Reunited, and it feels so good

03/09/2006
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- There were enough hugs and handshakes to make Thursday's contest between the Dodgers and Red Sox seem more like a high school reunion than a baseball game.
You couldn't miss all the intertwinements as Grady Little shared the same field with the Red Sox for the first time since he last managed the club on that infamous night of Game 7 of the 2003 American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium.
Ironically, Little seemed to have more of a Red Sox presence in his dugout than Terry Francona did.
In case you missed it, Nomar Garciaparra (former Red Sox icon), Derek Lowe (former Red Sox postseason hero) and Bill Mueller (Boston batting champ in 2003 and season-saving RBI single off Mariano Rivera in '04) now play for Little in Los Angeles.
The Red Sox, both because it was such a lengthy bus trip and that several players are performing in the World Baseball Classic, brought along just two of the eight players (Trot Nixon and right-hander Bronson Arroyo) who still remain from Little's two seasons as the Boston manager.
Red Sox fans who want to adopt a second team will have no problem doing so this summer.
"Those of us who stay up late can enjoy the Red Sox on the West Coast," quipped Red Sox owner John W. Henry, who, along with club president/CEO Larry Lucchino, sat literally a few feet behind Little from their front-row seats beside Dodgers owner (and Boston native) Frank McCourt.
Lucchino and Henry both shook hands with Little in between one of the early innings.
After not having his contract renewed by the Red Sox following the postseason run of '03, Little spent two years out of the dugout, serving as an assistant to Cubs general manager Jim Hendry. Did he assume he'd get another chance to manage in the Major Leagues?
"I don't think you can just sit there and say yes when you're just talking about one of 30 jobs in the world," said Little. "I felt like I could. I felt like I'd be ready if the opportunity ever came along again. You can't sit there and say you expect that."
And here it is, one of the premier jobs in baseball, and Little has familiar faces in various corners of the room.
"It's great, I'm excited to play for Grady again," said Garciaparra, who is spending his spring learning the art of playing first base. "He's unbelievable. He's a great manager. He's got great wisdom, he knows the game so well, he's so great to play for and he wins. That's what's awesome."
Little did plenty of winning in Boston, reeling off 93 wins in his rookie season and then coming back with 95 the next year. But if he has any bitterness remaining from the way things ended with the Red Sox, it was nowhere to be found on this picturesque day at the old-time field in Dodgertown.
"Not really, because I know myself and I know what I'm capable of doing and what I did do while I spent two years there managing the Red Sox," Little said.
As easygoing as ever, Little spun some yarns with the writers who used to chronicle him on a daily basis.
Little isn't naïve enough to think that his decision to leave a faltering Pedro Martinez on the mound during the eighth inning with the American League pennant on the line will ever be forgotten. But he's also not thin-skinned enough to let it detract from his perspective on the situation.
"You know, when you're a player that plays Major League Baseball or plays baseball at any level -- especially in the Major Leagues -- and you boot a ball one night or you make a bad pitch, or you strike out with the bases loaded, you turn the page and you get to play a game the very next day," Little said. "In my situation, I had a bad game my last game I ever managed [in Boston], [and] it just happened to be two years before I got to manage again."
But when the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series, Little was watching.
"It was fun to watch," said Little. "I was in communication with several of the players then. They were calling me, pretty much on a daily basis, someone or another from that ballclub, and we were pulling for them. We were very proud of them."
And Little's mind probably didn't have to do much wandering during that postseason of '04 to think about how that ALCS a year earlier might have ended differently if Keith Foulke was his closer and Curt Schilling was alongside Martinez and Lowe in the rotation.
As he always was in Boston, Little was classy with his comments on Thursday, but still able to get his points across.
"Well, you always manage according to your personnel," said Little. "In that one particular season, we operated with a bullpen by committee, which proved to be not the most successful way to go. The following year, when they won the World Series, I think they remedied that problem and it paid off for them."
Because the Red Sox came so close to reaching the World Series during Little's tenure and there were so many holdovers in the history-making team of '04, did he feel he was a part of it?
"I don't know," said Little. "You know, in my heart, I know I was."
You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone on the Boston side who would disagree.
"I never once thought we won the World Series because I was here," said Francona. "I think there's a lot of people that probably deserve some of the credit for some of the good things that happened to the Red Sox. Not just Grady, but a lot of other people, too. It's the case everywhere you go."
By the way, Little and Francona are old friends, even though this was the first time they've seen each other since the Red Sox and A's met in the 2003 Division Series.
Shortly before game time, the current and former Boston managers shook hands and shared a few laughs. Francona and Little were roommates in the fall of 1992, working on the same staff for the Grand Canyon Rafters, an Arizona Fall League team.
Francona (a coach under Little that fall) remembers Little's penchant for buying scratch-off lottery tickets at a local convenience store.
"At that point in time, I couldn't afford to stop as often as I can now," said Little.
As for the game, Lowe (2-0, 0.00 ERA this spring) pitched the Dodgers to a to a 6-4 victory.
The only way Little, Lowe, Mueller and Garciaparra will renew acquaintances with their old friends from Boston again this season would be a meeting in the World Series. But there were no bold predictions coming from Little. He's just excited to be back in the dugout again with what he feels is a solid team.
"Everything's been going very well," said Little. "You know, this is a ballclub we have here, they were kind of riddled with injuries last year, so we're combating that this spring to get the guys back ready to play. Everything is going along right on schedule with each and every one of them so far."

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Reunited, and it feels so good

03/09/2006
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- There were enough hugs and handshakes to make Thursday's contest between the Dodgers and Red Sox seem more like a high school reunion than a baseball game.
You couldn't miss all the intertwinements as Grady Little shared the same field with the Red Sox for the first time since he last managed the club on that infamous night of Game 7 of the 2003 American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium.
Ironically, Little seemed to have more of a Red Sox presence in his dugout than Terry Francona did.
In case you missed it, Nomar Garciaparra (former Red Sox icon), Derek Lowe (former Red Sox postseason hero) and Bill Mueller (Boston batting champ in 2003 and season-saving RBI single off Mariano Rivera in '04) now play for Little in Los Angeles.
The Red Sox, both because it was such a lengthy bus trip and that several players are performing in the World Baseball Classic, brought along just two of the eight players (Trot Nixon and right-hander Bronson Arroyo) who still remain from Little's two seasons as the Boston manager.
Red Sox fans who want to adopt a second team will have no problem doing so this summer.
"Those of us who stay up late can enjoy the Red Sox on the West Coast," quipped Red Sox owner John W. Henry, who, along with club president/CEO Larry Lucchino, sat literally a few feet behind Little from their front-row seats beside Dodgers owner (and Boston native) Frank McCourt.
Lucchino and Henry both shook hands with Little in between one of the early innings.
After not having his contract renewed by the Red Sox following the postseason run of '03, Little spent two years out of the dugout, serving as an assistant to Cubs general manager Jim Hendry. Did he assume he'd get another chance to manage in the Major Leagues?
"I don't think you can just sit there and say yes when you're just talking about one of 30 jobs in the world," said Little. "I felt like I could. I felt like I'd be ready if the opportunity ever came along again. You can't sit there and say you expect that."
And here it is, one of the premier jobs in baseball, and Little has familiar faces in various corners of the room.
"It's great, I'm excited to play for Grady again," said Garciaparra, who is spending his spring learning the art of playing first base. "He's unbelievable. He's a great manager. He's got great wisdom, he knows the game so well, he's so great to play for and he wins. That's what's awesome."
Little did plenty of winning in Boston, reeling off 93 wins in his rookie season and then coming back with 95 the next year. But if he has any bitterness remaining from the way things ended with the Red Sox, it was nowhere to be found on this picturesque day at the old-time field in Dodgertown.
"Not really, because I know myself and I know what I'm capable of doing and what I did do while I spent two years there managing the Red Sox," Little said.
As easygoing as ever, Little spun some yarns with the writers who used to chronicle him on a daily basis.
Little isn't naïve enough to think that his decision to leave a faltering Pedro Martinez on the mound during the eighth inning with the American League pennant on the line will ever be forgotten. But he's also not thin-skinned enough to let it detract from his perspective on the situation.
"You know, when you're a player that plays Major League Baseball or plays baseball at any level -- especially in the Major Leagues -- and you boot a ball one night or you make a bad pitch, or you strike out with the bases loaded, you turn the page and you get to play a game the very next day," Little said. "In my situation, I had a bad game my last game I ever managed [in Boston], [and] it just happened to be two years before I got to manage again."
But when the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series, Little was watching.
"It was fun to watch," said Little. "I was in communication with several of the players then. They were calling me, pretty much on a daily basis, someone or another from that ballclub, and we were pulling for them. We were very proud of them."
And Little's mind probably didn't have to do much wandering during that postseason of '04 to think about how that ALCS a year earlier might have ended differently if Keith Foulke was his closer and Curt Schilling was alongside Martinez and Lowe in the rotation.
As he always was in Boston, Little was classy with his comments on Thursday, but still able to get his points across.
"Well, you always manage according to your personnel," said Little. "In that one particular season, we operated with a bullpen by committee, which proved to be not the most successful way to go. The following year, when they won the World Series, I think they remedied that problem and it paid off for them."
Because the Red Sox came so close to reaching the World Series during Little's tenure and there were so many holdovers in the history-making team of '04, did he feel he was a part of it?
"I don't know," said Little. "You know, in my heart, I know I was."
You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone on the Boston side who would disagree.
"I never once thought we won the World Series because I was here," said Francona. "I think there's a lot of people that probably deserve some of the credit for some of the good things that happened to the Red Sox. Not just Grady, but a lot of other people, too. It's the case everywhere you go."
By the way, Little and Francona are old friends, even though this was the first time they've seen each other since the Red Sox and A's met in the 2003 Division Series.
Shortly before game time, the current and former Boston managers shook hands and shared a few laughs. Francona and Little were roommates in the fall of 1992, working on the same staff for the Grand Canyon Rafters, an Arizona Fall League team.
Francona (a coach under Little that fall) remembers Little's penchant for buying scratch-off lottery tickets at a local convenience store.
"At that point in time, I couldn't afford to stop as often as I can now," said Little.
As for the game, Lowe (2-0, 0.00 ERA this spring) pitched the Dodgers to a to a 6-4 victory.
The only way Little, Lowe, Mueller and Garciaparra will renew acquaintances with their old friends from Boston again this season would be a meeting in the World Series. But there were no bold predictions coming from Little. He's just excited to be back in the dugout again with what he feels is a solid team.
"Everything's been going very well," said Little. "You know, this is a ballclub we have here, they were kind of riddled with injuries last year, so we're combating that this spring to get the guys back ready to play. Everything is going along right on schedule with each and every one of them so far."

