One Week and Counting: Opening Day is Almost Here!

Monday, April 6th. It's a day I've been looking forward to all winter—all five months of frigid temperatures and endless snowstorms. But now, even as the temps struggle to make it out of the 30s, I can see baseball season. I can see the real sign that spring is actually here no matter what the thermometer or the snow in my yard says. And I will surely argue with myself that morning of April 6th whether or not I feel well enough to go to work.

My hope for this season? A respectable finish would be nice. You know... sort of like that season they had in 2013 and preferably not the two that flanked it. I don't like last place. I especially don't like last place living with a Yankees fan. There's no greater pain.

I have no idea what the Red Sox starting rotation is going to look like this year—especially with all these new faces. I do know that Clay Buchholz has been named Opening Day starter and after last season's 5.34 ERA, my confidence in the lanky righthander is not high. Former Tiger, Rick Porcello, seems to have the best 2014 resume of the bunch with a 3.43 ERA. And Justin Masterson returns to the Sox after spending time with the Indians and Cardinals, but despite an All-Star appearance in 2013, in 2014 he was worse than Buchholz with a 5.88 ERA. So basically... oy.

The Sox picked up a couple of big offensive threats in the off-season in Hanley Ramirez (who came up through the Red Sox farm system a decade ago) and Pablo Sandoval. Ramirez has had a respectable spring, but Sandoval hasn't impressed me too much. Mike Napoli has been on fire and as usual, Jackie Bradley Jr. is tearing up the spring. What is it about Bradley Jr. and his spring training successes? And will he carry that spark north to Boston? Because last year he was sort of a giant disappointment.

But Mookie Betts, dude. MOOKIE BETTS!! If the Sox don't find a spot for him to play regularly, I'm going to have someone's head. Seriously. (Unless, of course, he has JBJ disease and can't seem to play in the regular season.) This guy has been on hotter than fire. He's been like molten lava. He's logged among the most at bats during the pre-season and boasts a .452 average with 19 hits, seven doubles, two triples and two home runs—one of which was an inside-the-park jobby. He has scored 11 runs and has an OPS of 1.334. DUDE! Mookie for President!

So the jury is still out on how I feel about this team. Can Pedroia bounce back from a very un-Pedroia-like 2014? Can Big Papi still smash the ball without his ever growing ego getting in the way? What will the Sox do to solve their latest complication behind the plate with Christian Vazquez going out for the season? And most importantly, what are they going to do to stay out of the cellar so I can maintain my sanity?

Now I just sit and wait and wring my hands until the final 25-man roster is named and I become that crazed Boston fan who is never satisfied with any decision they make. I will also to continue to hope for a team that respects each other enough to not end up in last place again. A team that plays for the parade. I really liked that team.

Spring Means Baseball and Sunshine and Melting Snow... and Baseball. Did I Mention Baseball?

Well, it's not spring yet, but it is March 1st—the day I am officially over winter. Granted, February set a record for coldest month ever in the state of Maine—or at least since they've been keeping records—so I'm going out on a limb and saying that I was over winter sometime last month. And I'm a fan of winter, so you know it had to be a bad one.

But March is full of hope too. It's full of days to look forward to that actually might just signify that winter is on its way out and we could possibly see bare ground before the month's end. The town I live in, Gray, Maine, has received nearly 100" of snow so far this year and I'm fairly certain all of it is still on the ground so we're going to need some seriously warm days to get rid of this white shit.

The days get longer. There's a holiday that's dedicated to drinking. And let's not forget, if the old adage is right, March goes out like a lamb. A nice, soft, cuddly lamb I like to call April—a month that is chock full of good stuff.

So come, sit down next to me and let's dream of days in the not too distant future that will make us ridiculously happy... especially after Mother Nature tortured us for no apparent reason the last couple of months.

Tuesday, March 3rd: The Red Sox kick off their spring training game schedule with their annual doubleheader against the college kids of Boston College and Northeastern. 

Sunday, March 8th: Daylight Saving Time! Yay, we get an extra hour of daylight after work!! Although we do lose a precious hour of weekend so that sort of aggravates me.

Monday, March 9th: National Napping Day. To make up for that lost hour!! Although I'm not sure my bosses would appreciate me sleeping on the job. Again.

