2013 Spring Training

[SoxFanForsyth]

One week from today, pitchers and catchers report!!!

 

For those who get NESN, Live from Ft Myers starts next Sunday at 6 pm.

 

I don't know about anyone else, but I love these shows, mostly because it means that baseball is right around the corner.

 

First Sox spring training game is February 21. That's two weeks from Thursday.

 

World Baseball Classic starts in early March. Bogaerts will be playing for the Netherlands, so be sure to catch those games if you can.

 

Here's to better years ahead. Spring training, where eternal optimism mounts, is right around the corner.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Also, I think this year will be really interesting, as even when the starters are out, there are still a lot of interesting players to watch.

 

Webster, De La Rosa, Bradley, Morales, Wilson. Relievers like Tazawa, Uehara, Hanrahan, and Bard will all be worth watching as well.

 

Lots of new faces, lots of young kids. Should be a really fun ST.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Finally, here is the 2013 Spring Training schedule. And yes, I'm sick, which is why I have all the time in the world to post all of this crap.

 

 

The Red Sox have 38 games scheduled in Florida, with spring training exhibitions commencing Feb. 21 at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers.

 

Date Opponent Site Time

Thu., Feb. 21 Northeastern JetBlue Park 1:35 p.m.

Boston College TBA

Sat., Feb. 23 Tampa Bay JetBlue Park 1:35 p.m.

Sun., Feb. 24 St. Louis Jupiter 1:05 p.m.

Mon. Feb. 25 Tampa Bay (ss) Port Charlotte 1:05 p.m.

Toronto (ss) Dunedin 1:05 p.m.

Tue., Feb. 26 St. Louis JetBlue Park 1:35 p.m.

Wed., Feb. 27 Baltimore Sarasota 7:05 p.m.

Thu., Feb. 28 Pittsburgh Bradenton 1:05 p.m.

Fri., March 1 Pittsburgh JetBlue Park 7:05 p.m.

Sat., March 2 Minnesota Hammond Stadium 1:05 p.m.

Sun., March 3 NY Yankees JetBlue Park 1:35 p.m.

Mon., March 4 Tampa Bay JetBlue Park 1:35 p.m.

Tue., March 5 Team Puerto Rico* JetBlue Park 7:05 p.m.

Wed., March 6 Pittsburgh JetBlue Park 1:35 p.m.

Thu., March 7 Minnesota Hammond Stadium 1:05 p.m.

Fri., March 8 Minnesota JetBlue Park 7:05 p.m.

Sat., March 9 Baltimore JetBlue Park 7:05 p.m.

Sun., March 10 Tampa Bay Port Charlotte 1:05 p.m.

Mon., March 11 Miami Jupiter 1:05 p.m.

Tue., March 12 Toronto JetBlue Park 1:35 p.m.

Thu., March 14 Minnesota Hammond Stadium 1:05 p.m.

Fri., March 15 Minnesota (ss) JetBlue Park 7:05 p.m.

Baltimore (ss) Sarasota 1:05 p.m.

Sat., March 16 Tampa Bay Port Charlotte 1:05 p.m.

Sun., March 17 Tampa Bay JetBlue Park 1:35 p.m.

Mon., March 18 Pittsburgh Bradenton 1:05 p.m.

Tue., March 19 Baltimore JetBlue Park 1:35 p.m.

Wed., March 20 NY Yankees Tampa 1:05 p.m.

Thu., March 21 Philadelphia JetBlue Park 7:05 p.m.

Fri., March 22 Toronto Dunedin 1:05 p.m.

Sat., March 23 Pittsburgh JetBlue Park 1:35 p.m.

Sun., March 24 Philadelphia Clearwater 1:05 p.m.

Mon., March 25 Baltimore Sarasota 1:05 p.m.

Wed., March 27 Miami JetBlue Park 1:35 p.m.

Thu., March 28 Minnesota JetBlue Park 7:05 p.m.

Fri., March 29 Minnesota Hammond Stadium 1:05 p.m.

Sat., March 30 Minnesota JetBlue Park 1:35 p.m.

[Palodios]

The question that I'm sure is on everyone's mind:

 

Who will win the Mayor's Cup this year?

[SoxFanForsyth]

I'm surprised they're not having a final game under the lights at an MLB stadium this year.

[wyo-sox]

I am getting so anxious for some baseball!

[Whiteandnerdy42]

Why watch when you could just go to MLB.com and catch up on everything? I do want some baseball though.

[BSN07]

I gotta think they have a leg up on the Twins for that honor Pal

[VA Sox Fan]

One week from today, pitchers and catchers report!!!

 

For those who get NESN, Live from Ft Myers starts next Sunday at 6 pm.

 

I don't know about anyone else, but I love these shows, mostly because it means that baseball is right around the corner.

