Eagle-Tribune Blogs: Burt Talks Sports

Here’s the real story from what happened on the day Manny arrived in camp … I didn’t go see an albino raccoon. Truth be told, it was the one day I could see my family on the other side of the state so the Manny drama was going to have to wait on this blog. But, with the posts of anticipation ringing in my head, I made sure I got a 4 a.m. wake-up call and drove from coast to coast in order to get some bloggerific material.

Upon my arrival I was greeted with the sight of Manny Ramirez strolling to the batting cages with Ino Guerrero at 8:15 a.m. I know it has been said before, but one of the facts we do know about Ramirez is that he works harder on his hitting than most. The nugget that I always remember were the eye doctors letting me see the workout Manny goes through to improve his vision. And, as they noted, it was totally his decision to come to them for extra help and ways to add extra work. I’m not saying it’s the only side of Manny, but it is a side.

The first spring training means a lot of things to a lot of people, perhaps most notably serving as the opportunity to get out of the cramped clubhouse that is the team’s minor league complex. But for Dustin Pedroia it represents how far he has come. If you remember it was on Pedroia’s very first swing in the Red Sox’s very first spring training game that he suffered a subluxation of his left shoulder (an injury similar to the one suffered by Jonathan Papelbon). He would miss the remainder of spring training, but since has undergone a dramatic transformation. Along with being 23 pounds lighter than at this time last year, he has also learned to remain faithful to the shoulder exercises which keep his shoulder joint tight. Again, having to stay on top of the shoulder exercises is the same challenge that faces Papelbon.

Some might wonder why the Red Sox drafted Nick DeBarr in the Rule 5 draft considering he has never played above Single A. One of the reasons is that DeBarr came back last season with the added enhancement that often accompanies those who undergo Tommy John Surgery. The righty had the surgery on April 18, 2005, was ready to start pitching again by last year’s spring training, and in the middle of last year found his fastball had jumped to 96 mph after previously topping out at 92. “They built me a brand new arm,” he said. In case you’re wondering how dramatic a jump it would be for DeBarr to enter the big leagues after topping out at Single A, he points to the fact that many of his former teammates - Chad Orvella, James Shields, and Brian Stokes - will all most likely be with the Devil Rays this season.

Also of note, DeBarr was actually the roommate of the second overall pick in the 2002 draft, B.J. Upton, in both players’ initial pro season. “He paid for the rent. All I had to do was pay for cable. It was great,” DeBarr said. Upton was fresh off a $4.8 million signing bonus. (Thanks to Ian for the correction on the dollar amount.)

Stopped roving minor league pitching instructor Goose Gregson to ask him about the progress of some of the younger top pitching prospects. He was quick to show the organization’s encouragement by referencing the numbers of minor leaguers in attendance in Fort Myers. The Red Sox sent out specific invitations to 40 minor leaguers to come early to spring training, with an open invitation to anybody else who would like to participate. A total of 70 have arrived, far and away more than any other year in recent memory.

Gregson talked glowingly of Bryce Cox, the draft pick from Rice University last season. Many feel like Cox could make the jump to the majors by the end of the year, and it’s not only because of his 93-94 mph sinking fastball. Gregson said that it takes a special guy to be the one to “shake the hand of the catcher at the end of the game,” by most accounts Cox could eventually be one to execute that task somewhere down the road. “He’s got great mound presence and great make-up,” Gregson said. “Combine that with his stuff and he’s a guy who could help you get to the end of the end of the game.”

An example of Cox’s resiliency game in an instructional league game, Gregson said, when he pitcher was asked to throw a change-up for the first time in a game situation. The pitch was rocked for a home run, but Cox kept on throwing it and has developed, by all accounts, a pretty good change.

Minor league pitching coordinator Ralph Truel wouldn’t say how Cox would be used initially, but would only add, “he will be pitching innings of value.” Last season he was used two innings ever two days.

Will get to questions on Tim Wakefield and Brad Mills after the workout (thanks for the patience). As for Jeff Natale (evidently the blog is big with the Natale fan club), I’m going to refer you to a fine story written by David Borges in the New Haven Register on the prospect: Click Here

In regards to the Kevin Youkilis “most discerning eye in baseball” comment, perhaps I was bit hyperbolic, but when you factor in he took more pitches per plate appearance (4.4) than any player in baseball last year it is probably not far off.

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