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Arroyo roughed up in Sox loss

03/09/2006
Red Sox at the plate: Jed Lowrie slugged a two-run homer in the ninth inning. Boston's other runs scored in the sixth inning on a wild pitch and an RBI single by J.T. Snow.
Dodgers at the plate: Cody Ross slugged his third homer in four games, a two-run shot. Ramon Martinez and J.D. Drew added solo homers. Joel Guzman started the scoring with a two-run single in the first inning.
Red Sox on the mound: Bronson Arroyo started and was charged with five runs in the first two innings. The Boston bullpen allowed only one run over the final seven innings.
Dodgers on the mound: Starter Derek Lowe limited his former team to two hits over four innings. Yhency Brazoban, facing hitters for the first time in more than two weeks, walked three and allowed a run to score on a wild pitch in two-thirds of an inning. Takashi Saito allowed Lowrie's two-run homer in the ninth.
Grapefruit League records: Red Sox 2-5; Dodgers 5-2-2.

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Wakefield, Sox keep Phils in check

03/10/2006
Phillies at the plate: First baseman Ryan Howard continued to stay hot at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a double and a home run, increasing his team-leading hit total to 11. Second baseman Danny Sandoval had two doubles and scored a run.
Red Sox at the plate: Center fielder David Murphy entered the game in the fifth inning and went 2-for-3 with two home runs and five RBIs. Trot Nixon went 2-for-3 with a solo homer.
Phillies on the mound: Starter Zack Segovia went one inning, allowing two hits while strking out one. The Phillies' bullpen allowed 13 hits, with Yoel Hernandez taking the loss.
Red Sox on the mound: Starter Tim Wakefield got the win, pitching four shutout innings. The knuckleballer allowed two hits and two walks while striking out two and hitting a batter. Five relievers combined to hold Philadelphia to six hits.
Grapefruit League records: Phillies 5-4; Red Sox 3-5.

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Notes: Foulke sets sights on opener

03/10/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- After firing 43 pitches on the back field on Friday morning and facing live hitters for the first time this spring, Red Sox closer Keith Foulke threw caution to the Florida palm trees and declared himself ready to start the 2006 season on time.
"I will be ready Opening Day," said Foulke, who threw to three Minor League hitters. "There's no doubt in my mind. I'm stronger now than I have been in four years. April 3, that's a lifetime away."
Which means that Foulke, even though he's yet to throw in an exhibition game, views that as no type of sign that he won't be ready to answer the bell when the Red Sox open their season in Texas against the Rangers.
"I believe him. I have a lot of faith in Foulkey," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona.
How many exhibition games would Foulke need to pitch in to be ready for regular-season action?
"One," said Foulke. "If I had to start the season tomorrow, I'd be fine with that."
Naturally, the Red Sox would like to see Foulke -- who had surgery on both knees last year -- get a little more game work than that.
"We have three weeks left," said Francona. "He's certainly not going to throw one inning and then start the season. But we'll get him in games when he and [pitching coach Al Nipper] feel he's ready to do that in a positive way."
The fact that Foulke is so encouraged by his health has to be considered a good sign.
"I feel better now than I did at any point last year," said Foulke. "I can bend down and pick up my [young son] without grimacing or having pain."
As a final piece of maintenance to repairing his health, Foulke has been on a set schedule for getting shots of a joint lubricant called Synvisc in his knees.
"I've got one more in the right and two in the left. And then we're done for a period of time," said Foulke, who said he has been responding fine to the shots.
Interestingly, Foulke, who has mostly been a fastball-changeup pitcher during his career, is planning on using a four-pitch arsenal this season. All four of them were on display during his session of batting practice.
"Fastball, changeup, slider, splitter," said Foulke. "Those will be the four pitches I'll throw during the season. Being able to get in the proper position this year, that split-finger [fastball] is going to be a big pitch for me. It's going to be a pitch that I can throw down in the zone."
Wakefield and Bard click: Josh Bard, vying to become Boston's backup catcher in wake of John Flaherty's retirement, did his best Doug Mirabelli impersonation while catching knuckleballer Tim Wakefield in Friday's 9-4 win over the Phillies.
Considering this was the first time he caught Wakefield in a game, Bard looked remarkably comfortable.
"I felt like it went good," Bard said. "Every day is going to be a learning experience. Every pitch is going to be a learning experience. I felt today went well, but there's a lot to work on and try to get better every day. I'm playing catch with him every day. Each time I catch him in the bullpen, you see something you've never seen before.
"You've just got to keep working and keep after it. There's going to be some days when you miss it and there's going to be some days where it might not feel as nasty. The biggest thing is you've got to concentrate every pitch, because I think sometimes he can kind of lull you to sleep and you feel pretty confident. You catch a couple, and he'll just throw a stinking yo-yo and make you look silly."
Wakefield was definitely in top form from a pitching standpoint, allowing two hits and no runs over four innings.
"I felt good," Wakefield said. "I got some work in and got my pitch count up a little higher than I did last time. I think Josh Bard did a great job back there."
Murphy rediscovers stroke: Outfielder David Murphy, who had just one hit in his first 11 at-bats entering Friday's contest, broke out by belting two homers and driving in five.
"I just kind of forced myself to relax today," Murphy said. "I've been very tense up at the plate. Just being up here is such a thrill. Obviously it's Spring Training, and everybody is just trying to get their at-bats in and trying to get their timing down. Things worked out today. But there's more spring left. I'm just trying to prepare for the season."
Murphy, a first-round draft pick by the Red Sox in 2003, is likely to start the season at Triple-A Pawtucket.
More travel woes: A day after the Red Sox got to Vero Beach just 75 minutes before the first pitch because of a bus breakdown, their opponent was late this time. The Phillies got stuck on I-75 for a couple of hours thanks to an oil spill.
The game started 90 minutes late.

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Schilling to keep throwing inside

03/11/2006
BRADENTON, Fla. -- While Curt Schilling has vowed to work the inside part of the plate this year -- something he has not generally done throughout his career -- he also promised that he's not intentionally throwing at batters.
On Saturday, for the second outing in a row, after a Minor League intrasquad game Tuesday, Schilling hit a batter in the helmet. He believes it's just a matter of him getting used to throwing inside and the batters getting used to expecting it.
Schilling, who threw a planned four innings, cut through the Pirates' lineup the first time around. In three innings, he faced the minimum nine batters, striking out three and allowing just one baserunner, on an error by usually sure-handed first baseman J.T. Snow.
In the fourth, Schilling faced eight batters and allowed five runners. He opened the inning by catching the left-handed-hitting Chris Duffy with an 0-2 fastball to the helmet, then gave up consecutive singles to Jack Wilson and Sean Casey, scoring Nate McLouth pinch-running for Duffy, before setting Craig Wilson down on strikes, swinging. Jeromy Burnitz's double down the left-field line and Joe Randa's sacrifice fly to center each scored a run. Schilling ended the inning -- and his outing -- by striking out Humberto Cota.
Duffy was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital and diagnosed with a mild concussion. He is being listed as day-to-day.
In spite of his line score -- four innings pitched, four hits, four earned runs, no walks, five strikeouts, one wild pitch, one hit batter, 58 pitches -- Schilling was encouraged by his performance.
"I thought I threw some balls in today good," Schilling said. "I felt good. I know I gave up four runs, but I feel like I did a lot of good things today."
"I gave up a couple ground balls that could have been outs, but I threw a wild pitch and the guy goes to second. The next ball is a ground ball that would have been an out, and I had the first guy 0-2. Jeromy had a chopper down the line. Sean hit a mistake pitch, but I thought that I executed some pitches today. I feel a lot better than the line score."
For the HBP, Schilling said when batters become accustomed to expecting him to work the inside part of the plate, they won't get hit.
"You just got to do it," he said. "The bottom line is that ball should not have hit him. You got to be able to get out of the way of that pitch. The ball that I threw in before that, I jammed him with. I had thrown him a couple balls in the first at-bat, so he was conscious then, but not tentative, not worried in. There's a big difference. I said the same thing to [catcher] Josh [Bard], there's just no way they shouldn't be able to get out of the way of that pitch. So obviously it's something I have to continue to work on.
"I'm not trying to hit anybody in the head. Everybody I've ever played with and people I play against know I play the game on the field the way it's supposed to be played. I keep going back to the same thing -- that ball should not hit you. If you're not comfortable in the box, you will not get hit. So that's something that I have to work on."
Bard saw no intention on Schilling's part.
"Sometimes you're going to hit guys and that's part of the game and there's no intention," he said. "The thing that stinks is the one that hit [Duffy] really wasn't that far inside. He threw a lot more pitches that were more inside than that. It was just kind of up in the zone."
"What he's doing is he's practicing pitching inside. Spring Training is a time where you work on the stuff that you need to get better at. I'm trying to take more aggressive swings. He's trying to pitch inside."
But would it help Schilling if batters thought he might be aiming for them?
"I think Curt has two World Series rings. He doesn't need to worry about his reputation too much," Bard said.
Schilling was pleased with his velocity (around 91-92 miles per hour) and said his surgically repaired right ankle gave him no problem.
"There were a couple of fastballs that I felt like my old self again," he said. "It's kind of the thing I've been searching for for a long, long time: Just for somebody to say or me to feel like I'm back to my old self."
Bard, whom the Sox acquired from the Indians in January, has never caught Schilling, but was pleased with what he saw from the pitcher, including a mix of "probably about 50-50" inside pitches.
"I thought he did a good job," Bard said. "He came right back inside. He threw some pitches in, for the most part. He threw that one ball to Casey, it got a little bit of the plate and he hit that ball hard. But other than that, those balls are ground balls that found holes. I think he should be really, really encouraged. He threw a couple splits and a couple changeups to Burnitz with guys in scoring position behind in the count. Those are the kind of pitches that you know he's staring to get his feel back.
"If you look at today, he was strong. And he was just as strong in that [fourth] inning as he was in the first. It was one of those things where that's baseball, and sometimes it bounces your way and sometimes it doesn't."
Manager Terry Francona was also pleased by Schilling's effort.
"It's a shame he threw that 0-2 pitch that hit that kid. It kind of messed up his inning," Francona said. "But his fastball, he was real aggressive. He threw a couple of good splits. If this was the regular season, we got a loss and we're not happy. But I thought he made a lot of progress. He just looks to me like he feels really good about himself.
"It's Spring Training, that's a great step. He had to work a little bit the last inning and push himself. I thought that was good. I thought he got a lot out of his outing."

