No 'Fu' For Youk.

Oddly, I'd grown to kind of like Kevin Youkilis' new look. But, as is my luck, Youkilis seems to have decided it was bad luck and removed it from his face.

Use the Force.

Momentarily forgetting he's actually playing in Japan, Daisuke Matsuzaka contemplates the likelihood that his Godzilla impression will frighten the Aussies into submission.

Yesterday, Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched one and two-thirds innings in an exhibition game against Team Australia and was less than successful. In his first inning he struck out three but also allowed two hits (one of them a double.) In his second inning, he gave up two runs on three hits before he was given the hook.

Said Matsuzaka:

"As you could see, I have more than one or two problems. I want to reduce as many problems as possible. My fastball was the only positive I had. I will try to move up one stage, technically and mentally."

I don't like it. If he's really having issues, then he should be taking it slowly and focusing on fixing those issues, not trying to push himself to the next level.

Also:

"I threw with both strong and weak force."

I have no idea what that means.

A Little Ray of Sunshine.

Justin Masterson is one of the happiest people in the world. He seems to be generally thrilled with life and everything in it--except his beard but that doesn't worry him too much, he'll just get some Just for Men to darken it up. What's more important is that Happy promises to never change: "Justin Masterson is not changing. What makes me good is who I am right now, so that's where I want to stay." It's most excellent news.

Fine and Dandy.

First, some more video from the day game:



And then regarding the night game:

While not entirely pleased with the outcome of his 2009 debut, Tim Wakefield thought it went alright:

"I would like to have better results, but I felt fine. The shoulder felt fine. I think I need to work out the rust a little bit. It was the first time in a game facing hitters. I just need to work on some things."

I thought Josh Bard looked a little unsettled but Timmeh (always the gentleman) disagrees:

"It was fine. I thought he did a great job."

And lastly, it might have been Don Orsillo's fault (the man could make Harold Reynolds say intersting things) but Brian Daubach did a really nice job as the color commentator. It's too bad Dauber has a job because he'd make a nice addition to the NESN staff. He seemed to know who all the random guys were and had something to say about them; either he really knows his stuff or he memorized the media guide and was able to deliver his lines convincingly. He'd be right up there with Eck and Dave McCarty.

Kitten on the Mound.

Just can't wait for baseball? How about six outs from Josh Beckett from earlier today?

Sad News.

There will be baseball on my television set in a matter of a few short hours. Sadly, Jerry Remy will not be a part of that broadcast. He's not feeling well and won't be able to make it. Here's to hoping that he gets well by Sunday because part of the fun is not only seeing my boys again but also revisiting the rapport of Don and Jerry. They're like family.

One More Day.

The hairs a little bit thinner but I'll willingly sit through a Heidi Watney interview if I get to hear Don.

Get the Smelling Salts.

Fan-girls of the world will need to be scrapped off the floor as Jacoby Ellsbury threatens: "I think the whole package will be on display this year." (I may secretly be twelve-years-old.)

There's nothing too interesting in the video as Ellsbury steadfastly clings to his cliches but the gist: He feels physically prepared for the coming season. He plans to work hard. He didn't think the holes in his swing (and his susceptibility to the inside fastball) made him that horrible of a player last year. He plans on working hard. There's always room for improvement. He worked hard. He's relaxed. He likes batting lead-off. He thinks they have a great team that is solid one through nine, with an explosive offense. They also have a pleasing defense. He plans on continuing to improve by working hard. It's all about having fun. He likes his teammates, especially Jed Lowrie. He wants to get back to the World Series [Aside: That was a stupid question. Which professional baseball player is going to say: "You know what? I have no desire to play in the World Series."?] And he's ready for the season to start.

Tomorrow's Lineups, Today! or Let the Games Begin! (I'm Torn.)

That's right chickens: Baseball eve is upon us and as proof: lineups. Honest to God, lineups.

Red Sox vs. BC (1:05 p.m.)