 

First Sox spring training game is February 21. That's two weeks from Thursday.

 

World Baseball Classic starts in early March. Bogaerts will be playing for the Netherlands, so be sure to catch those games if you can.

 

Here's to better years ahead. Spring training, where eternal optimism mounts, is right around the corner.

 

Great thread SFF!! I am SO EXCITED about Spring Training! It will be the first season I'll have NESN at home!!! Have had MLB Extra Innings since 2003.

 

All is good when ST and the regular season are around the corner!! CANNOT WAIT!!! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[SoxSport]

For the Sox to break .500 this year, about 90 out of a 100 things will have to break their way. It can happen. Look at the Orioles last year.

 

A new season is a new start. Hope for the best.

[DocHolliday]

One week from today, pitchers and catchers report!!!

 

For those who get NESN, Live from Ft Myers starts next Sunday at 6 pm.

 

I don't know about anyone else, but I love these shows, mostly because it means that baseball is right around the corner.

 

First Sox spring training game is February 21. That's two weeks from Thursday.

 

World Baseball Classic starts in early March. Bogaerts will be playing for the Netherlands, so be sure to catch those games if you can.

 

Here's to better years ahead. Spring training, where eternal optimism mounts, is right around the corner.

 

Great post!

 

Its been a long and much needed winter for me. With everything that went on last season, I was in dire need of some periods this offseason where I took a hiatus from the Red Sox and baseball. Super Bowl Sunday is usually the day I begin to transition out of the off season mode and really become anxious for the upcoming season. Then comes Truck Day, reporting day for pitchers & catchers, first full squad workout, and the first ST games. Usually, the NCAA tournament comes right around the time I start to get impatient waiting for regular season games to begin, but the WBC will help make the time pass as well.

 

In the process of buying a new house and keeping my fingers crossed that my new crib will be ready for baseball by Opening Day!

 

Go Sox!

[jacksonianmarch]

I used to give a s*** about spring training, then I watched as Enrique Wilson lit up ST, won the starting 2b gig then proceeded to suck moosecock against everyone not named Pedro for the rest of the yr. It is nice to catch one game or two, and I really watch it to see the kids trying like hell just to stay longer in big league camp and maybe latch on to a job. But watching guys like Cano and Granderson just get their work in or CC get his tits lit when he's trying to get up to velo just isnt worth it anymore. It's nice when it's going on to know that the regular season is just around the corner, but its not worth watching anymore

[SoxFanForsyth]

I used to give a s*** about spring training, then I watched as Enrique Wilson lit up ST, won the starting 2b gig then proceeded to suck moosecock against everyone not named Pedro for the rest of the yr. It is nice to catch one game or two, and I really watch it to see the kids trying like hell just to stay longer in big league camp and maybe latch on to a job. But watching guys like Cano and Granderson just get their work in or CC get his tits lit when he's trying to get up to velo just isnt worth it anymore. It's nice when it's going on to know that the regular season is just around the corner, but its not worth watching anymore

 

http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/grumpy-cat-i-had-fun-once-it-was-awful.jpeg

[Dojji]

http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/grumpy-cat-i-had-fun-once-it-was-awful.jpeg

 

*snrrk!*

[Palodios]

I used to give a s*** about spring training, then I watched as Enrique Wilson lit up ST, won the starting 2b gig then proceeded to suck moosecock against everyone not named Pedro for the rest of the yr. It is nice to catch one game or two, and I really watch it to see the kids trying like hell just to stay longer in big league camp and maybe latch on to a job. But watching guys like Cano and Granderson just get their work in or CC get his tits lit when he's trying to get up to velo just isnt worth it anymore. It's nice when it's going on to know that the regular season is just around the corner, but its not worth watching anymore

 

Its a bit more exciting when your team has a good amount of talent in the upper minors, and players who actually might be fighting for legitimate spots. the 4 Bs, Webster, De La Rosa, Wilson, Aceves, Morales, Tazawa and Lavarnway are going to be a ton of fun to watch. I get the feeling Steven Wright and Lackey are going to have a very interesting spring training as well.

[a700hitter]

Its a bit more exciting when your team has a good amount of talent in the upper minors, and players who actually might be fighting for legitimate spots. the 4 Bs, Webster, De La Rosa, Wilson, Aceves, Morales, Tazawa and Lavarnway are going to be a ton of fun to watch. I get the feeling Steven Wright and Lackey are going to have a very interesting spring training as well.

Unless they move Salty, I don't see how Lavarnway gets his chance, and that will piss me off.

[Palodios]

Unless they move Salty, I don't see how Lavarnway gets his chance, and that will piss me off.

 

If Lavarnway mashes to a monster OPS like he did in 2011, he'll force his way up eventually.