Tuesday, March 17th: St. Patty's Day. Gotta love a holiday dedicated to drinking. The only day of the year, the Irish pub near my office has a full deck at 8am. Now that's commitment. 

Friday, March 20th: THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING!! And yes, it did deserve the shouty caps. It's also the day where any snow that occurs after pisses us off more than any other snow of the season. Unless you're a skier.

Wednesday, April 1st: April Fools Day. Don't believe a word of anything anyone says to you. And watch out for saran wrap on your toilet. 

Sunday, April 5th: Easter Sunday. Chocolate eggs. Chocolate bunnies. Chocolate everything. Did I mention chocolate? I'm sure there's another reason for Easter, but right now all I can think about is chocolate! 

Monday, April 6th: Opening Day for the Red Sox in Philadephia. It's a fresh start after a dismal 2014 season. Could they perhaps become the only team to go worst to first to worst to first? Fingers crossed. 

Tuesday, April 7th: National Beer Day! Excuse me... wouldn't it make more sense to have this day on... say... a Saturday? Whatever. It's beer. And baseball season so... yeah. 

Friday, April 10th - Sunday, April 12th: Red Sox vs. Yankees, Version 1.0. Gotta love that first series of the year between these two rivals. And we'll see a Jeter-less Yankee team for the first time since 1995. 

Sunday, April 12th: Happy Birthday, Dad! And Sunday at Augusta National for the final round of the Masters. 

Monday, April 13th: Red Sox Home Opener! I can only hope they're 6-0 by the time they make it to Fenway Park. I am expecting a championship, you know. 

Monday, April 20th: Patriots Day... a holiday only celebrated in Maine and Massachusetts, but it's the day of the Boston Marathon and the Red Sox play at 11am—the only game I watch in my PJs while eating breakfast. 

Friday, April 24th: Happy Birthday, Mom! (And it just happens to be National Pigs in a Blanket day. Who knew??)

So there you have it. There is a light at the end of this long, dark, snowy, COLD tunnel and it smells like grass, sunshine, and beer. This list might just keep me from throwing myself in front of plow truck during the next (and you know there will be a next) snow storm.

Happy Almost Spring!!

Day 362: Grady Sizemore Wins Opening Day CF Job

Opening Day is in four days. You know what else happens in four days? I will have officially reached the Balls of All Sizes goal of 365 straight days of posting... Opening Day of 2013 to Opening Day of 2014. And I have loved every single moment. You know what else I love? I love surprises. I especially love surprises like Grady Sizemore.

If there was one guy I was rooting for this spring, it was Grady Sizemore. The 31-year-old former Cleveland Indian hasn't played a big league game since September 22, 2011. Yes, 2011. He has been out of major league baseball for more than two full seasons. And now? Well, Red Sox skipper John Farrell has just named Sizemore as the starting center fielder for Opening Day.

Sizemore beat out Jackie Bradley Jr. who started last season's Opening Day, but never fared as well in regular season, big league action than he did in spring training. And Bradley has yet to bounce back and was optioned back to Triple-A Pawtucket prior to today's game. Sizemore is having an outstanding spring with a .333 batting average in 39 at bats and a home run and he's also made some pretty spectacular catches too!

I feel sort of bad for Bradley though. With the departure of Jacoby Ellsbury, that center field job was most certainly his for the taking. But what a difference a year makes. After batting a staggering .419 in spring training back in 2013, Bradley is batting just a .158 this spring. He never hit over .200 in his short time with the Red Sox last year—it's like something just broke him.

And who knows... maybe Sizemore won't be able to handle the strains of playing every day. I mean shit, he's had like seven surgeries in the past few years and his knees are going to be the issue—if there is one. But if Bradley can't prove he can successfully hit on the major league level, the Sox will have to use someone like Jonny Gomes to take the pressure off Sizemore.

Whatever the case may be... I'll be rooting for Sizemore to do well and stay injury free. This guy truly does deserve a break.

Day 356: Yankees Get Taste of Ellsbury's Injury Antics

Baseball players can be real sissies. In my opinion, Jacoby Ellsbury might be the president of that club. I'm not saying all players are wimps. I know plenty that play hurt—hell, Dustin Pedroia seems to be always playing with some type of injury. Or how about Cincinnati Reds pitcher, Aroldis Chapman who was blasted in the eye socket by a line drive last week? They're now saying he'll pitch again this season which blows my mind after seeing the replay. The guy had a steel plate inserted into his head and reports are that he could be throwing a ball in a couple of weeks.

