Sox Get First Win of 2011

The Red Sox surged back to overtake the Minnesota Twins 7-6 today at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers. The Red Sox got key home runs from David Ortiz (3-run shot) and Josh Reddick (2-run game-winner). Boston evened the Mayor's Cup series with the Twins at 1-1. They meet three more times this Spring.

Beckett Suffers Concussion

In a bizarre batting practice incident, Red Sox ace Josh Beckett suffered a mild concussion after being hit in the head by a batted ball while standing in the outfield. He was examined and sent home.

Order In The Fort!

Peter Abraham of the Globe reports that the Red Sox will use the top of the lineup trio of Ellsbury, Pedroia and Crawford in today's game against the Twins. Everyone expects this will be the preferred order for most of the season.

NESN Spring Schedule Poll

Vote in our latest poll which asks whether NESN's Spring Training television schedule is an outrage, or not. VOTE HERE.

No Sox, Liverpool

Day Three of no baseball from Florida. NESN and the NOG, displaying their intimate understanding of the passion of Red Sox Nation, have yet to televise pitch one of Spring Training. Today's game will not be available on TV or radio—a 1:05 tilt against the Twinkies.

Ah, but there is good news! At 8PM this evening, you will be able to watch a riveting replay of Liverpool vs. West Ham United. See if you can see John and Linda in the crowd with their red scarves on! Lot's o' fun, Governor!

Sox Ace College Bored

Even though none of us could actually see it (thank you again, NESN), apparently the Red Sox swept their collegiate double-header yesterday—beating B.C. 6-0 and N.U. 13-2. Most importantly, none of the 2010 M*A*S*H unit members was hurt—in fact, Youk clouted a 3-run HR and Pedroia legged it down the line on a close play at 1B. Today, we get to miss the first action against a real opponent—the Twinkies. Enjoy!

NESN Still Won't Let You Watch

For the second consecutive day of Grapefruit League play, you can't watch your Boston Red Sox on NESN—or anywhere else. This time, it's the initial meeting with the Twins for the Mayor's Cup. The New Ownership Group (they will always be the NOG) thinks you'd rather watch infomercials and repeats of hockey games than brave the additional snowfall (about 6 inches in Andover, MA overnight) with baseball—what a ludicrous idea!

Those moron owners in the Bronx will be giving their fans a second straight telecast of the Yankees on the YES network on Sunday. So, again, how can the NOG claim to understand the passion of Red Sox Nation (the actual Nation, not the revenue producing gimmick they instituted) when they blackout games just when we need them most?

Meanwhile, enjoy Chef Tony's "Delicious Ten Minute Meals!" on NESN at 10AM this morning. And don't forget to tune into "Charlie Moore Outdoors" at 1PM. Hey, at least he might be fly fishing with a Red Sox player. It's your only chance to see them today.

An Open Letter To NESN & NOG

Enough with the "Second Base Cup" idiocy. Try actually televising some Spring Training games! As we New Englanders crawl out from our igloos this Saturday, many of us assumed we could watch the first Grapefruit League action of the year—the fun games between the Sox and B.C. and Northeastern.

Wrong, Pine Tar breath! NESN and the NOG are more interested in bringing us college basketball instead—so if you want to follow today's games you have to tune in to the weak-signalled WRKO AM radio! No television! In fact, NESN will only televise a small sample of Spring Training games this year. And the NOG claims to understand the passion of the Nation? Nice try.

For those of you starved for baseball action, you can tune in the MLB Network and watch the Yankees play the Phillies at 1PM. Nice going, NOG!

REVIEW: "Remembering Fenway"

This is not just another 'coffee table' book. Harvey Frommer's "Remembering Fenway Park" does have the stunning photography that every good coffee table book needs—but this book has so much more. All of us in the Nation know that the edifice that is Fenway Park is a lot more than the bricks and mortar that keep it planted on Yawkey Way. It is the cherished moments that we've all experienced inside it's near-century old walls that truly give it meaning. It's an understanding of this totality that makes "Remembering Fenway" so good.

