As we hit the hay and get ready for another day in the land of chain restaurants and expensive hotels, here are some final thoughts:
1. Story you might want to check out in the Eagle-Tribune newspapers tomorrow revolves around Josh Beckett and his interesting take on what Daisuke Matsuzaka faces in terms of balancing his own pitching beliefs and relying on the diligence of Jason Varitek. As it turns out, Beckett had more of a difficult time finding that balance than previously believed. For more you will have to read the story.
A little while ago I did talk to Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell, who relayed a couple of interesting takes on what Beckett had touched on. Clearly one of the goals Farrell and the Sox are trying to accomplish in terms of helping Beckett is integrating his secondary pitches a bit more. Beckett actually threw his curveball a touch more last season than his average for his career, but used his change-up less (hint: this is a major theme of tomorrow’s story). Farrell also brought up the interesting point of how difficult it can be for players to change organizations, getting taken out of their comfort level. After talking to Beckett, this was definitely an issue last year.
2. In case you missed it, good-guy Jason Larocque won’t be back as the Red Sox bullpen catcher. Despite the players’ admiration of the former Harvard baseballer (remember, they bought him a brand-new truck last year), the Sox chose to go in another direction. Larocque wasn’t happy with the change, but, true to form, took the high road. Of note: He said because of his two-year stay with the Sox his first-born son will have a unique name, “Timlin.”
Tracked down the name of Larocque’s replacement. His name is Mani Martinez, he is 28-years-old and comes from the Cleveland organization. He started his journey as a member of the Indians’ baseball academy in Venezuela. After three years he was hired by Cleveland to serve as a roving minor league instructor.
3. Beckett is a pretty good trash-talker on the golf course.
4. I can’t imagine that anybody thought Jon Lester would be in as good a shape as he currently appears this early in spring training.
5. No, Matsuzaka doesn’t look overly portly. While I obviously can’t understand a word he utters, his overall vibe reminds me a bit of Beckett — competitive, gregarious, and seemingly pretty witty. In case you didn’t know the two pitchers’ birth dates are separated by just four months.
Will be back in the morning. Get any questions in early and I’ll track down any questions I need help answering as the day unfolds.
Clck here to read today’s column “Change is in the air for Beckett”