And then you have players like Ellsbury. One of my biggest problems with him when he played for the Red Sox, was his inability to return in a timely fashion from an injury. There is absolutely no sense of urgency for this guy to get back in the lineup which tells me, he's more interested in what's best for him than what's best for the team. Maybe that will do something for his longevity in this game, but dude, come on.

When he hit the free agent market after the 2013 season, I really wondered what type of pay day a guy like him would score. He had two seasons with the Red Sox that were significantly shortened by an injury that I'm convinced wasn't debilitating enough to warrant missing that much time. But then again, I'm not a doctor so who am I to judge... just a sneaking suspicion, I guess. So after the Yankees signed him to seven year, $153 million contract, my first thought was, good friggin' luck getting your money's worth out of that pansy.

The regular season hasn't even started yet and ol' Jacoby is up to his old tricks. He hasn't played in a spring training game since March 14th because of tightness in his right calf. He had an MRI late last week and then tested it out the following day by doing some light running and hopes to be back in the lineup on Tuesday. He hopes... you know, if there's absolutely not even one tiny little twinge of pain. Although there were reports that he said if it was the regular season, he coooooould play. Douche.

Oh Jacoby, I'm sorry you're such a wuss. But I'm not sorry you're playing for a different team this year. Your their problem now.

Day 351: Sox Score St. Paddy's Day Spring Win

Opening Day is exactly two weeks away. TWO WEEKS! Is it just me or has this spring training absolutely crawled by? Or wait, maybe it's because this winter has been never ending and all I want is to see some green grass and some dirt and some friggin' baseball. The temperature is supposed to bottom out at -2˚ overnight. That's just ridiculous. RIDICULOUS! It's mid-March for crying out loud. I'm not sure the snow is going to melt in time for baseball to happen in northern New England.

But I digress... the Red Sox have won six of their last ten spring training game so thing are looking up... sort of.

The Red Sox celebrated St. Patrick's Day with green uniforms and a nice 10-5 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. And there were even a few fireworks. Mike Napoli, Dustin Pedroia and Ryan Lavarnway all launched home runs, while Grady Sizemore went 3-for-4 in the leadoff position making a bid for a starting job come March 31st. Napoli and Pedey both had three RBIs to lead the scoring.

It's nice to see Sizemore have success with the Red Sox—he's currently batting .381 in Grapefruit League play. If you remember, Sizemore has struggled with injuries over the past few years which forced him to sit out of baseball completely in 2012 and 2013. In addition to his strong offensive outing, he also made two spectacular catches—one as he crashed into the wall, the other a diving catch that saved what would surely have been a run-scoring double. Click HERE to see both catches!

Unfortunately, Sox starter John Lackey did not have the best day on the mound. In five innings, he game up five earned runs on six hits with three strikeouts and two walks. He managed to walk away with the win (saved by the bats), but in the spring, his ERA is a whopping 9.39. The bullpen held the lead and Koji Uehara continues his scoreless spring. (Ok, so he's only pitched four innings...)

Well... I can't wait for this season to start and I've already marked myself off on the calendar at work for the afternoon of the 31st so I can sit back, relax and enjoy the Opening Day festivities! 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Day 341: Marlins Moan Over Lack of Red Sox Stars

This might be my most favorite story from spring training so far. We learned some things about the Miami Marlins organization this week. We learned that they're a bunch of whiny bitches. And we learned that they're greedy and like to cheat their fans. And we also learned that they are a pretty horrible team.

Why are they whiny bitches, you might ask? The Red Sox traveled to Jupiter, FL on Thursday for a game against the Marlins. Now this is a pretty far drive for an exhibition game—about two and a half hours—and the organization did not send one starting player from the 2013 team to play. The closest they got were two minor leaguers that saw some time in Boston—Jackie Bradley Jr. and Ryan Lavarnway. The Marlins were pissed that they didn't get at least the MLB-required minimum of four major league roster players. Miami brass took to the press to express their displeasure with the situation which made them look like, well, you know, whiny bitches.

