiz have all settled into very similar territory.

That territory looks like this—a stint or two on the shelf, good average, good power, and pretty good defense (very good from Lowell). Granted, Big Papi provides his D by not taking the field. The best days from all three are well in the rear-view mirror, but each is still dangerous.

And I still want zero part of Ortiz in a big spot if I'm toeing the slab.

Rocco Baldelli could explode back into the career arc he was on before his mysterious ailment derailed it. If that happens, the Red Sox just stole a perennial 20-plus homer/.300 hitter. Obviously, the "if" is enormous.

Regardless, that offense figures to put some crooked numbers on the board in Fenway or wherever they play.

Bad news for the rest of MLB because Boston's staff should be one of the stingiest.

At the top, the Sawks open with the ferocity of Josh Beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Beckett has always been fragile and it seems he always will be. But, when healthy, the guy is as nasty as they come and probably at the top of the list of big game pitchers going today. Even while struggling with a back injury in '08, he posted a 1.19 WHIP and almost a K per inning.

Early reports put Josh in the best shape of his career, the implication being he's physically right and will be back to his dominant self in '09.

As for Dice-K, it's time for me to cop to being wrong about this Japanese import.

For some reason, I though his brilliant record last year was the product of superlative run support rather than great pitching.

Hmmm, I was really, really, really wrong—18-3, 2.90 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, .211 batting average against, 154 Ks against 94 walks, and only 12 dongs surrendered in 167-plus innings pitched.

The wildness will always be a part of Matsuzaka's game, but it's an effective part as his WHIP and ERA suggest so it's time to acknowledge that Dice-K has become every bit the ace he was supposed to become. I didn't think it would happen and it has.

With two aces up front, the rest of the rotation doesn't need to be great. Of course, the baseball gods don't give their gifts based on need.

Jon Lester could already be an ace in some rotations, he was arguably Boston's best postseason pitcher in '08, and he's currently the Sox No. 3.

Clay Buchholz already has a no-no to his credit, but he's a longshot to make the rotation.

Tim Wakefield is a proven winner even if his knuckleball is losing a shade of consistency. John Smoltz will join the rotation before midseason and he's a former Cy Young with plenty in the tank (if you believe him, which I do). Brad Penny is a bum as an ace, but he should be incredible as a No. 4 (or 5).

And the rotation gets even stronger upon closer inspection of the bullpen.

Jonathan Papelbon is probably the best closer in the Bigs. He blew five saves last year in 46 chances, which is more than some other guys in the running, but he closes for Boston. That ups the ante because the 9th inning is pressure-packed for any team.

Plus, he whiffed 77 guys in 69-plus innings, registered a 0.95 WHIP, 2.34 ERA, walked only eight guys, surrendered only four homers, and I've been told he enters some games to "Master of Puppets." I'm sold.

While the closer's probably got the filthiest arsenal in that 'pen, the other guys and new acquisitions Takashi Saito/Ramon Ramirez aren't walks in the park. I can say from first-hand observation that Saito's as brutal as they come on opposing bats and the same has been said about Ramirez (the main piece in the Coco Crisp deal).

Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima, and Javier Lopez are all holdovers from a successful pen last year. They should be just as effective in 2009 except they'll be exhibiting their wares in earlier frames.

Seriously, with all the plus arms ready for relief work, Boston might have to pull the starters by the 7th inning just to generate the appearances necessary to keep everybody sharp.

That's not a normal problem, but I bet it's a nice one.

If you make a living playing Major League Baseball and you don't happen to have a Red Sox uni hanging in your locker, you might not want to step back from this picture and drink it all in.

Because the overall work is a masterpiece of interlocking talents and redundant protection.

The offense revolves around a core group of hitters in their prime and veterans capable of splattering the ball all over the park. The starting pitching could probably feature a seven-man rotation without much difference from Nos. 4 through 7 and the bullpen could arguably start trotting out closer-caliber arms with nine outs to go.

On paper, this roster lacks the glitz and glam of the New York Yankees, but that profile comes with a price—all eyes will be fixated upon the Yankees. They already are.