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Notes: Lester struggles vs. Bucs

03/11/2006
BRADENTON, Fla. -- After last week's start against the Australian national team, left-hander Jon Lester made his Grapefruit League debut Saturday. It's an outing he likely wants to have back.
Entering the game in the sixth inning with a two-run lead, Lester was saddled with the loss, allowing four runs on three hits, two walks, a wild pitch and a home run in his two innings, before regrouping to strike two of the last three batters he faced.
"The first couple of hitters, he looked a little tentative," manager Terry Francona said. "And then, by the time he starts throwing the ball, he was already in a bind. The only thing I told him is, 'Every time out, you learn.'"
Lester, the organization's top-rated pitching prospect, agreed with his manager's assessment.
"I think it was just more I didn't know what was going on," Lester said. "I couldn't figure out mechanically what was wrong, and then I got a little tentative. And when you start doing that, you start aiming and then it goes all down hill from there.
"[Interim pitching coach Al Nipper] came in and we talked about it a little bit and basically said ... 'Go out and pitch.' That's what I have to do. I can't think about mechanics and can't think about results and all that stuff. I just have to go out and throw the ball."
Lester's next scheduled outing is a start Thursday in St. Petersburg against the Devil Rays. Francona said it's a valuable learning experience for young pitchers, such as Lester, to get big-league starts in Spring Training.
"The more he can pitch, [the better]," Francona said. "We're trying to find some consistent innings for him here as long as we can. We'd kind of like to let him make a few starts, because I think it's good for him. But as far as him giving up runs and us not thinking he's going to be a good pitcher, no, that's not [the case]."
Meanwhile, Beckett at the ranch: With the Sox in Bradenton, Josh Beckett threw a simulated game at the team's Minor League complex. He threw 60 pitches, 40 for strikes, in four innings, allowing two hits and a walk, while striking out seven.
Lefty David Wells was also expected to throw batting Saturday.
Classic returns: Pitcher Lenny DiNardo was at City of Palms Park on Saturday morning, the first of the Sox players to return from the World Baseball Classic, after Team Italy was knocked out of competition. Infielder Trent Durrington and outfielder Adam Stern will return soon, with their teams, Australia and Canada, respectively, also having been eliminated.
The Sox are still without catcher Jason Varitek, pitchers Mike Timlin and Julian Tavarez, and designated hitter David Ortiz, whose teams have advanced to the next round.
Wallace improving: Francona said pitching coach Dave Wallace, at Massachusetts General Hospital where he is being treated for an infection in his hip before undergoing hip transplant surgery, is improving.
"I talked to him [Thursday night]," Francona said. "He sounded really good. He had gotten out of bed, he had gone on crutches. He's probably a day or so from trying to go home," Francona said. "From what I understand, he's still got about a two-month wait to put that hip in. He's got a long road ahead of him."

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Schilling runs into trouble in debut

03/11/2006
Pirates at the plate: The Pirates had at least six likely Opening Day regulars in the lineup against Red Sox ace Curt Schilling. Jose Castillo led the starters with two hits and a pair of RBIs. Former Red Sox prospect Freddy Sanchez came off the bench to go 2-for-3 with three RBIs, including a two-run double after two outs in the sixth inning that put the Pirates ahead for good.
Red Sox at the plate: J.T. Snow doubled in a run and scored in the first inning. He added a two-out RBI single in the second inning to put Boston ahead, 4-0. Alejandro Machado went 2-for-3 with a triple and scored two runs. Dustin Mohr had a solo home run off Pirates reliever Matt Capps in the fifth inning.
Pirates on the mound: Starter Ryan Vogelsong, one of five pitchers vying for Pittsburgh's two openings in the starting rotation, allowed two runs on three hits in each of the first two innings before retiring Boston in order in the third. Southpaw reliever Mike Johnston struggled, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks in his lone inning of work.
Red Sox on the mound: Starter Curt Schilling breezed through the first three innings of his Grapefruit League debut, facing the minimum nine batters and fanning three. Schilling ran into trouble in the fourth. After hitting Chris Duffy in the head with a pitch to begin the frame, the right-hander allowed four runs and four hits as the Pirates tied the game at 4. Reliever Jon Lester allowed four runs on three hits and two walks in two innings.
Grapefruit League records : Pirates 7-4; Red Sox 3-6.

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Notes: Red Sox serenade Stern

03/12/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Outfielder Adam Stern, whose Team Canada was eliminated from the World Baseball Classic, returned to the Red Sox on Saturday. While it may not have been a hero's welcome, it was a surprise to him as several of his teammates stood and serenaded him with "O Canada," the Canadian national anthem.
Part of the surprise for Stern was that they knew the words to the song.
"Most of them probably played Triple-A in either Ottawa or Edmonton or Vancouver, so I'm sure they've had their fair share of Canadian anthems," said Stern, holding several DVDs the Sox compiled for him of his Classic performance, which included an inside-the-park home run in Team Canada's upset of Team USA.
"I'm still gassed from that inside-the-park home run, I think," he said. "It was one of those things. It's rare. ... When I saw it hit, I said, 'OK, a triple.' And [the third-base coach] kept waving me. And I thought, 'Wow, man, I haven't run like that. It's early in Spring Training, I don't know if I'm ready for this.'
"I haven't seen it yet, so it's good to have [the DVD] on hand for the folks, for sure."
In three games, Stern hit .667 (6-for-9) with a double, triple, home run and five RBIs.
"I saw a $100 bill on my desk, that's all I care about," quipped manager Terry Francona, referring to a bet he had with his player on Team Canada's performance in the Classic, before turning serious.
"I think it was probably a very good thing for Stern, no matter [that] they lost. He had that good game. [People] saw him on ESPN. I'm sure it was very good for his confidence."
Stern, who had surgery on his right shoulder in September, reported that his arm feels fine. He entered Sunday's game against the Twins as a defensive replacement for Coco Crisp in center field in the seventh inning and singled in his only at-bat.
Francona said the team will be in contact with the Sox players still in the Classic -- catcher Jason Varitek, pitchers Mike Timlin and Julian Tavares, designated hitter David Ortiz, and infielder Alex Cora -- throughout the tournament to monitor their playing and help determine if they will need rest when they return.
"We'll communicate with all the guys during this," Francona said. "But I think it'll probably end up working out pretty well, because they don't play every day. Either they're playing nine innings, they have a game, a day off, so they'll be OK."
Steroid warning: The team held a closed-door meeting before taking the field for batting practice to watch a video distributed by Major League Baseball addressing steroids, the penalties and education, Francona said.
Puckett memorial: With the Twins holding a public memorial service on Sunday night at the Metrodome to honor late Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett, several players were not at Sunday's game. In addition to manager Ron Gardenhire, pitcher Brad Radke, catcher Joe Mauer, and outfielders Rondell White, Torii Hunter, and Shannon Stewart had flown to Minnesota to attend the service.
Pitch counts: After facing batters for the first time Friday, Keith Foulke was expected to throw long toss on Sunday.
David Wells threw to batters for 10 minutes on Saturday. Franconca said Wells will pitch on Thursday in a Minor League game. The team has a split-squad that day. Lefty Jon Lester will travel to St. Petersburg to face the Devil Rays, while right-hander Josh Beckett will face the Twins at City of Palms Park.
Huckaby nearing return: Catcher Ken Huckaby, nursing a tweaked left knee, is about 3-4 days away from playing, Francona said.
"We gave him a couple of options," Francona said. "One, the slower version, have the Synvisc [injection]. I knew he was going to pass on that. He'll spend the next couple of days, hopefully trying to get ready to play in game conditions. And when the medical people say he can play, we'll go ahead and fire him in there. It might be a couple days, maybe more realistic, three or four.
"I'm more concerned about his health right now. You come to camp to make the team, but my goal is for him now to have him healthy."