To start, it carries first-hand accounts of key moments in Red Sox history by people like Johnny Pesky—a man who has witnessed many of the team's storied eras. Frommer also interviewed 135 other players and employees. And, perhaps most importantly, it gives you remembrances from ordinary fans, who filled the old ballpark even when horrific teams gave us no reason to do so.

You can also watch Fenway Park grow from its modest beginnings, through several renovations, to the shrine it is today. But this book does not ignore the blemishes. From obstructed views, to fires, to cramped seating, you get the full picture of the Grande Dame of baseball. You will relive great games, pivotal franchise moments and voluminous trivia in this extremely entertaining work. We recommend it highly.

Saturday Lineups

The Red Sox released their lineups for the Saturday twin-bill against BC and Northeastern. In the day game against the Eagles, Marco Scutaro will lead off, followed by Pedroia, Ortiz and Youkilis. In the nightcap against the Huskies, Jacoby Ellsbury will top the line-up, followed by Lowrie, Cameron and Nava. On Sunday, the Sox begin the Mayor's Cup Series against the Twinkies.

Red Flag: A-Fraud Likes Iglesias

The first negative vibe has emerged from Camp Optimism—or more precisely, Camp Mansion up the road in Tampa. The Royal Scam himself, Alex Rodriguez, has proclaimed that he "loves" Sox shortstop prospect Jose Iglesias. This is not good. Apparently, A-Fraud invited Jose to work out at his facility in Miami over the Winter. Let's hope our guy stayed away from the "shake bar" and just had some popcorn.

Tek: I'll Play Into '40s

The Red Sox captain, Jason Varitek, plans to keep playing after 2011—emulating Carlton Fisk by playing into his forties. He feels he is both physically and mentally prepared to do that. The question is: will it be with the Red Sox?

A-Gon Always Loved The Sox

New Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez appeared on WEEI's Dennis & Callahan show this morning for a wide-ranging interview. Among the interesting tid-bits: he always loved the Red Sox growing up; he is probably slower than Papi; and he loves soccer.

Game 1 Of WS In 241 Days

Not that we're overconfident or anything, but the first game of the World Series is just 241 days away. Today, Red Sox hitters get their first live batting practice in a long time.

Dalton Jones Average Returns

The Editors of FenwayNation have announced the return of the Dalton Jones Industrial Average—a composite index of the state of the Boston Red Sox. The DJIA (honoring the Red Sox pinch-hit leader) gathers four key metrics from a select panel of FN readers from around the world. Each month, they assess the fortunes of the team on: starting pitching, bullpen, overall offense and overall defense. FenwayNation will publish the DJIA Index score at the start of the season and at the beginning of each month during the season. In the past, the DJIA was calculated weekly, but the Editors have determined that a monthly assessment will provide a more stable view of the state of the team through the season.

If you are interested in becoming part of the select reader panel for the DJIA, send us an email outlining your qualifications for inclusion. SEND IT HERE.

Bard of Move On

Red Sox reliever Daniel Bard appeared on WEEI's Dennis&Callahan Show this morning and made clear that-for now anyway- he is comfortable in the set-up role. He did give a hint, however, that, down the road, he would like to either close or start.

Pedey: "I'll Hit Anywhere"

In a wide-ranging interview this morning on WEEI's Dennis & Callahan Show, Dustin Pedroia said he'd hit anywhere in the revamped Red Sox line-up. He also reacted to Curt Schilling's criticism of his new "comb-over" and generally was the 'Caballito' we have come to know and love.

FOX: Gonzo Set To Sign Deal

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports cites sources that indicate the Red Sox will sign Adrian Gonzalez to a 7-year, $164 million deal after Opening Day. While this has been largely taken for granted, it's not done until it's done. The fact that this is leaking demonstrates that the parameters of the deal are agreed to—signing is just a luxury-tax saving formality.

The Pujols Debate

Yesterday, FenwayNation placed a poll on the site asking if the Red Sox should pursue Albert Pujols—were he to become a free agent at the end of this year. We took some heat for even presuming to ask the question. Today, the Globe's Peter Abraham (who has a lot more credibility that we do) deals with the issue in his morning column. Although he includes appropriate disclaimers about the possibility of this ever happening, he does an interesting job in pointing out how the Red Sox could do it financially. You can still vote in our poll HERE.

