FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Good morning from City of Palms Park.
We'll find out more on the injury front shortly when the media meets with Red Sox manager Terry Francona.
A few things:
Josh Beckett was getting treatment on his back this morning.
Dustin Pedroia is back in the lineup today (1:05 p.m. game vs. the Rays), raring to go. "I missed four days or whatever. The season begins soon. I need to be back in there getting ready," he said.
Jason Varitek is going through his usual dead arm stage, but he seems to be bouncing back. He's got the day off today while Doug Mirabelli catches Bartolo Colon in what should be an interesting outing against the feisty Rays. I can't tell you how many scouts from other teams have said to me this spring, "I wish we had signed him." A lot of teams passed and if things continue to go well, the Sox might have a real find.
A bit of a rebirth going on for Mike Timlin. Francona has really praised the way Timlin has thrown the ball in this camp.
The Orioles are spending a lot of time watching Sox reliever Bryan Corey, who is still fighting for a spot in the Sox bullpen. Corey is also considering a return to Japan if he doesn't make the team.
Just saw Steve Buckley of the Herald showing Kevin Youkilis Jack Clark's old batting stance. "I think we've reached a new low," quipped Youkilis.
Manny Ramirez really opened up to Globe North contributor Maureen Mullen in a story for MLB.com yesterday.
Another day, another lineup vs. the Tampa Bay Rays (by the way we need to call them something other than "Rays." Maybe the Fighting Rays).
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Ramirez, LF
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Sean Casey, 1B
8. Dusty Brown, C
9. Alex Cora, SS
P -- Bartolo Colon
WHAT IS UP WITH DUSTIN? WHY WAS HE MISSING 4 DAYS