David Ortiz Appears In MLB Opening Day Video Promo

Sox Begin Paring Down Roster To Active Twenty-Five

Ahead of more roster moves to come soon, the Red Sox sent 3B Chad De La Guerra to minor league camp. That brings the number of players still at big league camp to 43. Before heading north in ten days, the team needs to pare the active roster to 25. Still on the "bubble" are players like Deven Marrero, Blake Swihart, Brock Holt and Tzu-Wei Lin. Here's our guess at the 25 guys who will head north with the team:

CATCHERS (3)
Christian Vazquez, Sandy Leon, Blake Swihart
INFIELDERS (6)
Mitch Moreland, Hanley Ramirez, Eduardo Nunez, Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers, Brock Holt
OUTFIELDERS (4)
Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley, Jr., Andrew Benintendi, J.D. Martinez
STARTING ROTATION (5)
Chris Sale, David Price, Rick Porcello, Brian Johnson, Hector Velazquez
BULLPEN (7)
Craig Kimbrel, Carson Smith, Joe Kelly, Matt Barnes, Robby Scott, Austin Maddox, Bobby Poyner

Deven Marrero Draws Trade Interest From Multiple Teams

(Getty Images)

Deven Marrero is out of options. If he doesn't make the big club out of Spring Training, he'll likely be designated for assignment. Thus, the Red Sox are not-so-subtly shopping the slicking fielding infielder—and he is reportedly drawing interest from a number of teams. The Royals, White Sox and Indians have been mentioned as potential landing spots—but the "multiple team" story is probably more hype than reality. Marrerro continues to struggle offensively in limited at-bats this Spring—but his solid defense may be enough to get the attention of other clubs. Stay tuned—things may happen quickly on this front..

POLL: Blake Swihart Clear Favorite For 'Bubble' Success

He'll probably make the team anyway, but Blake Swihart clearly has the support of fans as the "bubble" player they most want to make the squad and have a big 2018 season. Results from our latest FenwayNation Poll show that more than seven in ten readers (72%) choose Swihart—far ahead of the next player (Brock Holt) at 10%. Likely fifth starter (at the start of the season) Brian Johnson finished third at 6%, while Brandon Workman garners 4% of the vote. One percent (or less) each went to: Deven Marrero, Tzu-Wei Lin, Bobby Poyner and Heath Hembree. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

POLL: Which Sox Bubble Guy Are You Pulling For Most?

Which ONE "bubble" guy are you pulling for MOST to make the team and have a big year for the Red Sox?

Brock Holt

Blake Swihart

Brandon Workman

Brian Johnson

Deven Marrero

Tzu-Wei Lin

Heath Hembree

Bobby Poyner

OTHER (Specify in comments section)

 

pollcode.com free polls

"Jim Buchanan" Interviews Big "Poopie" In Ft. Myers

Poor 'Judge'-Ment Leads To Tampering Concern By MLB

(AP Photo—2017)

Aaron Judge may be able to hit HRs (and strike out a lot), but his recruitment skills leave a lot to be desired. Judge reportedly told Baltimore's Manny Machado that "he'd look good in pinstripes". Major League Baseball informed The Evil Ones that Judge's comments could be construed as violating the league's tampering rules. Those rules prohibit: "negotiations or dealings respecting employment, either present or prospective, between any player, coach or manager and any major or minor league club other than the club with which the player is under contract, or acceptance of terms, or by which the player is reserved or which has the player on its negotiation list." Of course, Judge will get nothing more than a slap on the wrist—these are the Yankees, after all. Pathetic.

Yawkey Way Hearing Features Both Sides Of The Issue

The Red Sox-inspired hearing before the City Of Boston Public Improvement Commission took place on Thursday. It drew speakers from both sides of the controversial issue—i.e, whether to expunge the Yawkey Way name and replace it with Jersey Street. In addition to the Red Sox attorneys, Walter Carrington spoke in favor of the change. Carrington had led the 1959 hearings into charges of racial bias held by the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. He stated, "It was clear from those hearings that the Red Sox policies were the policies of Tom Yawkey himself. During the time he was president of the Red Sox he was, if not an absolute racist, generally an enabler of racism." On the other side, former Red Sox pitcher Jim Lonborg argued against taking away the Yawkey name from the street in front of Fenway Park. Said Lonborg, "I personally saw a change in Mr. Yawkey from the 1966, '67, '68 seasons. I would like to see his legacy move forward from the time when I think he became a better man. I'd like you to consider keeping the name for all the good things he did later in life." There was no ruling given at the Thursday hearing.

Sing Petition To Stop Automatic 2B Runner In Extras

FenwayNation is taking the initiative to communicate fan opposition to the new minor league rule allowing the automatic placement of a runner on 2B in extra innings. Clearly, the implication is that the rule—if it flies in the minors— may be migrated to the the major leagues. Please read and sing the petition—which will be sent to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. Sign the petition HERE. (Photo credit: Getty Images)