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Machado hopes to stay at highest level

03/12/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Alejandro Machado's first taste of the big leagues taught him one thing -- that he wants more.
Machado has 32 days of Major League service on his resume, after being called up from Triple-A Pawtucket on Sept. 1. He played three games at second base, one at shortstop and six in the outfield for the Red Sox.
Where he plays in the field is not important to Machado. Getting the opportunity to play with the Red Sox is what matters. After signing with the Braves as a 16-year-old free agent in 1998, Machado also spent time with the Royals, Brewers and Expos, before being acquired by the Sox in February 2005. He'd like to be around for a while.
"I hope so," said Machado, a native of Venezuela. "I feel really comfortable here. They've treated me really good since last year. I feel like I'm home over here."
Machado has seen time in both the infield and outfield this spring, which is fine with him.
"I think it's more mental," he said. "Your mentality is the key when you are [playing both the infield and outfield]. I'm trying to work on everything in Spring Training. I try to work on the infield and outfield, my hitting and timing. That is the key for Spring Training."
Manager Terry Francona would like to see more of Machado in the outfield.
"We do want to get him in the outfield at some point," Francona said. "That might be part of his job. We know he can do it."
And when the season begins, where would Machado like to be?
"I don't know -- I hope here [with the Major League team]," he said. "I'll do everything I can to start here. Once you are here, you want to be here for your whole life."
Rough weekend: Two of the Sox's most highly-regarded young pitchers, left-hander Jon Lester and righty Jonathan Papelbon, had rough outings over the weekend.
Against the Pirates on Saturday, Lester entered the game in the sixth inning with a two-run lead, but he was tagged with the loss after giving up four runs on three hits, two walks, a wild pitch and a home run in two innings. Lester regrouped to strike out two of the last three batters he faced.
Papelbon, starting against the Twins on Sunday, also took the loss, allowing five runs on six hits and a walk, while striking out two, in 3 1/3 innings.
Pressley impressions: Francona on non-roster invitee Josh Pressley, the 6-foot-6 left-handed hitter who is batting .154 (2-for-13) in eight Spring Training games: "He had kind of a breakout year in Double-A [Portland]. I don't think he's trying to make the team. He's trying to make a good first impression. Defensively, he's doing a good job. Offensively, I think he has some work to do. He's got to make his swing a little more compact. It's kind of long at times, as you see with kids that are that big. He's got a lot of power. He's got to find a way to not harness it, [but] just to get his swing a little shorter."
Pedroia on the pine: Infielder Dustin Pedroia is still sidelined with a strain of his left (non-throwing) shoulder, which he injured while taking an awkward swing during a strikeout in the eighth inning against the Twins on March 2.
What they're saying: "How he's used is still to be determined. You want to prepare him for the Major Leagues. The other thing is you want him to pitch enough where he doesn't have five-pitch innings and he can use all his pitches, so when he gets here, he's not handcuffed. ... That's such a fine line to walk between not overusing a kid and getting him ready for the Major Leagues. Once you get here, the development's over almost. You got to win. So it's a fine line. You just got to do the best you can and hope for the best." -- Francona, on pitcher Craig Hansen

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Youkilis homers, but Sox fall to Twins

03/12/2006
Twins at the plate: Right fielder Michael Cuddyer went 2-for-3, including his first home run of the spring, a solo shot to left-center. Shortstop Nick Punto went 3-for-4 with a double and two singles.
Red Sox at the plate: First baseman Kevin Youkilis hit his first home run of the spring, a two-run shot to left on a 3-2 pitch.
Twins on the mound: Scott Baker started and got the win, giving up two runs on three hits in three innings, striking out one without allowing a walk.
Red Sox on the mound: Starter Jonathan Papelbon took the loss, allowing five runs on six hits and a walk, while stiking out two in 3 1/3 innings. Six Red Sox relievers combined to allow just one run on four hits, three walks and two strikeouts.
Grapefruit League records: Twins 7-5; Red Sox 3-7 .

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Injury hampers Pedroia at Red Sox camp

03/13/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- After being named as the Red Sox's No. 5 prospect by Baseball America -- including the organization's best hitter for average, best hitter with strike-zone discipline and best defensive infielder -- Dustin Pedroia entered this spring looking to make an impression.
But an awkward swing on a strikeout against the Twins in the team's first Spring Training game on March 2 has left Pedroia sidelined with a strain of his left (non-throwing) shoulder. It is doubtful he will see any more games at the big-league level this spring.
"Right when I started swinging, it happened," he said. "It was weird. I could feel it, and that was about it.
"It's unfortunate that it happened, but it's one of those things. I can't control it. It was kind of a freak deal what happened. It's nothing that I could have prevented. I worked extremely hard in the offseason to prevent injury, and then my first swing, what happens? It [stinks], but I'll be back soon. I'll be fine."
The teams' first pick (65th overall) in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft out of Arizona State University, Pedroia said he is trying to take what he can from the experience of being in big-league camp this spring.
"Just watching all the guys and seeing how they do things and just learning from them has been awesome," he said. "I've just been trying to watch everybody. That's the main thing -- just trying to take something from their game and use it in mine."
Pedroia, 22, was an All-American at Arizona State and just the fourth Sun Devil to be named All-Pac 10 three straight years, finishing second in Pac-10 player of the year voting in 2004, after winning the award in 2003.
He is often described as durable (he started all 185 games of his college career), old-school and hard-nosed, with a superb work ethic.
Pedroia survived the team's first round of roster cuts on Monday, and manager Terry Francona said the infielder will likely stay with the Red Sox for about another week, but it's unlikely he will play.
"That's not for at-bats," Francona said. "He's not going to play. That's just strictly medical. Let him get some one-on-one work with the medical staff. I would doubt very seriously if we would see him play in this camp."
Francona admitted he was somewhat disappointed by that.
"Yeah, just because I was really excited about watching him play," he said. "But that's the way it goes. When you hear so much about this kid and how he plays the game, it's nice to put some actions with the reports you get."
Pedroia hit a combined .293 last season, splitting time between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket. Demonstrating his plate discipline, he has 77 walks to go against 50 strikeouts in 617 at-bats in his Minor League career.
Pedroia also showed off some versatility, playing 97 games at second base and 16 games at shortstop, and he said he has no preference for where he plays.
In 2005, his first full pro season, Pedroia was named the Red Sox's Minor League offensive player of the year, and he earned a promotion on June 22 to Pawtucket. But a wrist injury slowed him down. After hitting .324 in 66 games at Portland, he hit just .255 in 51 games in Pawtucket.
His fielding was also affected some by the wrist injury, as his errors total climbed from two with Portland to five with Pawtucket, after he had not committed one in 42 games at the Class A level in 2004.
Pedroia, who seems to sport a permanent grin, said he learned from that injury.
"I don't want what happened last year [to happen again] when I hurt my wrist and tried to play through it," he said. "It's been tough, but I'm just trying to stay positive. It's not career ending. It's kind of a mild deal, but it's definitely frustrating to miss a couple of weeks. But I'll be fine."
Pedroia said Monday he has resumed all baseball activities except swinging a bat, and he hopes to do so by the weekend.
Big-league fans may not have seen the last of Pedroia this season. Francona said a mid-season callup remains a possibility.

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Notes: Lester among first round of cuts