For a franchise used to having every single move scrutinized by the national media, the Boston Red Sox are flying about as under the radar as possible due to the volume coming out of New York City. That should allow them to find their rhythm in relative (national) peace and quiet.

When two teams are as closely stocked as the Yankees and Red Sox are, it's usually something intangible that makes the difference.

The boys from Beantown have continuity, confidence, momentum, and the novelty of muted hysteria on their side.

By November, they should have another World Series trophy as well.

Originally Published At:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/140137-the-boston-red-sox-2009-slightly-premature-preview

Final: Red Sox 6, Blue Jays 4

BARD BATTLES (2:33, END 5, Sox 4-3)
It wasn't exactly a smooth outing, but Daniel Bard got out of it unscathed. He allowed a long double over the head of Jacoby Ellsbury in center, but Joe Inglett tried to stretch it into a triple and was cut down at third. Then Aaron Hill followed with a double and, after a ground out, Lyle Overbay walked. But Bard caught Jose Bautista looking to end the inning. B.J. Ryan is in for the Blue Jays.

HOMER HAPPY (2:21, MIDDLE 5, Sox 4-3)
This time it was Chris Carter going deep off the scoreboard in left to break the tie between the Sox and Blue Jays. Roy Halladay has thrown all five innings so far. For the Sox, Daniel Bard is going to get another inning. Drew has been taken out of the game, with Paul McAnulty entering in left and Jeff Bailey heading over to right.

TIE SCORE (2:11, END 4, 3-3)
Though Daniel Bard did give up a run for Justin Masterson, he limited the damage in the inning. He started by striking out Travis Snider looking in a tough at bat, then followed with the run-scoring single by Raul Chavez, then got John McDonald to softly line out to second base.

MASTERSON OUT (2:05, BOTTOM 4, Sox 3-2)
After allowing a single and a double, leaving men on second and third, Justin Masterson came out of the game. He had thrown 59 pitches, 34 for strikes. In an interesting move, he was replaced by Daniel Bard, who hasn't been in many tough situations this spring. He's mostly mowed down batters, and hasn't dealt with a lot of men on base. It's likely the team wants to see how he deals with adversity -- as Terry Francona has mentioned might be good -- and so used this situation to test him.

OUTTA HERE (1:49, MIDDLE 3, Sox 3-2)
Sorry for the break, there were interivews that needed to be done. You've missed home runs by Jeff Bailey and Jed Lowrie, with Lowrie going opposite field from the left side of the plate, and a two-run shot by Travis Snider off Justin Masterson.

SOX TAKE ROY (1:11, TOP 1, Sox 1-0)
The Sox got a quick one run off Roy Halladay, with Jacoby Ellsbury scoring on a double to right field by Jed Lowrie. Ellsbury got on with a single up the middle.

Weekend Injury Round-Up

Injuries

Written by Kyle Deering

Manny Aggravates Hamstring

Dodger outfielder Manny Ramirez was brought out of the team’s game on Sunday due to re-aggravating his left hamstring in left field. This was the first game he has played in the outfield this spring. Manny was held out of Thursday’s game due to tightness in his hamstring, but he did play the team’s next game as a DH. According to MLB.com, Manny felt his hamstring tighten up while trying to cut off a double down the left-field line.

Abdominal Strain for Pedroia

Dustin Pedroia of the Boston Red Sox had first thought he had strained his left oblique, but after visiting Dr. Thomas Gill, Red Sox Director of Medical Staff, the diagnosis was a left strained abdominal muscle. Pedroia is not worried at all about missing any significant time that may cause him to miss opening day. He told MLB.com, "[There's] nothing to be worried about. I'll just take a couple days and try to get it calmed down, and then move on from there. I'm not worried about it."

Lugo to Have Knee Scoped

Julio Lugo of the Boston Red Sox will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. He was taken out of the team’s game Friday night and then sent for an MRI, according to the AP. They are going to do the procedure to go in there and see what is wrong. Depending on what they find will determine the length of time that Lugo is out. According to the AP, if there is a meniscus injury, it could sideline him for three to four weeks.

