Obviously all the SoxFest chatter got me anxious for Spring Training and now that ST is here I'm wishing I could be in AZ! I'm ready to see what unfolds in centerfield, 2nd base, 3rd base and in the rotation. I'm antsy to watch Alexei at his normal spot (he had never played 2nd in his entire life until last year...for those of you who know how he played last year, that's pretty amazing!)
Rumor has it that Josh Fields is more than ready for 3rd. Joey Cora says he's really made huge jumps and the fact that he went to the coaches to ask to work out with them this winter shows what kind of heart this guy has. I don't expect him to be (defensive) Joe Crede but I'm excited to hear that Joey is spreading good news. If you will remember his offense was promising in his '07 stint in the big leagues, he needs more patience at the plate but I'm stoked that his defense is coming along (to his credit, he actually committed less Es than Crede did in his rookie year).
As far as #24 goes, yes, I'm bummed he's gone but it's no surprise. He can't get/stay healthy and his agent is the devil. I CAN'T BELIEVE he signed w MIN!! Are you kidding me? The DUMBEST thing I've heard in a long time. He used to get taken out of the line-up when we'd go to domes because the turf is so hard on his back. Someone tell me how this is going to work for him. I understand that this is a tough year for all free agents but he had other offers. I just can't believe he's going there! If they were out of that terror dome it'd be one thing but they've got another year. I don't get it and I don't like it.
I have come to the place where I understand that Paulie will most likely not leave despite the fact that his numbers will probably continue to decline. One glimmer of hope is that he has started working out much sooner than he ever has. It won't give him any speed but hopefully it'll help his offense.
2nd base: I've been thinking it'll probably be Getz but wondering if Fields wins 3rd and they feel that Dayan Viciendo is too good for AAA ball then would they think about trying him at 2nd? They are totally different jobs but they did it w Alexei last year and if he's just that talented....guess we'll wait and see.
It'll be good to see Q back in left. I hope he picks up where he left off last year and gets that MVP and HR title.
Centerfield. Centerfield will be interesting. Jerry Owens, BA and D. Wise, they will all put up a good fight and it's not their defense that will put them in the line-up. If it's Owens don't forget he had over 30 stolen bases in his rookie year--and only played 1/2 a year....
This year I have a particular interest in the #9 spot. Because I moved not only out of the neighborhood but also out of the state and the time zone I simply, but sadly, couldn't justify renewing my season tickets at the full 81 game level. I did, however, renew with a weekend package. With this change I moved seats. I now sit 6 rows away from JD. I love this guy. I have loved him since he got here. I'm on edge every time I hear a stupid trade rumor--even when my mind knows better and that it's just a rumor.
As for the mound...well, Buehrls is here, Danks is here and Floyd is here. I'm happy. Love Buehrls, Danks was ridiculous in game 163 and I think Gavin has finally found his way. Contreras is hugely ahead of schedule and has lost nearly 30 lbs.--wow! He's a guy who pitches with his heart on his sleeve, his performance on the mound is a direct reflection of his personal life: good and bad. Sounds like there's been a whole lotta good lately and I hope it continues because when he and that fork ball are on it's scary. Colon, well, we didn't give up much to get him. If it turns out, great, if it doesn't, it doesn't. His contract is based on incentives and that's the best thing for him.
I just bought my MLB package, it will be very strange to watch home games on TV, thankfully Steve Stone is moving out of the radio booth and into the chair next to Hawk.
So much to say and so little time to say it, I hope I'm able to sort this problem out a little better this year, if not, send me a note for motivation.