03/13/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Red Sox made their first round of roster cuts Monday, sending down 13 players, including top-rated pitching prospect Jon Lester.
After starting against Team Australia on March 5, when he gave up three hits in two scoreless innings, Lester faced big-league hitters for the first time Saturday against the Pirates, getting roughed up in two innings of relief -- giving up four runs on three hits and two walks, while striking out two.
Despite being sent down to the Minors, Lester is expected to get two more big-league starts this spring, including Thursday against the Devil Rays.
"We talked to him [Monday] morning," manager Terry Francona said. "He pitched real well in the [Australia] game and then he faced the Pirates, and that was his first Major League game. ... He said the atmosphere is different. So, that was good. He got a taste of it. But I watched him. He sits in the dugout and he watches, he learns. He's a very smart kid. His stuff is very good.
"I told him, 'Even though you're pitching the next two times out and you've been sent down, this is an opportunity for you. This isn't a send-down. You were in camp for a reason -- let everybody get a look at you.' Let him kind of soak it in and learn. He's got a bright future. I just want to make sure that he understands working your way toward that bright future should be fun."
In addition to Lester, pitchers Abe Alvarez, Edgar Martinez, David Pauley and Jermaine Van Buren, as well as outfielders Brandon Moss and David Murphy were optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket.
Pitchers Tim Bausher and Franklin Nunez, infielders Luis A. Jimenez, Rodney Nye and Josh Pressley, and outfielder Tyler Minges were reassigned to Minor League camp.
The Red Sox roster now stands at 47 players.
Clement shines: Making his first Grapefruit League start, Matt Clement pitched four scoreless innings against the Dodgers on Monday, scattering two hits while fanning three batters without issuing a walk.
"I thought Clement was very good," Francona said.
Clement was 10-2 with a 3.85 ERA before the All-Star break, but the right-hander struggled after the Midsummer Classic, going 3-4 with a 5.72 ERA. In Game ! of the American League Division Series against the White Sox, the right-hander allowed eight runs in 3 1/3 innings of work.
Despite being the subject of trade rumors during the offseason, Clement, who was hit in the head by a line drive off Carl Crawford's bat on July 26, is just concentrating on getting ready for the upcoming season.
"If they trade me, they're going to trade me," he told The Associated Press. "There's nothing I can do about it."
Little returns: The Dodgers' Grady Little returned as a visiting manager to City of Palms Park for the first time Monday. For the former Red Sox skipper, it was no big deal.
"It's no more special than any other game we're playing in Spring Training," said Little, who exchanged pregame greetings with Trot Nixon, Gabe Kapler, hitting coach Ron Jackson and general manager Theo Epstein. "I get to see a lot of friends that I haven't seen in a long time. Other than that, it's no big deal."
Asked how he thought Sox fans would remember his tenure at the team's helm, Little replied: "I'm sure that anything that's happened in the past, if someone wants to remember it, they're welcome to. They've got that right to remember stuff and have their own opinion of what's happened in the past. But as far as I'm concerned, I'm just going forward."
Former Sox coach and scout Dave Jauss, now Little's bench coach in Los Angeles, also made the trip. No other Sox-turned-Dodgers, including Derek Lowe, Bill Mueller and Nomar Garciaparra, made the trip from the Dodgers' Vero Beach spring home.
Ramon Martinez was the only player with more than a year of Major League service in the Dodgers' starting lineup.
Schilling on Duffy dust-up: Pitcher Curt Schilling did not want to respond to comments made by Pittsburgh center fielder Chris Duffy, who was hit in the helmet by a Schilling fastball on Saturday in Bradenton, leaving the Pirate with a mild concussion.
Told that Schilling thought Duffy should have been able to get out of the way of the pitch, the center fielder told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "I didn't see that I could have gotten out of the way. I understand it's part of the game -- trying to establish the inside part of the plate -- but it's a Spring Training game. For as long as he's been around, he should understand there are certain things you don't say. If you want to get a point across [by pitching inside], you should have enough control not to hit somebody in the head. I heard he hit a Minor League kid in the head a few days ago. Maybe it was the Minor League kid's fault he got hit, you know?
"Sometimes you just have to take responsibility for your own actions and go about it in a classy way. I felt he didn't do it that way. But no hard feelings. It's part of the game, and I know he didn't hit me on purpose. But what he said, to me, it just wasn't right."
Schilling did not go into great detail on Duffy's comments.
"I'm not going to elaborate on it, because [the media] won't be able to translate it," he said. "I'm not going to elaborate on it, because it's not going to come out right. I can understand how he could take that to be what I didn't want it to be. I'll handle it."
Asked if he would give Duffy a phone call, Schilling quipped: "I already gave him a ring."
Who's on first? Francona must decide how to split up time at first base between two talented players, Kevin Youkilis and J.T. Snow.
"I'd like both of them to hit so good, it's hard to make a decision," the skipper said. "We try to find the right guy where we could have Youkilis play enough, because we think he's ready, but at the same time, take a load off of him and, a guy that can really catch the ball, be a professional, handle that responsibility. We think we got the right guy."
Snow played first Monday against the Dodgers, while Youkilis was at third base.
"I think he'll get better," Francona said of Youkilis. "I think he's the kind of hitter where he will improve as he goes. As long as you keep the line moving, we're going to have success.
"Youkilis, for a young hitter, I think is better than anybody I've seen. He gets [mad] when he swings at a bad pitch. He commands the strike zone, and as he plays more, he's going to walk more, because the umpires are going to give him those pitches."
Francona said he thought Youkilis was adjusting well to the switch to first.
"I didn't think there would be any problems," said Francona, who added that Youkilis is improving his reaction skills.
Pitching in: Schilling and Tim Wakefield will oppose each other in a game at the Minor League complex on Wednesday. Josh Bard will catch for Wakefield. David Wells, who threw 10 minutes of batting practice Saturday, will pitch in a game at the Minor League complex on Thursday.

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Clement sharp, but Sox fall to Dodgers

03/13/2006
Dodgers at the plate: Third baseman Willy Aybar hit a two-run game-winning home run in the 10th inning, his first homer of the spring. Non-roster invitee Ramon Martinez went 1-for-2 with a walk, raising his spring average to .400.
Red Sox at the plate: Pinch-hitter Ron Calloway hit his first home run of the spring, a game-tying two-run shot in the ninth. Second baseman Mark Loretta went 3-for-3, with two singles and a double. Alex Gonzalez had his first home run of the spring, a solo shot to left field in the third inning, while Kevin Youkilis hit his second home run in as many days, a two-run shot in the eighth inning.
Dodgers on the mound: D.J. Houlton started and went two innings, allowing one hit and one walk, while striking out three. Brian Meadows got the win.
Red Sox on the mound: Starter Matt Clement threw four scoreless innings, allowing two hits while striking out three. Jimmy Serrano took the loss, giving up the two-run homer in the 10th inning.
Grapefruit League records: Dodgers 7-4-2; Red Sox 3-8.

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Did Stern boost his value?

03/13/2006
With Adam Stern performing so well for Canada in the World Baseball Classic, will his role increase for the Red Sox? -- Isaac B., Ontario, Calif.
I can assure you that the Red Sox won't make a snapshot evaluation of Stern's candidacy for the team based on one short tournament, as impressive as it was. However, there's a chance Stern will gain confidence from that experience and it will help make him a better player. Either way, Stern should see time with the Red Sox in 2006. Just how much is yet to be determined, though he does need 17 days of service time to fulfill his Rule 5 Draft requirement.
Is there any chance that Rule 5 pick Jamie Vermilyea doesn't get sent back to Toronto despite how full the bullpen is now? He's pitched well so far. I've been assuming he'd be shipped back, but a few more outings like the ones he's had and it would seem tough to do so.-- Steven G., Tolland, Conn.
Barring injuries, it's tough to see Vermilyea cracking what should be one of the deepest pitching staffs the Red Sox have had in some time. However, I wouldn't assume he will go back to Toronto. It is up to the Blue Jays whether they would pay $25,000 to reacquire Vermilyea. If they choose not to, the Red Sox could then try to sneak Vermilyea threw waivers, and if he clears, they could put him in their Minor League system. Stay tuned on this one.
How is Gabe Kapler doing? Do you think he'll make the roster? -- Erin M., Pembroke, Mass.
Kapler won't be able to start the season on time, either contractually or from a physical standpoint. Because the Red Sox released him and then re-signed him, he isn't able to play for the club until May 15. But the bigger issue is the rehab Kapler is undergoing from his ruptured Achilles. He hasn't been given clearance to run yet, though he is doing most other baseball activities. Kapler will do everything in his power to help the Red Sox as soon as he can. Just when that is, nobody knows.
What are the chances that Enrique Wilson makes the club? Would the Sox consider creating a roster spot for an official representative for Manny Ramirez? -- Grant K., Atlanta
Wilson definitely faces an uphill battle to make the club, because this team has plenty of infield depth. Alex Cora is on the team and Willie Harris also has a strong shot. And that is without even mentioning Tony Graffanino, who is likely to be traded, but remains in the mix until that point. While the Red Sox have always tried to make Ramirez comfortable, they would never compromise the roster of the club by doing so.
What do you think will affect the re-signing of Trot Nixon at the end of this season more: his health or performance? I find it hard to imagine him anywhere else, but it's always possible. -- Dave D., Enfield, Conn.
With Nixon, there's generally a good chance that his performance will be fine if his health stays intact. So by that line of thinking, his health figures to be the key to his success, and his chances of staying in Boston beyond this season.
Do you think J.T. Snow will be happy with his new role as a backup first baseman to Kevin Youkilis? -- Luke S., West Hartford, Conn.
I don't think the Red Sox are looking for players who are "happy" about being part-time players. A big reason the Red Sox acquired Snow is because they knew he would be professional about whatever role he was given. But, to answer your question, I think Snow will do a fine job off the bench. Youkilis can't help but learn from someone with Snow's experience.

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Notes: Arroyo gets off to slow start