Chipper Aggravates Oblique

For the second time in a week, Chipper Jones has aggravated his right oblique muscle. He was scratched from Team USA’s game Sunday against The Netherlands. He has gone back to Orlando to get evaluated by Atlanta Braves team doctors. He re-aggravated the oblique during batting practice on Sunday and felt discomfort when having to reach for pitches. His main concern now is being healthy for Opening Day.

Originally Published At: http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3082:weekend-injury-round-up&catid=73:injuries&Itemid=163

Do It Today: Boston Pops, Boston Red Sox, David Brenner

by David Warner

Boston Pops. It’s a convergence of matinee idols at Ruth Eckerd tonight. Keith Lockhart is the heartthrob who conducts the Boston Pops Orchestra. His guest stars, Marin Mazzie and Jason Daniely (pictured), are a glamorous married couple with two of the best voices on Broadway, their combined credits ranging from Spamalot and Kiss Me, Kate to Curtains and The Full Monty. They’re also a recording and cabaret duo (they play Michael Feinstein’s club in NYC beginning Mar. 24), and for this gig they help the Pops salute Oscar- and Tony-winning music from the Golden Age of Hollywood and the classics of the Great White Way to the present. Mon., March 16, 8 p.m., Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, $60-$125, 727-791-7400.

Spring training. It’s a good day to check out the champs, present and former. The Red Sox are in Dunedin playing the Blue Jays; the Phillies come to Tampa to play the Yankees; and the Rays host the Pirates in Bradenton. Get your spring training info at mlb.com.

David Brenner w/Joe Bronzi. David Brenner once sat atop the mountain of stand-up comedy, or at least on the seat next to the mountain, a topical comedian with a sharp delivery who still holds the record for the most Tonight Show with Johnny Carson appearances: 158. A frequent guest on Howard Stern’s show on Sirius, he revealed last month that he’s been lying about his age for a half-century. Here’s a chance to catch a comedy giant who also happens to be engaged to figure skater Tai Babilonia. Joe Bronzi opens the show. Mon., March 16, 8 p.m. (doors at 6, dinner at 6:30), Show Palace Dinner Theatre (in collaboration with Ruth Eckerd Hall), 16128 U.S, 19, Hudson, $59 (includes buffet meal), 888-655-7479, showpalace.net. (Wayne Garcia)

Game recap: Orioles 6, Red Sox 2

By Dan Connolly

Reimold still hot
For the second time in two days, outfield prospect Nolan Reimold hit a solo home run in the eighth inning to help the Orioles beat the Boston Red Sox. Yesterday in Fort Myers, Fla., his shot to left-center field against Billy Traber broke a tie. Reimold, who hit 25 homers at Double-A Bowie last season, is likely headed to Triple-A Norfolk to start the season.

A spring nemesis
The Orioles might be just 15-29 against the Red Sox in the past three regular seasons, but Boston shouldn't trifle with the Orioles in the spring. The victory gave the Orioles a four-game sweep in the Grapefruit League series this year.

On deck
The Orioles will be in Fort Myers again today, this time playing the Minnesota Twins. Right-hander David Pauley will start for the Orioles, who are sending most of their regulars.

Spring training: Red Sox, Lester finalize contract

Baltimore Orioles

The team has shut down RHP Jim Johnson for at least a week so it can try to determine the cause of discomfort in his right shoulder.

Boston Red Sox

Lefthander Jon Lester finalized a $30 million, five-year contract Sunday. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2006, Lester came back to go 4-0 in 2007 and then 16-6 with a 3.21 ERA last year.

• 2B Dustin Pedroia downplayed the injury that sent him home from Team USA at the World Baseball Classic. Boston medical staff diagnosed the injury as a strained left abdominal muscle.

• SS Julio Lugo is expected to have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Tuesday.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Manny Ramirez aggravated his sore left hamstring while playing the outfield for the first time this spring. He was hurt in the fourth inning against Colorado.

San Diego Padres

Reliever Duaner Sanchez agreed to a minor league contract with the Padres five days after he was released by the Mets.