And how could they be cheating their fans? Because the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox were coming to town for a game (an exhibition game, mind you), the Marlins thought this was their chance to make a few extra bucks. They charged their fans "super premium pricing" for the tickets which means that fans were paying $8-$12 more than the regular pricing. All for the chance to see David Ortiz or Dustin Pedroia or Shane Victorino play for a couple innings? Well, none of those stars showed up and now it just looks like the Miami organization is a bunch of money grubbers that like to gouge their fans. But if you ask them, it's Boston's fault.

The Marlins were a pretty horrible team in 2013. Their 62-100 record was only better than one other team in all of baseball. Basically, they have no stars to attract fans so they need to rely on their opponents to draw in the crowds. But then they bitch and complain that the Red Sox didn't hold up their end of the bargain when they sent their minor league squad. So here's the deal... if the Sox sent what essentially turned out to be Pawtucket to play, and the Marlins fielded their required four major leaguers, how is it that the game ended in a 0-0 tie? I guess the Marlins must just plain suck.

Basically, the only guy on the field who played regularly on that 2013 Championship team was Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and he plays for the Marlins now. I feel bad for him... he now works for a bunch of chumps. And will probably never hoist another World Series trophy for the rest of his career—at least not if he stays in southern Florida.

Day 340: Will Stephen Drew Be Missed?

I've spent most of this winter wondering what was going to happen to poor Stephen Drew and where he was going to land. If you remember, Drew was advised by his douchebag agent, Scott Boras, to turn down Boston's one-year qualifying offer of $14 million. Boras was sure that Drew could land a multi-year deal somewhere else and off they went. Well, the start of the 2014 season is less than a month away and Drew remains unsigned.

Wondering why I'm talking about a guy who's not even on the team? To be honest, I could care less about Stephen Drew. He was never one of my favorites—and maybe that stems from how much I despised his brother, JD. I always felt he didn't belong on this team, never appearing to have the same attitude as the rest of the bearded band of brothers. Sure, he was pretty great in the field and even more so defensively in the postseason, but he was lacking as an offensive player and eked out just six hits in October.

So what? Drew doesn't return to the team and that'll be ok because there's a slick, 21-year-old Aruban waiting in the wings to take that position for himself. In his short time with the Red Sox in 2013, Xander Bogaerts split his time between third base and shortstop. He played just 17 games at the big league level during the regular season but it feels like he's been there forever. Bogaerts was called up in late August, but played such an integral role in both play down the stretch and the postseason that it's hard to imagine him not succeeding this season.

By not signing Stephen Drew, the Red Sox have put their trust in two youngsters to patrol the left side of the infield. Will Middlebrooks, who was born the year I graduated from high school, struggled last year through slumps and even spent some time in Triple-A to deal with his issues. Sure, he's put on 30 pounds of muscle, but will that translate into more consistent hitting and better range in the infield? And Bogaerts, who was born the year I graduated from college (god, I'm old), is having a pretty solid spring so far but if you remember, Jackie Bradley Jr's successful spring in 2013 didn't carry over when the team headed north.

But there's still a few weeks of spring training to go and you never know, some other young infielder could impress the coaches and find themselves trotting out onto the field at Fenway Park on April 4th. I know I run the risk of sounding greedy by saying this, but it would be very cool to see a young phenom make a big name for himself in a Boston uniform this season. Maybe it will be Xander and we'll all be asking, "Stephen who?"

Day 339: Should I Be Worried, Red Sox?

When the 2013 season started for the Boston Red Sox, I was genuinely worried. I had no idea what was going to happen after such a horrific previous season. I didn't expect much—and would've been happy with a .500 record and for them to regain some semblance of class and team chemistry. So to say 2013 exceeded my expectations would be an understatement.

Now that the start of 2014 is just around the corner, I have to wonder what this year will bring. The returning team is missing a few key players from the '13 campaign, but has also gained a few guys that could make a difference. They're ready to put their World Series Championship behind them and move forward—turn the page and put their focus solely on the task ahead. That task? Repeating last year's outcome.

If the first six games of Grapefruit League play are any indication of how the regular season will go, they're in trouble. The Red Sox are just 1-5 so far in Spring Training play. But maybe this is just me being a paranoid fan. Maybe I'm just a little gun shy, afraid that those demons of years past will wrap their dirty hands around this team and choke the life out of them. Or maybe I'm being completely ridiculous and I just have to have confidence that the guys on this team would never let something like that happen.