03/14/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Bronson Arroyo breezed through the Reds' lineup Wednesday -- in the second and third innings. The first inning was another matter.
Arroyo faced each starter in the Reds' lineup in the first, giving up five runs on three hits -- including a three-run homer to Scott Hatteberg -- two walks, and a hit batter, leadoff man Ryan Freel, to open the game.
Arroyo settled down after that, getting the Reds in order in the next two innings, to finish his outing with a line of three innings pitched, five runs, two walks and three strikeouts. In three Grapefruit League starts, he's 0-2 with a 17.55 ERA.
"I guess I was missing the location [in the first inning]," Arroyo said. "I felt decent. I felt pretty good. I felt better than I have my last two starts, and I guess I wasn't throwing the ball where I should."
Arroyo's pitch to Hatteberg left little doubt to its destination -- well beyond the right-field fence -- when it left the Reds' first baseman's bat.
"I was trying to cut the ball in," Arroyo said. "[Catcher] Trent [Durrington] said they were pretty much middle, so I just wasn't getting them in there."
Of the difference between the first inning and the next two, Arroyo said it was luck.
"It was the same pitches I threw in the first, man, they just popped them up," he said.
"[Tuesday], I was taking it serious as a real game, but I just didn't get it done. First inning, they hit the ball around. They hit the ball hard. They could have went right at somebody and maybe you get out of an inning. But either way, I'm not hitting my spots. I'm a little too vague with my control right now. I'm not really hitting a smaller target like I want to."
Manager Terry Francona said he is not concerned with Arroyo's Spring Training work now.
"I thought the first inning, he had a Spring Training inning and then he cleaned it up and he was pretty efficient the next two," Francona said. "I think what happens sometimes is regardless of how many years they've played in the big leagues, they show up, they're getting their legs under them the first couple of outings, and then you give up some runs, it's like, 'Damn.'
"He doesn't need to change things. He just needs to tighten up the breaking ball, start locating his fastball, and Bronson will be just fine. I just think he gave up five in the first and I don't care where you are you don't want to give up five. And he's kind of looking like, 'I got to get outs.' He'll be just fine. Bronson's a good pitcher. If I thought there was a health-related issue, then there's room for concern. There's nothing like that. He just needs to tighten up his pitches a little bit and he'll be fine."
On a staff with an excess of potential starters -- Arroyo, Jonathan Papelbon, Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, David Wells and Tim Wakefield -- Arroyo, who was 14-10 while starting 32 games and entering in relief in three games last season, said working out of the bullpen would be acceptable to him.
"I'm fine with it," he said. "I said before, I'll pitch out of the 'pen if I have to pitch out of the 'pen. The way I'm pitching right now, obviously if it comes down to a coin toss, I'm going to lose it anyway, so we'll see."
What the Huck: Catcher Ken Huckaby, nursing a tweaked left knee, was expected to catch for Papelbon in a bullpen session Tuesday.
"That's the next step and then he'll throw to bases," Francona said. "Hopefully, we'll get him in there. The idea of him going down [to the bullpen] is that it's not a real game. It's somewhat controlled, but you do the best you can. Some of the things that guys do that you love get them hurt.
"He wants a chance to make the team and we respect that. We're tying to give him a chance where he can legitimately play and not get hurt."
No room in the 'pen: With a well-stocked bullpen, the Sox returned Rule 5 Draft pick right-handed pitcher Jamie Vermilyea to the Blue Jays on Tuesday.
"He handled himself really well," Francona said. "He's a good kid. There just doesn't look like there's any room at all on our staff. We've been fortunate the last couple years to get through the Rule 5 guys and keep them in the organization, but this looked like it was going to be impossible to do."
In one appearance this spring, Vermilyea, 24, pitched two scoreless innings without giving up a hit or walk.
The Sox now have 46 players in Major League camp.
Schill vs. Wake: Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield will oppose each other in a game at the Minor League complex on Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET. Josh Bard is expected to catch for both.
"We checked with him, and that's a lot to do physically, because we want him to come back the next day and catch [Josh] Beckett [against the Twins on Thursday]," Francona said. "But he feels like it's no problem and I actually like the idea of him catching booth those guys."
Quotable: "I definitely think he deserves it. I'm glad to see them sign him back. He's a manager I think everybody enjoys around here. He's laid back enough and knows when to put pressure on guys and when not to. I played for managers in the past that were down everybody's throat.. Obviously in this market with a veteran team like this you can't have a guy like that. So it's wonderful playing under him. He never kills us in the paper. So, that's all you can ask of him." -- Arroyo, on Francona's extension

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Sox can't keep pace with Reds

03/14/2006
Reds at the plate: First baseman Scott Hatteberg hit a first-inning three-run homer, while third baseman Edwin Encarnacion hit a two-run homer, his sixth of the spring. Andy Abad and Brian Buchanan hit solo homers, the first of the spring for each.
Red Sox at the plate: Left fielder Dustan Mohr had a solo homer in the sixth inning, and Jeff Bailey hit an eighth-inning solo shot, his first of the spring. Trent Durrington went 2-for-4 with a run scored.
Reds on the mound: Starter Aaron Harang (2-0) got the win, going two innings, allowing one hit with one strikeout. Matt Belisle picked up the save, pitching a perfect ninth inning.
Red Sox on the mound: Starter Bronson Arroyo (0-2) took the loss, going three innings, giving up five runs on three hits, two walks and a hit batter, while striking out three.
Grapefruit League records: Reds 8-7; Red Sox 3-9.

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Francona's deal extended through '08

03/14/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Red Sox announced Tuesday that they have agreed to terms with manager Terry Francona on a two-year contract extension which will carry Francona through the 2008 season.
Francona was in the third year of a three-year deal, with a club option for 2007. The new contract supersedes the option year of the previous pact.
"I'm very pleased," Francona said. "I'm very appreciative, for a lot of reasons. The way the organization handled it. I hope that I think I have my priorities in order. For something like this to happen, you have to have a great organization, great players, and I've been blessed to be around both.
"It was handled so, not only professionally but comfortably, because I'm not very good at being in an adversarial position against the organization. It was very comfortable and I felt like it was 'we' the whole way, and I was very, very appreciative."
General manager Theo Epstein said the extension was in recognition of the work Francona has done in his two years managing the Sox.
Francona, 46, became the 44th manager of the Red Sox on Dec. 4, 2003. In his first season in the job, he led the team to its first World Series championship since 1918.
In his two years, he has brought the Sox to the postseason both seasons and won at least 95 games both years. He has won more games (193) in his first two years than any other manager in club history. Among managers who have spent more than one season leading the Sox, Francona ranks third in winning percentage at .596.
"It was never really a question for us," Epstein said. "He's done an outstanding job from Day 1 when he got here. We're very proud of him. I think as great a job as he did in 2004, we feel he's even grown on the job and getting better and more confident in this role every day.
"We look at him as a mainstay of the organization, part of the solution to problems instead of part of the problem. It made all the sense in world to give him and the organization some security, reinforce the notion that he is a part of the leadership group here. All the players all feel that way. The front office feels that way. It made sense to get it done now."
Francona said that after discussing a possible extension during the winter with president/CEO Larry Lucchino, he had dinner with Lucchino, Epstein, principal owner John W. Henry and chairman Tom Werner in Florida about a week before Spring Training games began. Francona said he consulted his agent throughout the process but dealt directly with the team himself, and with Epstein in particular, since the dinner.
The contract was signed at about 12:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday at City of Palms Park, before the team's game against the Cincinnati Reds.
"I was going to the bathroom," Francona said. "Theo walked it in. That's when you got a pretty good relationship. When your general manager can come and hand it to you while you're on the toilet, you got a pretty good relationship."
Francona, who moved with his family to the Boston area in August, said relocating was a decision he made with his wife, Jacque, and their four children, and represents his dedication to the organization.
"I just think that showing a commitment to the organization is important," he said. "Being able to walk in [the office] in the winter even to say hello. I don't believe in managing and going home. I don't believe you can do the job correctly and do it any other way."
Financial terms of the contract were not released, but The Providence Journal reported Tuesday that Francona's salary, with performance bonuses for postseason accomplishments, will be increased dramatically. His previous contract -- $1.65 million over three years -- was considered to be on the lower end of the pay scale for big-league managers.
"You guys obviously have not seen my wardrobe," quipped Francona. "There are some things in life I really care about. I want to put my kids through school. If I get my Nikes once a year, they cost about $64. There are other priorities."

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Notes: Graffanino to get look at first

03/15/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- In a possible showcase outing for a trade, Tony Graffanino is expected to start Thursday's split-squad game against the Devil Rays in St. Petersburg at first base, a position he has not played in a Red Sox uniform.
Graffanino, who played first base in 22 games (14 starts) with the Royals last season before the Sox acquired him in a trade on July 19, worked out at first on Wednesday for the first time this spring.
"Obviously, I haven't done any work there at all this spring, so there's a chance that it may not be pretty," Graffanino said. "It's Spring Training, and that's what Spring Training is all about -- working on different things."
In seven games this spring, Graffanino, who is hitting .100 (2-for-20), has played both second and third base and been the designated hitter. Since being offered salary arbitration in December and signing a one-year contract in January, Graffanino has been the subject of trade rumors for much of the offseason and spring.
"I'd be lying if I said [the rumors have not had an effect] -- knowing that I'm in a situation or a clubhouse every day that I'm not going to be in," Graffanino said. "I kind of hoped something would happen already leading up to this point. I try not to think about it.
"I think my situation is unique in the fact that I really didn't have to be here. When I think about it, I'm still confused [about] why I was offered arbitration, which kind of forced me to come back here. That's why I don't understand that part of what's going on. ... I easily, in the offseason, could have signed with another team, maybe have a better contract -- a two-year deal or something where I wouldn't have to be going through this.
"But they offered arbitration and I had to come back. As much as I like being here and want to be [a part of the Red Sox], I was forced to sign knowing there was no place for me on this team."
Graffanino, who said he will play whatever position will afford him playing time and at-bats, said he has discussed his situation and potential trades with both general manager Theo Epstein and manager Terry Francona.
"I've talked to both of them," Graffanino said. "I know Theo's trying. That's what I heard from Terry [on Tuesday]. Both times I talked to Theo, he's said there's stuff in the works, but for some reason, it doesn't happen. I know I'll end up somewhere doing something, but what that is or where, I don't know."
Boomer, Huck and Foulke stories: Left-hander David Wells is scheduled to pitch in a Minor League game Thursday at noon ET. Catcher Ken Huckaby, who is nursing a tweaked left knee, is scheduled to catch Wells. It will be Huckaby's third straight day catching, after doing so for Jonathan Papelbon in a bullpen session Tuesday and for Keith Foulke in a batting practice session Wednesday.
"The knee feels great -- no problems, no swelling," Huckaby said.
Huckaby, who hopes to be ready for game action this weekend, said Foulke was impressive in his Wednesday outing.
"He looked great," Huckaby said. "He did well with his fastball. The [split-finger] looked good [and the] slider was real sharp. Everything was good."
Ellsbury impresses: Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston's first-round pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, made an impression in the field and at the plate on Tim Wakefield and Curt Schilling in Wednesday's Minor League intrasquad game.
Ellsbury, batting leadoff against Wakefield, was not taking full swings because of a wrist injury. In two appearances, he bunted safely in his second at-bat and was a near miss in his first at-bat.
Asked if he knew of Ellsbury, Wakefield replied: "Yeah, after the first inning. He's lucky he didn't get dusted with my 75. I know he's hurt, so he's got to bunt. He's fast. [The second time], I was ready for it, but he still got the second one down. ... He can move.''
In the fourth inning, playing center field behind Schilling, Ellsbury made a diving grab to snare David Murphy's deep drive into the gap in right-center field.
"That was a fantastic catch," Schilling said. "And to someone that's as terrifically slow as I am, it looks even faster."

