A Little Nervous--Peter

Well, hopefully, it's just a little nothing, but suddenly, the Sox, after a relatively injury free spring, are starting to get dinged up a bit. First Dice-K, who reported in the best shape of his career, is having back & neck problems and may start the season on the DL. Then, new Sox hurler, Boof Bonzer (is that a name or what?--love it) is feeling a bit of discomfort in his groin. Now, Dusty sprains his wrist going for a hard hit ball in the game today against the Twinkies.(that's not meant to be disparaging--I picked up the name from a friend who's been a lifelong Minnesota fan). Things better not get too much worse.

On the plus side, old time Sox reliever Alan Embree is back with the team, having signed a minor league contract while he tries to make the roster as one of the two lefties in the pen. Those of you with short memories shouldn't forget his valuable role in the seventh game of the '04 Series.

Thanks for the Memories!--Peter

Nomar: Thanks & All The Best--Peter:
Well, it's official--Nomar Garciaparra has retired--as a member of the Red Sox! Coming home to the team that brought him and his exciting play to the majors, Nomar today signed a one day contract, donned the uniform one final time and announced his retirement. Whether or not he makes the Hall after his five year wait remains to be seen. Once considered a lock, late career injuries took away some of the luster. However, he was AL Rookie of the Year, won consecutive batting titles, including one at .370, and retires with a very good career BA of .313--not too shabby at all!
Nomar: Thanks for all the fun! We'll definitely miss you!

Green Monster 2.0--Peter

In the not too distant future, the Sox Spring Training location at Ft. Myers will look more like Fenway, in a sort of miniature way, than the original. Renderings were release yesterday for an 11,000 seat $75 million copy of Fenway that will replicate the Monster and duplicate Fenway's dimensions and perimeter. There will also be adjoining practice facilities. Completion date wasn't mentioned.

Dice-K Looks Good!--Peter

Happy Washington's Birthday! While driving to my office this morning, by chance happened to hear a spring training report on what's "hot" news from the various training camps. For our Bosox, the hot news is that Dice-K has arrived in camp looking like he's really planning to be something to be reckoned with. According to the commentator, he's looking the best physically that he has in his entire career. Quite the difference from last year when he apparently showed up in something less than ideal condition, according to the commentator. Hopefully, this will translate into something on the order of a 20 win, 200+ K season with ERA in the mid-3's or lower. Would a Pedro-like sub-2 be possible? I'll settle for anything under 3.50, with the aforementioned other stats, as well as fewer free passes than we're used to seeing him give out.

It's Started!--Peter

Well, last week it was Truck Day. Now it's official. Spring training has begun. Pitchers and catchers reported two days ago, and the rest of the team is expected in over the weekend. First Grapefruit League games are slated for the first week of March. Can Opening Day be far behind?! Can't wait!

Truck Day!!--Peter

The surest sign of spring for Red Sox Nation!! It's not a robin flitting down to snatch the first worm of spring. It's not the purple and yellow buds of the early crocus peeking up through the chilling snow. No! It's Truck Day--the day everything and everyone Red Sox heads for sunny Florida and the rapidly approaching annual rite of renewal--Spring Training.

Close your eyes! Let your imagination run rampant! Feel that sun! Hear that pop as one of JB's heaters hits leather; the distinct crack as well honed northern white ash meets horsehide! It's spring! It's RED SOX BASEBALL!

Almost Time!-Peter

Well, for those of you digging out of the latest blizzard, there's hope! Just a week and batteries report to Spring Training. Yes, it's almost baseball season! No further personnel moves to talk about for now, although there's still enough free agents out there that it's still a possibility. Speaking of f.a.'s, did anyone notice that Damon couldn't get the Stripes to take him back? For someone with a .286 BA and 24 homers, that's quite a statement! Heard today that Atlanta has offered him a one year deal, but Boras wants two for him. I guess if he ends up in Atlanta, you could summarize his last few years as Boston thru NY to Used to Boston.