FN POLL: Pujols Pursuit?

If Albert Pujols is a free agent next year, is there any scenario under which the Red Sox should pursue him? VOTE HERE.

Ellsbury Says He Is OK

Jacoby Ellsbury indicated on Wednesday that he is "not worried" about his health in 2011. In fact, the center fielder thinks that his ribs might actually be stronger after the healing process. He envisions his full level of aggressiveness in the field and on the base paths. If his optimism is justified, it will electrify the Red Sox offense and make us one of the most difficult teams to defend—with speed and raw power all up and down the line-up. This could be very good.

Sox Deal Away Coello

The Red Sox made an odd minor deal yesterday, sending right-handed pitcher Robert Coello to the Cubs for minor league infielder Tony Thomas. The Sox had designated Coello for assignment to clear a roster spot, but they ended up losing the guy who led their minor league system in strikeouts last year. Moreover, in four minor league seasons his ERA is under 3.00. They get back Thomas, who had 11 HRs last year for AA Tennessee. Curious.

Duckboat Interruptus

Most members of the Nation are as optimistic about the 2011 Carmine Hose as they've ever been about any edition of the team. And, with good reason. Theo Epstein was able to acquire (through trade and free agency) two of the top prizes on the market in Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford. He also added Bobby Jenks to take some "bridge" pressure off Daniel Bard. And with the prospect of a healthier Pedroia, Youkilis and Beckett, you should be looking at a close to 100-win team.

I would, however, remind you of the sage advice given by Harvey Keitel's character in Pulp Fiction's garage clean-up scene. Since this is a family blog, I can't be specific—but those of you who know what I'm talking about will get my drift.

Let's list some potential roadblocks to a November 2011 Duckboat Parade through Boston:

1.) Catch Me If You Can. Let's face it, the 800-pound Gorilla Suit in the room is the complete lack of a proven, starting backstop. Saltalamacchia is still a work in progress and could be a complete bust. The Captain could be good for maybe 60 games—tops. That could leave Mark Wagner and a few other prospects as the saviors on a contending team. Talk about your 'Tools Of Ignorance'. Yikes.

2.) Short Circuit. I wasn't comfortable with Marco Scutaro as our starting shortstop last year. While he admirably battled through injuries to have a decent 2010, he's only re-habbed the pinched neck nerve and strained right rotator cuff that hampered him down the stretch. Jed Lowrie is the obvious alternative—but, don't forget, he has battled the injury bug, too.

3.) Just Like We Drew It Up. No sooner had roofs started collapsing in Greater Boston than J. D. Drew's hamstring started acting up. You want to love this guy, but if he's disabled on Groundhog Day (come to think of it, an apt metaphor for J.D.), what the heck will he be like on the Fourth of July? Ryan Kalish and Cameron are good alternatives, but the former is still raw and the latter is not exactly Cal Ripken.

4.) Bullpen Roulette. Despite the sage moves in the bullpen this off-season, a lot of questions remain. Will Oki be the 2007 Oki? Will Pap get that "bulletproof swagger" back? Will Jenks prove to be what Ozzie Guillen told us he would be? Will Wheeler get the "Delcarmen Hometown Jitters"?

5.) Rotation Inflation. The conventional wisdom has it that Beckett and Lackey will bounce back and have typical years. That might happen (both reported to camp in top shape), but it's by no means a given for pitchers their age. Moreover, everyone assumes that Lester and Buchholz will maintain or improve their 2010 numbers. Maybe, maybe not. And Dice-K. Well, we know he'll walk a lot of guys.

6.) The Curse Of High Expectations. The Red Sox always seem to perform better when they are disrespected—not favorites. The near-universal view that they should blow through the AL East, breeze to the pennant and meet the Phillies in the World Series might prove to be too big a burden.

All in all, this team has a great chance to be special. But it is by no means a slam-dunk path to Ring #8.

Wake & Buchh Help Jimmy Fund

Tim Wakefield and Clay Buchholz are again serving as Co-Captains of the Jimmy Fund's Rally Against Cancer. To find out how you can help, CLICK HERE.