I do have a little concern with the number of runs they've been giving up in these preseason games, averaging just over seven runs per game. I feel silly nitpicking about this—I understand that spring training is all trial and error. Guys need a chance to prove themselves and the staff needs a chance to evaluate the talent. But geez... it's a little nerve wracking.

I just need to pull it together and have confidence in the team, I guess. This team is confident. I should trust them to get the job done. Positive thoughts!! World Series or bust? Forget I said that, I don't want to jinx anything!

Day 333: Former Red Sox Players Making Spring Training News

Well, spring training play has officially begun with the Red Sox taking on Northeastern University and Boston College in a split-squad double header Thursday afternoon. The won the both contests 5-2. These games always make me nervous because, holy crap, what if they lose to a bunch of college kids? They start playing kids their own age tomorrow when they take on the Minnesota Twins at 1:05pm.

A couple of former Red Sox players made some headlines today in games of their own. Remember Josh Reddick? I always liked that guy and I was a little sad when the Red Sox traded him to the Oakland A's for pitcher Andrew Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney. It was a great trade... for the A's. Reddick also lucked out by managing to get out of town before the 2012 Bobby Valentine disaster. Bailey has been riddled with injuries, missing a lot of 2012 and really not doing anything special otherwise. Sweeney... I barely remember him. He spent just the 2012 season with the Sox.

Reddick has two solid seasons under his belt with Oakland and in 2012, hit a career high (by a lot) 32 home runs. But his offense is what truly stands out for this 27-year-old—he won a Gold Glove in '12 for his play in right field. And today, in a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants, he had not one, but two amazing catches to rob Mike Morse of home runs both times. Reddick scaled the outfield fence to make the spectacular catches and many say they've never seen anything like it.

Wanna see? It's worth the time. At first I thought they were just replaying the catch and then I realized it wasn't a replay, he just did it again! Click HERE for the video.

The other headline making former player is Carl Crawford who now plays for the LA Dodgers. I hate this guy. Even when he played for the Red Sox, I thought he was a whiny bitch. So it's fun to see him do stuff that makes him look even more douchey than he already is. He was attempting to steal a base but the ball was hit foul. In the meantime, he had already slid into second base in a rather awkward way. It appeared he belly-flopped his way to second and in the process smacked his chin on the ground which in turn sent his helmet flying off his head. And it was all for naught because it was a foul ball. It's not as exciting as Reddick's catch, but you can see the video HERE. It's good for a giggle.

I seriously don't miss that guy even one little speck, or the guys that were shipped off to LA with him. If that crew was still around last season, I don't think they win the World Series. I know... bold statement but there's something to be said about team chemistry and getting along. Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez and Josh Beckett did not play well with others. But I digress... (and I'm guessing you're nodding your heads in agreement at my digression?)

Day 328: Red Sox Sign Massachusetts Native, Chris Capuano

I can't bear to discuss the Team USA Hockey mess so more baseball!! Yay!

Just prior to the start of Spring Training, Red Sox pitcher Ryan Dempster announced he would not be pitching in 2014. He voluntarily pulled himself out of the game and therefore, forfeited the $13.25 million he was to be paid under his current two-year contract. I admire Dempster for this move—unlike a lot of other major leaguers who would've started the season with the club and quickly claimed injury so, you know, they got paid.

Dempster had enough class to realize he would not be a help to the Red Sox this season and bowed out gracefully, giving up his salary. Somehow I think he'll be ok... I'm pretty sure his family won't have to start eating Ramen Noodles five times a week. If he's smart enough to sit himself out, I'm going to guess he's been smart enough to sock away some of those previously earned millions for when something like this happens. I don't think you'll see Ryan Dempster working at your local Home Depot trying to make ends meet.

So the Red Sox signed the perfect replacement—basically the same pitcher (except he's a lefty) that they just lost (if you look at their career stats.) West Springfield, Massachusetts native Chris Capuano passed his physical and has joined the Sox in Fort Meyers. But they got this guy for a fraction of what they would've paid Dempster, signing him to just a one-year deal worth $2.25 million.