Matsuzaka Sends Cuba Into Unfamiliar Territory

By ALAN SCHWARZ

SAN DIEGO — The last time Cuba’s powerhouse baseball team lost before the final in a major international tournament, in 1959, Fidel Castro had spent less than seven months as his nation’s prime minister. In the 50 years since, the team through which Castro — a former top pitcher himself — has vicariously lived has reached the final of 50 straight tournaments and won a staggering 43 of them.

More than 18,000 days have passed since the Cuban baseball team felt the ignominy of being unable to play for a major championship. It might be less than one before they do so again.

Cuba lost to Japan and its ace, Daisuke Matsuzaka, 6-0, on Sunday afternoon in San Diego, endangering its prospects of surviving the second round of the World Baseball Classic only nine innings after it started.

To keep its string alive, Cuba must win Monday against the loser of Sunday night’s South Korea-Mexico game, and then win on Wednesday, possibly against Japan again.

Japan can relax until it plays the South Korea-Mexico winner on Tuesday, when it will probably start the young star Yu Darvish. That game’s winner automatically earns a berth in the semifinals beginning Saturday in Los Angeles.

“Today, we were beaten by better pitching — there was no question we were not in our top form,” Cuba’s manager, Higinio Vélez, said through an interpreter. Asked by the Cuban news media how his nation’s fans at home should feel, he said, “They should have every faith that these guys can come back.”

Matsuzaka dominated in a rematch of the 2006 Classic final. He has since joined the Boston Red Sox and won a World Series, and he posted an 18-3 record last season despite leading the American League in walks.

But Matsuzaka was strikingly efficient against the Cuban hitters, throwing far more strikes — particularly early in the count — than he typically does for Boston. (Matsuzaka led the major leagues by walking 13.1 percent of hitters he faced last season.) Those Cuban batters were less jumpy than just plain ineffective against Matsuzaka’s legendarily varied repertory. He retired the side in order in three of his six shutout innings and had eight strikeouts with no walks.

It was probably the best pitching performance against the Cubans since the United States’ Ben Sheets defeated them, 4-0, in the gold medal game of the 2000 Olympics. It delighted a good portion of the crowd of 20,179 fans at Petco Park.

“I knew Cuba was a good team, but particularly there was nothing I was too worried about,” Matsuzaka, who gave up only five singles and threw 61 of his 86 pitches for strikes, said through an interpreter. Referring to serving as his nation’s ace rather than that of the Red Sox, he said: “I want to be on behalf of Japan. I want to be the pitcher.”

Just as they did in their 10-6 gold medal victory in 2006, when Ichiro Suzuki’s first-inning double was their only extra-base hit, the Japanese hitters vexed Cuba with small ball. Four singles and a sacrifice fly scored three runs in the third inning, knocking the hard-throwing Cuban phenom Aroldis Chapman from the game. One run in the fourth, fifth and ninth gradually sounded like nails pounding into what could become Cuba’s coffin.

It is by no means closed. But Cuba appeared increasingly unnerved as Japan’s lead mounted. Cuba is not known for throwing wild pitches (two), grounding into double plays (two) and striking out looking (five). Although the Cubans committed no errors, it was a lethargic and sloppy loss for a team known more for having steamrolled others.

“The bottom line is we couldn’t get to Matsuzaka,” Vélez said.

The game began as an enticing matchup between Matsuzaka, the veteran, and Chapman, the young left-hander who threw a pitch clocked at 100 miles per hour during the Classic’s first round in Mexico City. Matsuzaka made clear that it was he who won the gold medal W.B.C. game on the same mound three years before, when Chapman was 18.

Chapman worked behind and into full counts against too many hitters. After two precarious innings, he finally threw some strikes in the third, but three of them were hit for singles before he was removed. All three runs scored after Norberto González relieved him and promptly threw a wild pitch that brought home Akinori Iwamura, yielded a two-strike, soft run-scoring single to Norichika Aoki and then a sacrifice fly. Not exactly power ball, but good for a 3-0 lead for Japan.

