An array of spring training notes and observations

Today's post will feature an assortment of notes and observations, which are:

• The Matsuzaka baby watch is over, so it appears that Dice-K will start the regular season opener in Japan against the Oakland A's. Dice-K's wife, Tomoyo, gave birth to a boy this morning in Boston. I expect a breakout season for Matsuzaka, as long as he does not nibble at the corners.
• A report from the San Francisco Chronicle indicates that the Sox and A's are once again talking about a deal involving Coco Crisp. With reserve outfielder Bobby Kielty nursing a calf injury - and the Sox needing a right-handed bat off the bench - the Chronicle reporter suggests that Boston could be interested in outfielder Chris Denorfia. A report earlier this week rumored that Crisp was headed to the New York Mets for outfielder Angel Pagan. Neither Denorfia or Pagan sound appealing. I still believe that the Sox will acquire a reliever or a starter in a deal for Crisp.
• Speaking of fourth outfielders, it's too bad that Brandon Moss bats from the left side. Moss, who is hitting .315 (9-for-31) in spring training is an adequate defensive outfielder and can hit for average and some power, yet he is stuck at Pawtucket for the near future. As long as Kielty is not available, Boston's lone right-handed bat off the bench belongs to new backup catcher Kevin Cash, and he is a career .167 hitter. Of course, Crisp is still a member of the Red Sox, and he could remain with the team as the fourth outfielder. However, since he prefers to start and likely will not thrive in a bench role,the Sox should accommodate his trade request. After all, he is not going to start in center field in place of Jacoby Ellsbury.
• Crisp has an injured groin, and Julio Lugo and Josh Beckett have achy backs. It would make sense to keep them in Florida instead of sending them on the long flight to Japan. It appears that Beckett will definitely miss the Japan trip, but Crisp and Lugo could accompany the team and be part of the opening day roster. Alex Cora can adequately fill in for Lugo, and though it would leave Boston without a right-handed hitting fourth outfielder for the two-game series with Oakland in Japan, Brandon Moss could serve as the extra outfielder. Terry Francona and Theo Epstein know what they are doing, but a writer can have his opinion, right?
• Apparently, Baltimore is interested in signing Bryan Corey if he does not make Boston's opening day roster. Corey is out of options, and he is also considering signing with a team in Japan. It will be unfortunate if the Sox do not give Corey an extended opportunity. He has pitched well in short stints with Boston during the last two seasons. Would you rather have Corey on the mound, or Julian Tavarez?
• It is becoming more evident that Javier Lopez will be the left-handed specialist, and Craig Breslow will be cut loose since he is out of options. I firmly believe that Breslow would do a better job at retiring left-handers than Lopez, who is more effective against righties. Like Corey, Breslow will likely be signed by another team when he is designated for assignment.
• Are you growing tired of spring training baseball? I am. I enjoy watching and writing about the game, but spring training gets old in a hurry. Of course, I would rather the Sox spend the remainder of March in Florida than jaunt to Japan for two exhibitions and two regular season games, but that is not what Major League Baseball had in mind this season.