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.