Cuba has not been in this shaky a situation in years, maybe decades. In the 2006 Classic, Cuba lost one game in each of the first two rounds but never had to win two straight games to advance. The Cubans breezed through the first round this year in Mexico City, going 3-0.

The last major international tournament in which Cuba entered but did not reach the final was the 1959 Pan American Games in Chicago. The Cubans next won the old Amateur World Series in April 1961 and have dominated since as a mysterious but undeniable power.

At the Classic three years ago, Vélez said that his team of relative unknowns was “made of men and not names.” Either way, those players must win on Monday — and Wednesday — or go home as Cuba’s most disappointing team in half a century.

Will the Red Sox 2009 Season sink with Jacoby Ellsbury?

by John Gray

The Red Sox's 2009 season sinks or swims with Jacoby Ellsbury returning to his 2007 form that led the team to a World Series title and not the part-time center fielder who was a flop in the first part of the 2008 season, unable to get on base to utilize his great base-stealing speed.

There is no life jacket in 2009, as the Sox traded super reserve Coco Crisp, who flashed Gold Glove-quality defense and a decent bat.

Ellsbury arrived in 2007 and excited Boston fans by batting .350 and displaying base speed never seen in a Sox uniform. Every walk was equivalent to at least a double and each ordinary looking single risked being extra bases before the next pitch if not soon after.

Fortunately, Ellsbury did rebound in the later part of 2008 when injuries to Manny and Drew necessitated the opportunity. The offense of 2009 badly depends on Ellsbury and Dusty to get on base for the middle of the lineup to get good pitches to drive them in. When Ellsbury slumped last year so did the whole lineup which were the primary reasons Ortiz and Manny's RBI's were so down.

Red Sox opted to trade away their safety net in Coco Crisp for extra bullpen help, but if Ellsbury can't return close to his 2007 form to ignite the top of the lineup, and with assorted injuries to Lowell, Ortiz and others, the offense will be a dud again.

If Ellsbury does not return to form then what is Plan B at leadoff and center field? Rocco Baldelli could adequately replace J.D. Drew for a bit but is not a lead off hitter. Dustin Pedroia could bat lead off, but does not have the base stealing. Lugo was signed initially to be the lead off hitter of his early Tampa years, but has been a very expensive disappointment and is currently out with an injury.

If Ellsbury flops, then the lineup returns to its 1980s slow form of getting on base and hoping for a three-run home run. Unfortunately, this lineup lacks Boggs, Dewey to get on base 40 percent of the time each for Rice, Greenwell and Armas to slug them in.

Ellsbury is pivotal to the Sox's success in 2009. It helps having Alex Rodriguez out of the Yankees lineup for the Sox to potentially build a lead over them. If Ellsbury doesn't rebound Tampa Bay should retain the divisional title and make it a long summer in Fenway.

Wang hit hard by Red Sox, but he's not worried

BY KAT O'BRIEN

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Chien-Ming Wang gave up seven runs (six unearned) and six hits in 12/3 innings, including homers by David Ortiz and Mike Lowell, in an 8-4 loss to Boston Friday night. "Sinker flat, slider flat, everything was flat," Wang said.

"The first inning was really good,'' Joe Girardi said. "The second inning, he was just a little out of whack . . . I'm not worried. It's just a minor adjustment.'' Wang blamed his mechanics and said he goes through this every year. "I think I still need more work, more throwing," he said. "I think every spring training [is] the same."

Extra bases

Mariano Rivera will throw live batting practice for the second time Saturday. If all goes well, he is slated to pitch in a game for the first time Tuesday night against the Pirates . . . Edwar Ramirez (shoulder bursitis) and Jason Johnson (retinal cancer) are set to get their first game action Saturday. Jorge Posada is set to catch for the first time Sunday . . . Brett Tomko pitched well in his continued bid for the long relief role. He struck out five in 31/3 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and no walks. He has allowed two earned runs, seven hits and a walk in 101/3 innings . . . Humberto Sanchez (forearm tightness) threw his first bullpen session.

Spring training: Ortiz returns; Four Red Sox players vie for final roster spot

By SCOTT CLAIR

FORT MYERS — With salsa music blaring from the corner of the Boston Red Sox locker room, there was no doubt Big Papi was back at City of Palms Park.