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Schilling, Wakefield pleased by outings

03/15/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- In a Spring Training-only special, pitchers Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield faced each other in a Minor League intrasquad game on Wednesday.
Schilling, who faced 24 batters in six innings, said he was very encouraged by his outing.
"I don't know if it was any one thing," said Schilling, who allowed four hits and a walk while striking out six in his six shutout innings. "I felt very good about how I felt at the end. I was very strong. I could have gone a lot longer. I worked on a lot of things."
Two things Schilling has been working on specifically this spring are his changeup and pitching inside, neither of which he used much in the past.
"I worked on my curveball today," he said. "I felt I threw a lot of good curveballs. I'm throwing my changeup. It's to the point now where it's going to be a pitch I'm going to use in a game to get people out with. I pitched [inside] well again today."
In each of his last two outings, Schilling hit a batter in the helmet. He created a controversy with his comments after his last outing against the Pirates, when he hit outfielder Chris Duffy. Although Schilling did not hit any batters Wednesday, it appeared a pitch grazed the shoulder of right-handed hitter Javier Cardona, who led off the third inning.
"No, it didn't hit him," said catcher Josh Bard, who caught both Schilling and Wakefield -- a combined 11 innings and 147 pitches in 85-degree heat. "[But] that pitch was more in and less up than the pitch to Duffy."
Schilling said he was pleased with his velocity, which according to one radar gun was in the range of 91-92 mph.
"I thought I threw some balls good," he said. "That's probably my No. 1 question all spring going into the season. In the past, it's always been whatever you have in March, you add 3-4 mph in April. ... I'm comfortable where I'm at."
Wakefield, who faced 19 batters over five innings, gave up one run on two hits, with a walk and a hit batter. Wakefield, who struck out two, also said he was pleased with his outing.
"I feel good," said Wakefield, who likely will be slotted in the rotation between Schilling and Josh Beckett. "I felt strong today. I felt like I could have gone longer. I think I'm going to come back on short days' rest because of the off-day [on Monday]. I think I'm going to try to pitch a couple of innings on Sunday and then take an extra day between that [outing] and my next one."
Wakefield is happy with the way his rapport with Bard -- the likely candidate for the backup catcher spot and, therefore, Wakefield's designated catcher -- is progressing.
"He's done a good job," Wakefield said. "We're all professionals here, and he's been great since he's been here. He's a great receiver anyway, regardless of whether he's going to catch me or not. So it's just a matter of repetition, him catching me and getting used to different things, and looking for arm angles and different things that we need to talk about before the season starts.
"The more times he catches me, the more comfortable he gets. I think he did a great job [on Wednesday]."
Bard, who in one game Wednesday caught 5 percent of his 2005 season total of 219 2/3 innings, said the outing was not as difficult as he had anticipated.
"[I feel] pretty good," he said. "I was telling the guys, the idea of catching basically 10 innings without stopping, you go, 'Wow.' But it wasn't as bad as I thought. And that's a credit to [Schilling and Wakefield]. They threw strikes [and] they got ground balls.
"There wasn't really any innings where they were really laboring. And that's a credit to the Minor League guys. They swung the bat; they knew that [Schilling and Wakefield] were out there to get their work in.
"It's nice to see ... [Schilling] getting his pitch count up there. And in the last inning, I think he was as strong, if not stronger [than at the beginning]. He started to let the ball go towards the end. I think it takes a little time to really feel like, 'Hey, I can let it go and let it loose.' And I think he's starting to feel that, and I think today was good for him."
General manager Theo Epstein, who watched from behind the backstop, gave the outings of the two starters a favorable report.
"All right, OK," Epstein said.

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Pauley solid, but Red Sox fall

03/15/2006
Red Sox at the plate: Enrique Wilson reached on a two-base error in the second inning, but he was cut down at the plate when he attempted to score on a sacrifice fly. Mark Loretta singled to right field in the fourth, and Kevin Youkilis drove a double to the left-center field gap to score Loretta.
Orioles at the plate: Melvin Mora doubled in the first inning and drove a two-run homer into the left-field screen in the third. Jeff Conine doubled down the right-field line in the second and singled to shortstop in the fourth. Desi Relaford doubled in Baltimore's third run with a shot into the left-field corner.
Red Sox on the mound: David Pauley started for the Sox and went four innings, holding the Orioles to six hits and two runs. Pauley cruised until the third inning, when Mora reached him for the two-run shot. Rudy Seanez pitched a scoreless inning. Phil Seibel got through one inning unscathed, but he was scored on in his second.
Orioles on the mound: Kris Benson threw three scoreless innings before stumbling in the fourth. The right-hander allowed four hits and one run, striking out three batters without walking any. Hayden Penn gave up one hit in three innings, facing just two batters over the minimum. At one point, the 21-year-old struck out three straight batters.
Grapefruit League records: Red Sox 3-10; Orioles 5-9.


Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Wells' knee feels fine after rehab outing

03/16/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- David Wells appeared in a game Thursday for the first time this spring as he continues to rehab from offseason surgery on his right knee.
The left-hander threw three innings in a Minor League intrasquad game, giving up two runs on five hits, while striking out one. He threw 53 pitches, 34 for strikes.
Manager Terry Francona watched the first two of Wells' three innings before returning from the Minor League complex to City of Palms Park, about two miles away, for the Red Sox's game against the Minnesota Twins.
"From what I understand, he was up a little in the third inning, which is to be expected," Francona said. "I thought he has an uncanny ability to locate. There's a couple that were over the middle of the plate, but I thought he did fine. Probably, more importantly, is how he felt."
Wells said he had no problem with his knee and that his pitches are progressing.
"The knee felt great," he said. "If I'm going to feel anything, I'm going to feel it pitching, following through and all that. But, so far, so good.
"[The curveball was] the best pitch I threw, because it was just free and easy, and the other pitches I was pretty much aiming, and that's not good.
His fastball was clocked on one radar gun at 88 mph, which Wells said is about where he wants to be.
"Your first time out, [you are] a little jittery, just rushing everything," Wells said. "I was not really hitting my spots. ... I know what I'm doing out there. I know I'm not bringing the ball down, just flying wide open. And I know I'm doing it, so I'm trying to correct it. Just the first time, you want to go out there and try to throw 100 mph. I know that ain't going to happen."
Depending upon how he responds to this outing, Wells, who said he needs only about 15-20 innings of work in Spring Training to be ready for the season, said the next step in his rehab could be in a Grapefruit League game.
"I don't see why not," he said. "I'll go out and throw a few innings in a game and do that. If I need some extra work in between, I can come down and throw one of these [Minor League games]. It doesn't matter where I throw, as long as I just get some innings in, and my comfort zone and how I feel out there. If everything's coming out good with all the pitches, then to me, it doesn't matter where I throw."
With Wells healthy, the Sox have an abundance of starting pitchers. In addition to Wells, Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield, Josh Beckett, Matt Clement, Bronson Arroyo and Jonathan Papelbon are capable of competing to be in the rotation.
The team has two days off within the first eight days of the regular season. Francona has suggested he may use just four starters until around April 15.
Wells, whose contract calls for a base salary of $2.5 million this season and up to $5 million in performance bonuses, including for the number of starts he makes, said he would not want to be the pitcher held out. He also confirmed Thursday that this would be his last season.
"I'd have a problem with that," he said. "If they're going to go four and I'm going to be the odd man out, then that's not going to sit well with me. I know they've got an abundance of pitching. That's one thing they don't lack is pitching, and if that's the case, and I'm one of the four, that's great. If they're going to hold me back, then, like I said, I got to go out there and pitch first and build up.
"If I feel good, and [Thursday] I felt great, my knee didn't bother me ... I think that's their main concern. If they're going to hold me back because of my knee, well, I can only tell them how I feel. And if I tell them I feel fine, then [I've] just got to go with that and just cross that path when it comes.
"I don't see why Clement should sit out. Matt's having a [heck] of a spring and he's throwing the ball well, to me. You got Beckett, you got [Wakefield] and you got Schilling. Like I said, that's a lot of pitching. They haven't told me that, so until they do, we'll see, because I want to get out there and pitch. I'm not the type of guy that's going to sit around for two weeks before my first outing. It's not right.
"If they go five men, that's the way they should do it. They got five guys out there who are veteran guys that can pitch, that can help a team out. And I think that's what they should do. If they don't, that's their decision and we'll see what happens."
Wells, who had requested a trade during the offseason only to rescind it earlier this month, said he would have to wait to determine what recourse he would have if he were held out.
"Right now, it's too early to really speculate on that," he said. "I think it's [about how many] more times I go out there. We'll just wait and see. If they still feel the same way after a few more outings, then we're definitely going to have to sit down and talk. I don't see myself sitting until April 15 to wait to pitch. I just don't see it at all."
Francona declined to comment until he had a chance to speak to his pitchers about the rotation.

