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Beckett is OK, Drew isn't

Print | Comments () Posted by Tony Massarotti, Globe Staff February 15, 2009 01:09 PM

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FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Red Sox players are still trickling into camp, but here's the latest: Josh Beckett appears healthy and ready to go. J.D. Drew? Good question.

Shortly after Drew arrived at the team's training facility, the right fielder told a cluster of media members that he is still experiencing back stiffness, a problem that derailed him at the end of last season. He also said he had an MRI after the season, which didn't reveal a serious injury. While the extent of Drew's problems are unclear -- team officials were checking it out -- Beckett addressed the media and gave the impression that he is prepared to regain his form from 2007.

"Hopefully, it will be a blessing and help me throw more innings this year than I've thrown in the past,'' Beckett said.

Said Sox manager Terry Francona: "I do think that, last year, Josh paid the price for pitching deep into the season the year before. He came into camp and he was just a click behind where he was [in 2007].''

This year? He's clicked back.

David Ortiz, who arrived in camp today, is expected to speak tomorrow.