Before Ortiz hit a two-run homer in the second inning to help the Boston Red Sox to an early lead against the New York Yankees on Friday, visitors to Boston’s clubhouse were greeted by his lively choice of music way before they set foot inside.

The designated hitter returned to the Red Sox camp Thursday night after Ortiz’s Dominican Republic team was eliminated by the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic earlier in the week.

Teammates were glad to see Ortiz back at spring training, his vibrant good nature reinvigorating what had been a moribund camp. Reporters’ questions to the five-time All-Star were drowned out by the music. Still, with smiles, googley eyes and a few quips, Ortiz did his best to answer as he dressed.

Soon after, Ortiz headed to the trainer’s room, passing a row of lockers belonging to lesser-known players. Ortiz saw minor league outfielder Chris Carter, who is trying to head north with the big club. They half hugged, half shook hands and smiled as Ortiz said, “CC, que pasa?”

Though Ortiz posted his lowest numbers in his six seasons with the Red Sox in 2008, his place in Boston’s lineup is secure. Carter’s is anything but. The 26-year-old is competing with three other players for the last spot on Boston’s 25-man roster.

While Boston’s more established players have been using spring training to work out a winter’s worth of kinks, Jeff Bailey, Paul McAnulty and Brad Wilkerson, along with Carter, are playing each Grapefruit League game for their very baseball lives.

Barring injury, only one will be at Fenway Park on April 6 for Boston’s opening day game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

“I’m looking for a guy that can play first and the corner outfield spots,” Boston manager Terry Francona said. “We respect how important this camp is to them. Some nights we go home to sleep, they may not. Their future is on the line.

“The first day we told them, ‘Go play. We’ll make the decisions. We’ll talk to you about how we feel, just let your play do the talking for you.’ ”

Ironically, though the four players dress within a span of six lockers, all said they never discuss the situation with each other.

“It is kind of stressful,” said Wilkerson, 31, a former Florida Gator. “We don’t talk about it. Honestly, we try to root each other on and try to play as a team game. The chips will fall where they fall.

“Hopefully, it works out for everybody. It’s not going to, but you’re not rooting for anybody to do bad. I’m rooting for myself to do really well.”

Of the group, Wilkerson, a major leaguer since 2001, has the most experience. A career .247 hitter, the left-handed hitting Wilkerson played with Seattle and Toronto last season. McAnulty started last season with San Diego before being optioned to Triple-A Portland in July, where he hit .343.

The 30-year-old Bailey has played in 1,141 professional games, but just 30 in the majors. Last season, playing for Boston’s Triple-A affiliate in Pawtucket, R.I., Bailey was the International League MVP. His bat isn’t the concern; it’s his glove work.

“We all have things we need to work on,” said Bailey, who is hitting .500 this spring. “In my situation, I’m not trying to do too much. They’re looking for me to be better in the outfield, that I’m not a liability out there.

“I know that at some point in the season, probably more than once, there’s going to be a need for a right-handed batter, and I’m pretty much that guy, as far as power and RBI. I know that if I don’t make the team, I’ll be up and down all year.”

Carter got a taste of big-league pitching after being called up to Boston in September. A teammate of Bailey’s in Pawtucket, Carter hit .300 with 24 home runs and 81 RBIs in 2008. This is Carter’s first spring in which he has a chance to make the big-league club. He said his attitude, regardless of Francona’s decision, will remain upbeat.

“May the best guy win,” he said. “When Wilkie’s up, or Bailey’s up, or Mac is up, I want them to do well. It makes me a better player, too, to have that kind of mentality.

“I believe in my talent. There’s nothing I want more than to be a Boston Red Sox. I’m having fun with the game rather than feel all the pressure. I say, hit the ball to me. I want to make a play. If nobody’s watching, if everybody’s watching, it’s the exact same.”

With three weeks left in spring training, Francona said it was too early for him to make a decision about who makes the roster.

“Some of those things aren’t supposed to be answered for a while,” he said. “We’ve got to see the health of the team. It could change.”