Red Sox Spring Training Part 1

Spring Training has begun for the Red Sox and I have a few thoughts on the upcoming 2010 season, after having watched the 3-hour live broadcast of the first workout for pitchers and catchers this morning.

First, it is great to see Peter Gammons joining the NESN coverage. He is absolutely a class act and an encyclopedia of baseball knowledge. Also, what other Major League team broadcasts live from Spring Training on multiple days?

Let's talk pitching. I don't think any other team can touch the Red Sox 1-2-3 starters. Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, and John Lackey (in whatever order you choose) are the best 1-2-3 punch in baseball. If Dice-K is healthy (which reports say he is), followed by Clay Buchholz and/or Tim Wakefield (who made the All-Star team last year), there is no touching the Sox for starting pitching. Also, their bullpen is as deep as I have ever seen it.

I am struck by the fact that Victor Martinez is so impressed by Jason Varitek's generosity in working with him last season. Tek seems to have no open resentment toward V-Mart, who has taken over Tek's starting position. What other professional athlete would be so mature?

NESN did a nice segment on Gary Tuck, the Sox bullpen coach. I did not realize how lucky the Sox are to have him. Not only does he do a fine job working with the pitchers, but he is one of the premiere catching coaches, working with the catchers. They say he may be the Major League's leading expert when it comes to working with catchers. Lucky Red Sox.

One person I am going to follow in the minor leagues this year is young Red Sox shortstop Jose Inglesias. The Sox have high praise for this young athlete out of Cuba. They expect him to be the Red Sox shortstop of the future. I'm going to make it my duty to keep an eye on his progress throughout the year.

An interesting tidbit I was unaware of: John Lackey's wife is originally from Sanford, Maine. That might have played a role in his signing with the Red Sox this off-season. Interesting.

I also want to follow The Houston Astros this year. Their new manager is none other than former Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills. I have no doubt Mills will be an outstanding manager. The only question is whether the Astros front office is willing to give him what he needs for players.

I was also impressed with the number of position players who reported early in order to have a few extra days of batting practice and whatever else they can get in. I saw Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Yukilis, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jed Lowrie, Jeremy Hermida and Tug Hulett (a utility player who played a little bit with Kansas City last year). There may have been others, but those were the ones I noticed.

Coach Merrill's Prediction #1: Daisuke Matsuzaka will have a great year after being injured most of last year and he will win at least 14 games this season.

More predictions will follow in the days ahead.