Technically, the Red Sox started their spring training season this afternoon with a 7-1 victory over Boston College. Officially, the games begin tonight when they drive across town in Ft. Myers to face the Minnesota Twins. The 7 p.m. contest will be televised by MLB Network.
Obviously, this afternoon's game was a light-hearted exhibition. It always is when a major league organization plays against a college team. Billy Crystal didn't make his major league debut for the Red Sox, but 48-year-old batting practice pitcher Ino Guerrero drew a pinch-hit walk.
There were signs of inevitable things to come. Chris Carter ripped a three-run double while Yamaico Navarro had a home run and a single. Carter can flat out hit, and he provides the Sox an appealing insurance policy if David Ortiz misses time this season. Navarro is one of the organization's top shortstop prospects. Like Jed Lowrie, Navarro can also play second and third proficiently. Other signs of what's to come this year were showcased in flawless outings from Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz and Junichi Tazawa. Buchholz has reportedly looked very good on the mound in Ft. Myers. So has Tazawa, who was signed out of Japan and is ticketed for Double-A Portland but could rapidly ascend to at least Pawtucket.
Here is the lineup for tonight's game:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
4. Jason Bay, LF
5. Brad Wilkerson, RF
6. Jed Lowrie, SS
7. Jeff Bailey, DH
8. Josh Bard, C
9. Gil Velazquez, 3B
Scheduled pitchers: Tim Wakefield, Justin Masterson, Manny Delcarmen, Javier Lopez, Ramon Ramirez, Billy Traber and Dustin Richardson
Richardson is worth monitoring. The 25-year-old left-hander, who stands 6-foot-6, has been moved from the rotation to the bullpen. Boston has a wealth of starting pitching talent in the minors, but few top left-handed relief prospects. Hunter Jones is a highly regarded lefty reliever who will likely open the season at Pawtucket. Richardson, who was a fifth round pick out of Texas Tech in 2006, has a very good chance of reaching the big leagues as a reliever.
The Celtics get deeper
By now, you've likely heard that the Celtics have not only signed 7-footer Mikki Moore for the remainder of the season, but they will likely add troubled yet talented point guard Stephon Marbury. I am cautiously optimistic that Marbury will be to the Celtics what Randy Moss has been for the Patriots. Maybe he will shed his less-than-desirable reputation and embrace the chance to win an NBA title.
I just hope his presence does not derail Rajon Rondo, who is transforming into one of the game's top point guards. The Big Three are obviously the reason why the Celtics are once again one of the game's best teams, but they would not have won it all last year - and they will not win it all this season - without contributions from guys like Rondo, Kendrick Perkins (who is underrated), Glen Davis, Leon Powe and Eddie House. Gabe Pruitt has played well, and Brian Scalabrine has been valuable this season. Moore will give Boston a high-energy backup to Perkins, which they have lacked this season. Davis and Powe are valuable role players, but they don't have height since they are both around 6-6. Moore is a 7-footer who can rebound, block shots and score.
As for Marbury, the Celtics needed a veteran point guard since Pruitt has little NBA experience. If he listens to Doc Rivers, cooperates with his teammates and accepts his role, Marbury will be an exceptional late-season acquisition. If he shows any signs of creating tension, though, Danny Ainge should cut ties to Marbury right away.
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