Capuano spent his entire nine-year, major league career to this point in the National League having pitched for Arizona, Milwaukee, New York Mets and the LA Dodgers. Capuano is 73-83 in his career with an average ERA of 4.27. Maybe the whole not having to worry about hitting will improve his numbers just a little bit.

He spent his childhood rooting on the Boston Red Sox and even pitched at Fenway Park as a high school senior as part of a Massachusetts All-Star team. I imagine his head is about ready to explode right now. I always love when the hometown kids end up playing for the team they loved as boys.

"I was 8 years old in '86 when they lost to the Mets. I can remember being devastated as a kid," Capuano said. "I grew up watching the Sox and really following them. When I was out in the backyard playing Wiffle Ball with my friends, we'd always imagine ourselves on the mound at Fenway, so it's kind of cool to come back and maybe have a chance to be there."

Now he finally gets his chance... to pitch on the mound at Fenway... for real. And maybe, just maybe, he can help the team win the World Series again! Welcome, Chris Capuano, and good luck!

Day 327: WHY AM I NOT IN FORT MEYERS RIGHT NOW??

Sorry for the shouty caps but you know, sometimes they're just necessary. And this was definitely one of those times. Every year, right around the start of spring training, when I should be ecstatic that baseball is right around the corner, instead I feel this wave of disappointment that has me wondering why the hell I didn't plan a long weekend down to Fort Meyers to enjoy warm weather and baseball activities. And every year I say that next year will be the year that I make the trek south.

What makes it even worse is when you have a friend that happens to find themselves at JetBlue Park and they start torturing you with pictures and commentaries of what's happening. WHYYYYYYYYYYYYY?? Why must you be so evil? (Probably because before she left I said, hey, send me some pictures. Well that was stupid.)

In the meantime, I'm stuck here, in the cold, snowy, wet, damp, cold, dismal, cold north where there is absolutely NO baseball happening. But down in FLA...shit is happening at Fenway South! The pitchers are doing drills to hone their fielding skills. Big Papi is yucking it up with the fans and whining about his contract. Jackie Bradley Jr. is once again trying to win the centerfield job. And Mike Napoli is growing his beard.

But most importantly, this team has turned the page on last season and will embark once again on the mission of winning another World freaking Series!  The Red Sox have won back-to-back Championships just once in their long history—the 1915 and 1916 seasons. That was a long ass time ago. I think they're due for another repeat performance.

So because I'm such a nice person and I sort of want everyone to be as tortured as I have been today... I'm posting the pictures from JetBlue.

Happy Friday!!

PS: Thanks, Krista, for letting me live vicariously through you today, and for all the great photos!!

Day 322: Red Sox Righty Dempster to Sit Out 2014 Season

Pitchers and catchers reported to JetBlue Park in Fort Meyers, Florida on Saturday signaling that spring is right around the corner. The piles and piles of snow in my yard say differently—and even more is expected early in the week. I actually think I heard our snowblower cry uncle at some point after the last heavy wet snow that blanketed the northeast. I'm close to crying uncle too.

One pitcher was clearly missing from the group. Ryan Dempster, the 36-year-old right-handed veteran has decided to sit out the 2014 season citing health reasons and the desire to spend more time with his family. Dempster has pitched 16 seasons in the major leagues with last season being his first with the Red Sox. His numbers were nothing to write home about (8-9, 4.57 ERA), and he never got a start during the post season. He hasn't officially retired just in case he decided to pitch in 2015.

The Red Sox had a pretty solid starting pitching staff and there was talk of possibly even having a six-man rotation with Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Jake Peavy, Felix Doubront, John Lackey and Dempster. But with his decision to not pitch, I guess that's not going to happen. Fingers crossed everyone else stays healthy.

"I had an incredible run, a chance to play 16 years in the major leagues and be around a lot of great teammates, made a lot of good friendships, great friendships," Dempster said in a surprise announcement one day before the first formal spring training workout for pitchers and catchers. "I'm totally comfortable with it. I'm at peace with my decision." 

"The past few years have been tougher and tougher," he said. "As you get older, going through some things, some issues I have with my neck that have made it harder and harder to throw a baseball and throw it like I'm accustomed to throw it."

Neck issues? Sounds like Ryan Dempster must have fallen asleep holding Clay Buchholz's baby.

