Red Sox Spring Training Notes

Spring Training is annoying. It is needed, but as a fan it's really a pain in the ass. If a pitcher is getting lit up it really doesn't mean much, if a hitter is hitting well it also doesn't mean much. Basically all you want to see if players being healthy, but since I have a serious baseball problem here are the latest on the Red Sox.

- As DP noted earlier Crawford's wrist is swollen and he is going to take some time off. He will not be ready for opening day, which isn't all that surprising.

- Clay Buchholz made his first start in nine months. He pitched 2 scoreless innings, allowing no hits, striking out 2, while also walking 2. He threw 20 of his 36 pitches, and overall has positive reviews for his first start back.

- Vicente Padilla pitched two scoreless innings, giving up three hits while striking out two. Rumor is Bobby V is pretty impressed with him so far, and if he can stay healthy he could lock up that 5th spot, especially since Carlos Silva has been shut down after experiencing shoulder inflammation, which is a blessing in disguise.

- Ortiz actually played some first base. Bobby V said he was out there to keep him loose, and they might need him to play some first during interleague play, as the Red Sox once again fool around with the idea of putting A-Gon in the outfield during those games.

- Andrew Bailey will make his spring debut on Thursday against the Cardinals. He will make 7 appearances before the start of the regular season, as he recovers from a lat strain.

- There are rumors Pedroia could hit leadoff. I really don't understand that, but Bobby V seems to like the idea, and has played Pedroia during spring training.

- Andrew Miller was very impressive going two innings striking out three and not allowing a hit. Basically there are 2 rotation spots open behind Beckett, Lester, Buchholz and those two spots will be between Miller, Bard, Padilla, Aceves. Silva is out because of injury, and it doesn't sound like Cook will be ready for the start of the season. My hope is that it's Bard and Padilla, to start the season. I fell for Miller last year. he has the stuff, but just never seems to get it done, so I am trying not to fall for him again. It's really tough because his "stuff" is amazing.