Lackey Lacking Poundage

John Lackey has come into camp 10-12 pounds lighter than last year. Looking svelte, he seemed a little defensive with the press on the quality of his 2010 campaign. Nevertheless, he did lead the team in innings, so he's still a horse. Let's hope he can continue to receive 7-per game run support this year and help get us to the post-season.

Bulletproof Swagger

It was the playoffs—2009. Jonathan Papelbon was entrusted with a 2-run lead in the 9th inning of Game 3 of the ALDS at Fenway. My son, standing next to me and cheering the home town nine, was 13 years old at the time.The Red Sox needed the win to stay alive in the series. The closer gave up 3 earned runs to cough up the lead that was never re-gained. My son turned to me and stated, coldly, "Papelbon is dead to me now". He still harbors that mistrust for the once invincible one—so I guess he is now officially a Red Sox fan.

So, given all of this, it is heartening that Papelbon—a bit more subdued by his recent performance—is talking about regaining what the late George Frazier called "duende". Papelbon calls it "bulletproof swagger". I'll take it.

One Day To Go

WEEI's Rob Bradford offers up a video of Tim Wakefield playing catch with Clay Buchholz. It's close, Nation, very close. On Sunday, pitchers and catchers officially report and the 2011 campaign truly begins. This could be special.

Tazawa Throws Off Mound

If you're looking for a sleeper contributor to the 2011 Red Sox, it might just be Junichi Tazawa. Remember him? When the Red Sox stole him away from Texas and Seattle in December of 2008, it was because of their early scouting of the righty by Craig Shipley and the committment of the team to Japanese players. Tazawa showed flashes in his few appearances with the Red Sox, but underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last April. He is still rehabbing but has thrown off the mound and is projected to help the Sox at some point this coming season. With any luck, Tazawa might be a key component in another post-season run.

Sox Sign Japanese Lefty

According to Nikkan Sports, the Red Sox have signed 29-year old left-handed pitcher Itsuki Shoda to a minor league deal. The former Ham Fighter was a highly touted prospect in Japan, but now toils in the lesser Taiwanese professional league.

Laser Show Is Ready To Go

Red flags be damned. The oh-so-careful pronouncements of the Red Sox on the condition of Dustin Pedroia were pretty much dashed by the Laser Show as he arrived in Fort Myers. He was his cocky and colorful self—declaring he is ready to go. He's itching to show all the results of his hard work this Winter "on the field" in Florida. We can hardly wait.

Jerry And The Sox In 1958 L.A.

NESN's archivists have uncovered an amazing video (narrated by the great Curt Gowdy) of the Red Sox West Coast Spring Training swing in 1958. Part of it included an impromptu game of catch with Jerry Lewis. See the video at NESN HERE.

Delcarmen Gets Safeco Shot

The editors of FenwayNation have never been too kind to Manny Delcarmen. It was one of those situations where we were rooting so hard for a local kid to make good, that his shortcomings were magnified. All of us can recall the flashes of brilliance early in his Red Sox career. It just never came together here.

Which is why the signing of a minor-league deal with Seattle is good news for him. Safeco Field is renowned for being a pitcher's park and if he regains some movement on his mid- to upper-nineties fastball, he could be good again. We are rooting for him.

POLL: Does Fenway Stack Up?

Vote in our latest FenwayNation POLL on whether the total fan experience at Fenway Park stacks up to newer ballparks. VOTE HERE.

A-Gon: No Big Deal

Call him the 'Un-Pujols' if you like. Adrian Gonzalez has made it known that, unlike Phat Albert, he will not put any time constraints on his contract extension with the Red Sox.

Sox Sign Aceves

The Red Sox have signed former Yankee pitcher Alfredo Aceves to a major league deal.

Remembering Fenway Review

FenwayNation has secured an advance copy of Harvey Frommer's new book entitled, "Remembering Fenway Park: An Oral Narrative History Of The Home Of The Boston Red Sox." A review of this new work will appear soon on FenwayNation.