Boston signed Dempster to a two-year, $26.5 million deal before the 2013 season but they won't have to pay the pitcher the remaining $13.25 million with his decision to sit out. The team can put that money to good use filling any remaining holes they find as spring training gets underway. Still unsigned Stephen Drew, perhaps?

Day 315: The Truck is On Its Way to Spring Training!

For non-baseball fans, the term Truck Day might elicit a "Huh?" But for many Red Sox fans, Truck Day is really the official start of Spring Training. And yes, that stupid rodent in Punxsutawney, PA is telling us that winter won't end for another six weeks up here in the north, but down in Fort Meyers, Florida, spring will abound with the sights and sounds of baseball season. *sigh*

Photo Credit: Krista Nordgren

Every year I pledge that this is the year I make it down for a look at the team before they head north in April. And every year, March at JetBlue Park passes by without me. I'll get the occasional text from a lucky friend or family member as they sit lazily in the Florida sunshine enjoying friendly Fenway South, but still I have never been to even one spring training game. I feel like my fan status should be downgraded or something. I suck, to put it simply.

I know, you're probably wondering what the big whoop is since pitchers and catchers don't report until Saturday. But how do you think all that equipment gets to Florida? One big-ass tractor trailer truck, that's how. So bright and early Saturday morning, the movers loaded box after box of equipment into the truck in front of a small but loyal gathering of fans who braved the cold to bid the truck a fond farewell.

The 18-wheeler would be hauling 20,400 baseballs, 1,100 bats, 400 pairs of socks and 60 cases of sunflower seeds to name just a few of the baseball necessities. There might even be some various player articles on that thing—like maybe some spikes belonging to Will Middlebrooks and Mike Carp and Jake Peavy's bag. The nearly 1,500-mile journey will be piloted by Milford native, Al Hartz, who is embarking on the trip south for the 16th straight year.

So it's really quite silly to get so excited about a truck full of equipment, but after the bitter cold and snowy winter we're experiencing here in New England, the thought of baseball makes spring seem right around the corner!

Day 300: Red Sox Flush with Prospects

It's that time of year for baseball fans... the anticipation of the impending season... spring training starting in the not-so-distant future... and the arrival of the 2014 Prospect Rankings. Living in an area that is home to the Red Sox Double A affiliate Portland Sea Dogs, it's always exciting to read about the up-and-comers in the organization and keep an eye on the the guys that come through Portland.

We've seen a lot of stars come through Hadlock Field. Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Jonathan Papelbon to name a few... the list is long. Wikipedia has a pretty comprehensive list of the guys who played and the guys who rehabbed in Portland if you're curious. This season, the Red Sox lead the charge with their young talent with the most players listed on the Top 100 Prospects. They have nine players, including Xander Bogaerts, who ranks #2.

#2    Xander Bogaerts, SS
#30  Henry Owens, LHP
#33  Jackie Bradley, Jr, OF
#46  Allen Webster, RHP
#57  Gerin Cecchini, 3B
#61  Blake Swihart, C
#62  Mookie Betts, 2B
#86  Matt Barnes, RHP
#96  Trey Ball, LHP

Xander Bogaerts spent 18 games during the 2013 season with the Red Sox after Will Middlebrooks was injured. He showed versatility, performing well at both short stop and third base. He also showed veteran-like poise at the plate, especially under the pressures of the postseason. We'll most certainly see him in Boston this season, it's just a question of where. If no shortstop is signed between now and the start of the season, that's probably where he'll end up.

Jackie Bradley, Jr. and Allen Webster both also spent time in Boston last season but didn't fare as well as Bogaerts. While Bradley started the season with the Sox, he was quickly moved back to Triple A Pawtucket to keep him from losing his rookie status. He showed quickness in the outfield and made some amazing plays, but his offense left something to be desired. In the 37 games played, he managed to bat just .189. A far cry from his numbers in Triple and Double A.

I really don't have much to say about Allen Webster. He wasn't that great in the handful of games he pitched with the Red Sox, but he showed potential. And he did have a pretty respectable season in Pawtucket, going 8-4 with a 3.60 ERA so I'm expecting bigger and better things from righty in 2014.

So there's your list of guys to keep a look out for this summer. I'm not sure just yet who's going to end up where but I'm sure one or two might land in Portland and maybe even show us something special. Pitchers and catchers report to JetBlue Park on February 15th.