My optimistic nature got the better of me and I find myself waiting outside the Red Sox minor league facility in Fort Myers wearing flip-flops in 50-degree weather. Oh well. It gives the opportunity to find warmth next to my computer. Some early-day observations:
– Good to see Gabe Kapler sprint out to the field … as a coach. His smile couldn’t have been any bigger.
– Got a chance to talk to prospect Edgar Martinez. The catcher-turned-minor league closer is a really engaging guy, although having to deal with the loss of his father to heart attack during the Portland Sea Dogs’ playoffs last year is still weighing on him. Atinencio Martinez was only 50-years-old.
– Potential closer Joel Piniero went out and played catch with fellow newcomer J.C. Romero. Semi-useless information warning: Piniero attended nearby Edison Community College in 1997. He used to drop by and watch Twins and Red Sox spring training games. The school no longer has a baseball program.
– Alberto Castillo, one of the candidates for a backup catcher position, has caught a knuckleball. He caught for Jared Fernandez in the last two Dominican Winter League seasons, using a first-base glove during games.
– There’s something reassuring about driving up to the complex and knowing that at least one player hasn’t arrived. If the Japanese media are lining the sidewalks than Daisuke isn’t the house.
– Josh Beckett had a press conference. Nothing new to report.
– J.C. Romero’s ultimate goal is to open his own hair cutting place (complete with video games for the kids). He was the team’s official hair stylist with Minnesota. He also won’t blame his performance last year on the World Baseball Classic, but did want to compare notes with fellow WBC participant Mike Timlin.
– Daisuke Matsuzaka was seen last night eating at Tim’s Magic Wok. He also played catch today, wearing a red glove, in front of the usual throng of media onlookers. At last check, he is still a mere mortal.
– Terry Francona and Theo Epstein are speaking in about 30 minutes, will update.
Again, any questions please post and I’ll track them down as the day unfolds ..