Sox Sign New Zealand Softballer

OK, this story makes the Liverpool stuff look tame. The Red Sox have signed and invited to Spring Training a softball catcher from New Zealand. The Kiwi in question is Te Wara Bishop, who the Sox say has "excellent hands and a strong throwing arm." I don't know, how high do you think the Saltalamacchia Security Quotient (SSQ) is today?

Truck Leaves For FL Today

The anointed day has arrived. At around Noon today, the big green semi parked on Yawkey Way will pull out and head down Interstate 95 to the Promised Land (well, southwest Florida, anyway). Hallelujah!

A-Fraud Gets Fed

Is there any doubt that the New England Patriots could have beaten a combined Packer-Steeler All-Star team yesterday? Basically the game came down to which team wanted to screw up less. Was there any better metaphor on how dreary an event it was than seeing A-Fraud being fed popcorn by Cameron Diaz? Talk about two people who deserve each other. Yikes!

More importantly, the baseball season can now begin in earnest. Six days until pitchers and catchers.

The Babe Turns 116

One hundred sixteen years ago today, a kid was born in Baltimore. He played six years for the Boston franchise in the American League—primarily as a starting pitcher. He won two-thirds of the games he started for the Red Sox—posting a 2.19 ERA and a 1.142 WHIP.

Oh, and he collected three World Series rings in those six years—even though rings weren't given out back then. In 15 years with the hated Yankees, he won the World Series four times. So, he won it all 50% of his time with Boston; 26.6% of his time with New York. 'Nuf ced. Happy Birthday, Babe!

Shocker: Drew Hurt!

The Globe's Nick Cafardo reports that J.D. Drew will likely be "limited" at the start of Spring Training due to—wait for it—a hamstring injury! We can't make this stuff up.

Sox Sign Reyes

Theo Epstein continues his stockpiling of left-handed relievers with the signing of Dennys Reyes. The portly port-sider had a 3.55 ERA with St. Louis, but, actually was worse against lefties. The competition for left-handed spots on the 2011 Red Sox should be brisk.

Camp Salty

WEEI.com's Alex Speier reports that Jarrod Saltalamacchia's winter has been more of an education that a fitness regimen. There will be plenty of pressure on the 25-year old as he assumes the role of #1 catcher on an elite team.

When FenwayNation spoke with Salty back in January, there was every reason to believe that he is mentally up for the challenge. It will be an interesting experiment.

New NYY Starting Pitching Plan

Completely Unreliable Sources, Inc. (A Delaware Company) reports that Brian Cashman will shortly announce the new Yankee Starting Pitching Strategy: C.C. and three days of rain.

"Closer" Than You Think

According to a tweet from WBZ-TV's Dan Roche, Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon has already arrived in Ft. Myers. This is ten days before the official reporting date, and could indicate a new focus for the troubled righty.

Pettitte Takes Gold Watch

Come on down, Bartolo Colon! You too, Freddy Garcia! And don't forget the immortal Ivan Nova and the scintillating Sergio Mitre. Reports are circulating that Andy Pettitte has retired, leaving the Empire in a major starting pitching lurch. Wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall today when Dumb and Dumber (AKA Hank & Hal) meet about this?

Get Ready, Nation!

Popowski Phil does not see his shadow—10 days until pitchers and catchers report!

FN Poll: 2011's Pleasant Surprise?

Vote in our latest poll on which Red Sox player (among Beckett, Lackey, Cameron, Lowrie and Saltalamacchia) will have the most surprisingly positive 2011 season. VOTE HERE

Red Flag Rising On Pedroia?

Just when you thought it was safe to poke your head out from under the 4-foot snowdrift in your driveway and peer toward Fort Myers (Punxsutawney Phil-like), here comes potentially unsettling news on Dustin Pedroia. After telling WEEI.com last Thursday that he still feels "discomfort" in his surgically-repaired foot, the issue was big enough that both Theo Epstein and Terry Francona felt the need to address it at last night's Red Sox Town Hall event.

While both were appropriately optimistic that the second baseman and former MVP/ROY would have no restrictions this year, there was an admission that 'El Caballito' was frustrated with the pace of the healing process. Hopefully, this is nothing. We need Pedroia at 100% in the two-hole and at second base to make this team fulfill its destiny.