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Notes: Beckett impresses Francona

03/16/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- While Jon Lester and the Red Sox were falling to the Devil Rays in St. Petersburg, Josh Beckett and the Red Sox were beating the Twins at home, 4-3.
In his second Spring Training start, Beckett went five innings, giving up one run on five hits and a walk, while striking out two. It was a sharp contrast to his previous start on March 6 against the Devil Rays, when he gave up five runs in three innings.
"I thought the best way to put it is, I'm glad he's in our uniform," manager Terry Francona said. "I thought he looked strong. He got pretty deep; he got to 78 pitches. He had to work a little bit at times, which is good. I think he felt like he had to work, but he threw a couple of real good breaking balls, a couple real good changeups. His fastball had a lot of life on it."
While Beckett was pleased with his performance, there are some aspects of his game he would like to improve.
"I think I just need to get some more experience with these hitters, particularly in the American League," said Beckett, who was acquired in a trade with the Marlins on Nov. 25.
"[I need to] just kind of find my craft again," he said. "You get four months off, [so] it's kind of tough to come back in and just remember everything, even your routines and stuff. You've just got to pitch a few times to remember what your routine was and stuff that works for you."
Facing the extra hitter in American League lineups will be his biggest adjustment.
"You've got another hitter in the lineup, you're not facing the pitcher," said Beckett, whose record last season was 15-8. "Pitchers can be the hardest people for certain people to pitch to. If you have a lull with the mental aspect of the game at that point, that becomes the hardest person.
"I remember my first year in the big leagues, I couldn't throw a strike to the pitcher. I could certain days, [but] other days, that was the toughest guy, because you've got to stay focused on that guy and remember you've got to stay ahead of him and still get him out."
Beckett will likely appear in the rotation after Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield.
Golden Gonzo: Shortstop Alex Gonzalez, signed as a free agent on Feb. 6, continues to open eyes with his sterling defense.
In the fifth inning on Wednesday, on a Luis Castillo comebacker to Beckett, Gonzalez, while gliding across second base, took the throw from Beckett, made the transfer while in midair to avoid Shannon Stewart, who was barreling in on him. Still airborne, Gonzalez threw to J.T. Snow at first base to complete the double play.
"I've seen him make that play more than a handful of times," said Beckett, who played with Gonzalez on the Marlins. "I don't know anything else, so I can't really compare him to anything. He's always been as good as anybody that I've ever seen."
Cuts coming: Francona said the second round of roster cuts could happen on Friday.
Another Classic return: Infielder Alex Cora, whose Team Puerto Rico was eliminated from the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday by Team Cuba, was expected back in Sox camp on Thursday. Foulke stories: Keith Foulke threw to hitters on Wednesday and is expected to do so again this weekend. Depending upon how Foulke responds, Francona said it is possible the closer could appear in a game on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Huckaby catches Wells: Catcher Ken Huckaby, who caught for Foulke on Wednesday, caught David Wells' three-inning Minor League outing on Thursday.
"If [Huckaby] shows up [Friday] and feels OK, maybe we'll let him catch on Saturday. We'll see," said Francona.

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Red Sox fall to Devil Rays

03/16/2006
Red Sox at the plate: Left fielder Dustan Mohr was responsible for both of Boston's runs, driving in center fielder Coco Crisp on a single in the first, and third baseman Enrique Wilson on a double to the left-field wall in the fourth. Wilson finished 2-for-2 with a walk and a triple.
Rays at the plate: The first five Rays reached base in the first, highlighted by Aubrey Huff's two-run double that hooked down the third-base line. Huff went 2-for-2 with a walk, and left fielder Carl Crawford was 2-for-4 with a double.
Red Sox on the mound: Southpaw Jon Lester had a rough start, surrendering four runs on four hits over two innings. He walked three and struck out none. Right-hander Jimmy Serrano threw two scoreless innings of relief, allowing one hit and striking out three.
Rays on the mound: Starter Mark Hendrickson allowed three consecutive singles before recording six consecutive outs in his first start since nursing a bone bruise in his femur. Right-handers Travis Driskill and Jamie Shields combined for three hitless innings, while Shields recorded three strikeouts.
Grapefruit League records: Rays 8-7; Red Sox 3-11.

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Beckett pitches Red Sox past Twins

03/16/2006
Twins at the plate: Jason Hart hit a ninth-inning solo home run, his second homer of the spring. Eight Twins had one hit apiece, including Terry Tiffee, who now has a team-leading 13 hits.
Red Sox at the plate: Dusty Brown had a double and two RBIs. Mike Lowell and Josh Bard had two hits each.
Twins on the mound: Starter Brad Radke took the loss, dropping his Spring Training record to 1-3. He went three innings, allowing two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out two.
Red Sox on the mound: Starter Josh Beckett picked up the win, giving him a Grapefruit League record of 1-0. He went five innings, allowing one run on five hits and a walk while striking out two. Despite giving up a ninth-inning home run, Manny Delcarmen picked up the save.
Grapefruit League records: Twins 9-7; Red Sox 4-11.

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/

Notes: Papelbon makes statement

03/17/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Bullpen or rotation? Jonathan Papelbon has pondered it for sure, but he still doesn't know what role he will be in when the Red Sox start their season in Texas on April 3. As the right-hander took the mound for his start on Friday against the Marlins, his role was not even on his radar screen. All Papelbon wanted to do was produce a string of zeroes, something he's struggled to do this spring.
In other words, this was a gratifying day for the hard-throwing righty, who fired five shutout innings and gave up just one hit while striking out two.
For a man who entered the day with a 0-2 record and a 10.13 ERA in three starts, this was just what he needed.
"There's no doubt about it, I wanted to go out there and I wanted to throw good," said Papelbon. "It was definitely what I was focused on. I wasn't really focused on what I needed to do mechanically out there today. I really went out there and just focused on trying to get the first hitter of every inning and set the tempo."
And aside from a leadoff walk to Mickey Lopez in the third, Papelbon accomplished his mission, starting four of his five innings with a clean slate.
While the Red Sox look at Papelbon as one of the future building blocks of their rotation, they'll likely be hard pressed to find a spot for him in a rotation which already has Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, David Wells, Tim Wakefield, Matt Clement and Bronson Arroyo.
Until he is told otherwise, Papelbon will continue along on a starting pitcher's schedule during camp.
"You know what, we'll discuss that this week," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "It's getting to the point where we need to sit down as a staff. I think we've got some ideas [about] what we'll do. I just want to talk to Theo [Epstein] a little bit about it and get his input. We've got a couple ideas."
Papelbon's main objective for 2006 is to pitch well, no matter what role he is put in.
"The way I look at it is, I want to go out and pitch effectively and help my team," said Papelbon. "I want to be put in situations where I can help out. I want to be out there pitching to where I can help win. That's the way I like at it. I want to help the Red Sox get to the [World Series] and win games, that's all I'm really worried about.
Sitdown with Boomer: A day after left-hander David Wells expressed dismay at the possibility the Red Sox will skip him over during the early part of the season because of multiple days off, Francona discussed the issue with the Boomer.
"I think he felt like somebody might have pushed his buttons a little bit. I try to speak in generalities, because I don't want to ever communicate through the media," Francona said. "I think he felt like maybe I did that a little bit. I certainly don't ever want to do that."
Is it still a possible scenario that Wells, coming off knee surgery, will start his season a little later than the other pitchers in the rotation?
"Again, we're going to see how it all works out," Francona said. "I'd rather not set it up, because I don't know what's going to happen. You just look at it logically. He started a couple of weeks late, he's had knee surgery, you can't just start picking and choosing the dates that guys are pitching or it won't work. Now, saying that, once you do that, if you have to plug a guy in at some point, this just seems to make sense for the team. I explained that to him, and Theo did, too.
"I like Boomer as a pitcher a lot. ... I just have some responsibilities for our team that I have to -- I don't know if enforce is the right word -- but look out for. It's certainly not a respect thing or anything like that. I don't work like that; we don't work like that."
Mixed bag for Youk: In one way, it was a painful day for Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis, as he hit a ball off his left foot in the second inning, and, later in the game, pounded a line drive off the protective brace he placed over his instep.
But it was also a gratifying day, as he pummeled a three-run homer in his second at-bat, his third of the spring.
Youkilis, entering his first season as an everyday player, has looked confident at the plate throughout camp.
"I'll tell you what, he's a good hitter," Francona said. "He's still commanding the strike zone, but he's putting [together] more aggressive swings as he's getting older and more mature and stronger. It's fun to watch."
Classic returnees: With Team USA having been bounced from the World Baseball Classic on Thursday, the Red Sox will get catcher Jason Varitek and reliever Mike Timlin back in camp on Saturday. With the club making a lengthy bus ride to Dunedin, Fla., Varitek and Timlin are both slated to stay back at City of Palms Park and get their work in there. Timlin will throw on the side; Varitek will likely make his first start of the exhibition season on Sunday at home against the Orioles.
Utility infielder Alex Cora, who was part of the Puerto Rico squad that got eliminated on Wednesday, will fly from San Juan to Tampa and play for the Sox on Saturday in Dunedin.
Designated hitter David Ortiz and reliever Julian Tavarez are the only Boston players still missing from camp as a result of their Dominican representation in the Classic. The Dominican will play Cuba on Saturday. With a win, it would advance to the championship game on Monday.
How soon will Ortiz get back into the lineup after he returns to the Red Sox?
"I've talked to him two or three times," said Francona. "I know he's really enjoying himself, [so] whatever those guys need. If they feel the need to get right back in there, we'll do it. If they feel like maybe they need a day or two to separate themselves and take a little blow with all the travel