[VA Sox Fan]

http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/grumpy-cat-i-had-fun-once-it-was-awful.jpeg

 

:lol: Love grumpy cat!! Perfect for grumpy jacko.

[a700hitter]

If Lavarnway mashes to a monster OPS like he did in 2011, he'll force his way up eventually.

Would they cut Salty at that point? You don't see too many early season trades.

[Palodios]

Would they cut Salty at that point? You don't see too many early season trades.

 

No chance they cut him, but they would figure something out.

[Dojji]

Right now "figuring something out" = "cutting David Ross."

 

That's the guy Lavarnway has to beat.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Would they cut Salty at that point? You don't see too many early season trades.

 

I think you'll see a deal of Salty + 1 of the relief pitchers for a LH bat that can play OF and 1B (Carp?)

[Palodios]

Right now "figuring something out" = "cutting David Ross."

 

That's the guy Lavarnway has to beat.

 

David Ross is a better player than Salty. Get over it.

[a700hitter]

Right now "figuring something out" = "cutting David Ross."

 

That's the guy Lavarnway has to beat.

Ross has a 2 year contract. I don't think they would cut him.

[Dojji]

David Ross is a better player than Salty. Get over it.

 

Ross is a backup catcher. Salty is a starting catcher. Starting catcher > backup catcher.

 

If Ross had ever been effective playing more than about 70 games, I might think you had a point.

 

Besides, of the two, Salty is the one with any upside at all.

 

Ross has a 2 year contract. I don't think they would cut him.

 

That just makes it an uphill battle for Lavarnway, doesn't it?

[Palodios]

Ross is a backup catcher. Salty is a starting catcher. Starting catcher > backup catcher.

 

Words cannot describe how silly this statement is. Salty would be a backup catcher if Brian Mccann was on the Red Sox. Hell, he'd probably have been DFAed years ago.

 

If Ross had ever been effective playing more than about 70 games, I might think you had a point.

 

David Ross against left handers .764

David Ross against right handers .771

Salty against everything .720.

 

What are you even talking about?

 

Besides, of the two, Salty is the one with any upside at all.

 

That just makes it an uphill battle for Lavarnway, doesn't it?

 

Salty has no upside. None. Best case scenario, he hits 20+ home runs again. But he'll never hit for average, he'll never get on base respectably, he'll never defend well, he'll never call a good game, and he'll never be a major league caliber catcher. The guy is a joke, and you should know it by now.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Ross is a backup catcher. Salty is a starting catcher. Starting catcher > backup catcher.

 

If Ross had ever been effective playing more than about 70 games, I might think you had a point.

 

Besides, of the two, Salty is the one with any upside at all.

 

Ross generated 75% of Salty's WAR (1.5 WAR to 2.0 WAR) in 50% of the games (62 games to 120 games).

 

Ross wRC+: 109. Salty wRC+: 95

Ross wOBA: .334. Salty wOBA: .319

 

Ross is a better catcher. I would much rather have Ross at 70 games and Lavarnway at 90 games than Salty at all.

[VA Sox Fan]

From The Globe:

 

 

Big crowd of pitchers at Fenway South

 

Posted by Peter Abraham, Globe Staff February 5, 2013 10:59 AM

 

 

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Pitchers and catchers do not officially report until Feb. 12, but plenty of Red Sox beat that deadline.

 

Andrew Bailey, Daniel Bard, Craig Breslow, Clay Buchholz, Felix Doubront, John Lackey, Jon Lester, Andrew Miller, and Franklin Morales were among those on hand at the team complex this morning.

 

Bailey, Bard, Lackey, and Lester threw bullpen sessions in what was perfect weather: sunny and 70 degrees.

 

Two quick observations:

 

• Bard was throwing free and easy and appeared confident. "Felt good," he said.

 

One bullpen session is not much to evaluate, but Bard looked a lot more like he used to. He was throwing from the stretch and letting it fly. Their were no radar runs around, but Bard was throwing the ball well.

 

• Lackey is thinner than he has been in years. He didn't pitch last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery but is under no restrictions this spring.

 

Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Ryan Lavarnway, Daniel Nava, Juan Carlos Linares, and Dan Butler are the position players who are here.

 

The Red Sox have not hired a bullpen coach yet. But Chad Epperson, a minor league catching instructor, is working with Salty, Lavarnway, and the rest of the catchers. Epperson filled in for Gary Tuck last season and he appears to be the favorite for the job.

 

While the coaching position is bullpen coach, it's a combination of running the bullpen and being a catching instructor.

[Palodios]

So... essentially the entire team decided that they need as much work as possible, and showed up early. Sounds like a good sign to me.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Here is the "You won't even recognize him now" John Lackey

 

http://images.scribblelive.com/2013/2/5/a26e0e39-19fc-4a02-9170-4f98679f9b2d_400.jpg