Beltre ailing...(from NESN)

He seems to be around injuries frequently, either his own or others.  Report from NESN below.

Initially, things didn't sound all that bad for Adrian Beltre following a calf injury. Now, it looks like he might miss a little more time than first expected.


Initial reports indicated that Beltre would miss two weeks with a strained calf, but according to Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman, the injury could sideline Beltre for a month.

The diagnosis has progressively gotten worse for the new Rangers third baseman, whose calf injury didn't seem to be much of an issue at first. Beltre went from being expected to not miss any time, to being out two weeks, to the most recent news of his absence being up to a month.

This would obviously put Beltre's status for Opening Day in jeopardy. The Rangers open the season on April 1 by hosting the Red Sox.

Jenks vs. Guillen

These two guys continue to go at each other publicly.  Though I am not a fan of Ozzie Guillen, I will give him his due as having managed the 2005 ChiSox to a WS championship.  Ozzie seems to enjoy the limelight a bit too much for my liking and he plays to the camera.   Jenks needs to put the ChiSox past behind him and focus on being a Bosox.  I think his addition is an important one to keep from seeing Bard burn out from overuse and as an insurance policy if Pap struggles. 

Good to see Youk, Pedey, Ells, and Cam back in action against their college opponents yesterday. 

John Farrell

Have been reading some very good reports on John Farrell in his new role at Toronto.  Sure going to miss his calm presence on the team and overall professionalism.  I wish him well in Toronto.  Many baseball pundits also believe that he has a future in being a GM one day.  I think that the 'Sox were very fortunate to have had John as pitching for the past few years given the interest that other teams expressed in him. 

Stiff elbow shelves Doubront 10 days-2 weeks - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

News on Tazawa...

Stiff elbow shelves Doubront 10 days-2 weeks - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Quiet on the 'Sox front

Bad break for the Cardinal pitcher, Wainwright, who will require the Tommy John procedure and miss all of 2011.  You hate to see injuries like this in Spring Training. 

Looking forward to when the exhibition games begin and we can start reading about how players are coming along.  Hope some of the young guys have a chance to play and draw attention. 

Good that Gonzo took a day off from swinging the bat -- let's not rush him back too soon. 

The Amazing Ryan Westmoreland....

The other Ryan...

Not since 2004...

have I looked forward to the start of a season more.  That year, Schilling joined the pitching staff, went on to become a 20-game winner, and became a hero in RedSox nation lore.  What a memorable season. 

The only other times I can recall was when Rice and Lynn came onboard for the '75 season.  Each had just over 100 RBI's that season.  The previous year, the 'Sox had added pitching with Rick Wise, Reggie Cleveland, Juan Marichal, and  Dick Drago.  The '75 starting five include:  El Tiante (18-14), Spaceman Bill Lee (17-9), Rick Wise (19-12), Reggie Cleveland (13-9), and Roger Moret (13-1). 

Crawford consults Rice about playing the Green Monster

Rice started his career as the DH as his fielding skills were somewhat questionable.  Through hard work, he became a master of playing left field in Fenway.  I am not sure if Yaz spent much time with him, but Rice became a solid fixture in LF for the rest of his career. 

I was pleased to read that Crawford, a gifted fielder, was seeking out advice from Rice.  It demonstrates that Crawford has the right attitude and work ethic.  His presence in LF should take some pressure off of Ells and allow him to "cheat" toward the triangle (as recently reported by NESN) and enable Drew to patrol closer to the RF line. 

Drew is the weakest link in the OF now given his history of injuries and the hamstring issue he has now.  Ryan Kalish is the heir apparent to RF and maybe he'll play some there this year given Drew's history. 

Boston Red Sox Story on NESN.com

I am currently reading a Boston Red Sox story on NESN. Link: http://www.nesn.com/2011/02/jacoby-ellsbury-surrounded-by-support-systems-in-return-to-center-field.html

I look for Ells to bounce back.  He and Crawford could easily combine to steal over 100 bases this year. 

It is starting already with J.D.

Read reports that he is nursing a hamstring injury already and mulling over retirement. 

Boston Red Sox Story on NESN.com

2011 'Sox should have a good bench. 

I am currently reading a Boston Red Sox story on NESN. Link: http://www.nesn.com/2011/02/red-sox-role-players-can-add-production-to-serve-stars-ailing-injuries-this-season.html

Boston Red Sox - Epstein reins in the exuberance - The Boston Globe

Some semblance of rational thinking from Theo.

Boston Red Sox - Epstein reins in the exuberance - The Boston Globe

Not to get ahead of ourselves...

Big Papi, Drew, Pap, and perhaps a few others will be free agents after this season.  It will be interesting to see how this may serve as extra motivation for these players.

I am hoping that the extra bullpen help Theo has brought in will take some pressure off of Bard this year.

Talk of a 100-win season is entirely premature.  Let's get into June before such talk occurs.   Let's not forget the ex-Idiot tandem of Damon and Manny in Tampa Bay.  That will be interesting to watch this year.

Lots of story lines to blog on during Spring Training.

Finally, the subs...

SS/2B/1B - Lowrie
OF - McDonald?
OF - Cameron
?
?

Now the pitching staff...

1.  Lester
2.  Buch
3.  Beckett
4.  Lackey
5.  Dice-K

Cl - Pap
Setup - Bard
Setup - Jenks
Middle - Wheeler
Middle - ?
LHP - wide open
Long - Wake

Playing with the lineup

1.  CF Ells
2.  2B Pedey
3.  1B A-Gonz
4.  3B Youk
5.  LF Crawford
6.  DH Big Papi
7.  RF Drew
8.  C Varitek or Salty
9. SS Scutaro

or

1.  CF Ells

2.  2B Pedey

3.  LF Crawford

4.  1B A-Gonz

5.  3B Youk

6.  DH Big Papi

7.  RF Drew

8.  C Varitek or Salty

9. SS Scutaro

Gonzalez not concerned with Pujols - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Perhaps a deal will be announced around opening day - let's hope so.

Gonzalez not concerned with Pujols - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Chamberlain's weight in the spotlight, again - Boston.com

More good news from the Yankees camp....!

Chamberlain's weight in the spotlight, again - Boston.com

Long-term deal for A-Gonz?

I may have missed it but I do not recall any long-term deal getting done.  Theo gave up 3 top prospects for A-Gonz.  I hope that they don't dither and end up losing him to free agency after the season.  Call me a worry wart, I guess.

Hopeful Signs

Lackey comes to camp having dropped a few pounds.  Reports that Beckett is in better shape.  Ells says he feels great.

I will hand it to Theo, he has certainly re-stocked the lineup and bullpen.