1. Julio Lugo, SS
2. Rocco Baldelli,LF
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. J.D. Drew, RF
5. Chris Carter, 1B
6. George Kottaras, C
7. Jonathan Van Every, CF
8. Nick Green, 2B
9. Angel Chavez,3B

Scheduled pitchers: Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz, Kris Johnson, Junichi Tazawa, Felix Doubront and Daniel Bard

Red Sox vs. Twins (7:05 p.m.)
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
4. Jason Bay, LF
5. Brad Wilkerson, RF
6. Jed Lowrie, SS
7. Jeff Bailey, DH
8. Josh Bard, C
9. Gil Velazquez, 3B

Scheduled pitchers: Tim Wakefield, Justin Masterson, Manny Delcarmen, Javier Lopez, Ramon Ramirez, Billy Traber and Dustin Richardson

The Globe is a font of information today including the note that 7:05 games at Fenway throughout the season will instead be starting at 7:10.

I wonder if there's a special Lenten exemption for baseball--I'm fairly certain a case could be made for St. Abner of Cooperstown.

Home.

I suppose it's not really fair to make fun of the musical tastes of a fifteen or sixteen-year-old Kevin Youkilis. We all do stupid things when we're young and naive. But you can go ahead and put another tic in the "Kevin Youkilis is a tool" column. In the video (which was taken during yesterday's picture day) Youkilis reveals that the ring tone on his cellphone is Pearl Jam's Betterman. He also expresses an appreciation for Adam Sandler. I don't know which is worse.

I originally planned on skipping this video. Part of it, though, was asking the players which park they liked playing in besides Fenway; Pedroia likes the rally monkey, Ellsbury likes playing in front of his family in Seattle, and David Ortiz is appreciative of the short porch in Yankee Stadium. But the reason I changed my mind on the video was Jason Varitek's answer: "Besides Fenway, my favorite ballpark is Fenway because it's home." He starts off sounding like he's making a joke but then he gets to that last clause, his voice changes, and he sounds so sincere. It brought a little tear to my eye.

In His Wake.

Watch this at Boston.com

There aren't too many questions during this spring training. Besides a little bit of intrigue in the shortstop department and maybe a concern or two about the health of extra outfielders, the only spot really up for grabs is that of the backup catcher. Of course, with someone having to catch Wakefield it's not as easy a task to pick one as it might be otherwise.

Peter Gammons takes on the problem in the clip. He talks with Kottaras (which he pronounces "Cot-er-us" not "Co-tar-us" but he's probably right), Bard, and Wakefield.

Georgie K. says that the goal is:

"Just to relax and don't give a target because Wake's throwing to a general area. So just relax, keep the body loose, and let the ball come to you."

Bard:

"There's no really way to practice for it. There's only one guy in the world right now that throws a world class knuckleball. I think the biggest thing is just being aggressive, having the mindset of, you know, Red Sox Nation isn't on my back every pitch--if you miss a ball, you miss a ball and I just have to control what I can control."

And always the gentleman Wakefield chimes in with:

"I think everybody that I've thrown to already this spring is has, you know in my opinion, got the hands good enough to catch it."

Kevin Youkilis Hates Picture Day.

In an apparent protest against picture day, Kevin Youkilis showed up to practice this morning looking like this. Unfortunately for him, it didn't prevent them from taking his picture.

I suppose, given his new found job security, it isn't unexpected. It's not hard to imagine a nine-year-old Kevin holding up rabbit ears, much to his mother's chagrin, in his fourth grade class photo and thinking that it was the funniest thing. Hell, it's not hard to imagine him doing it now.

All Smiles.

Apparently, it's pick on Rocco Baldelli Day. What can you do?

Photos from today's workout:

Why is Jason Varitek smiling as he rounds third and heads for home? He's thinking about the ridiculousness of him being able to beat the throw to the plate if this were to happen in a game.

Mike Lowell is just happy to be Mike Lowell. Wouldn't you walk around with a similar expression on your face, if you had the great fortune to be Mike Lowell?

A twofer (because it's a thing of beauty.)

But when isn't David Ortiz smiling?

A baby-faced Dustin Pedroia can't keep it in.

Even the truly scary Julio Lugo can crack a smile.

It's a valiant effort, really. It's almost nearly close to being a smile. Good job Rocco!

Apologies to Rocco.

Rocco Baldelli sat down with Tom Caron on today's NESN spring training show. There was nothing too earth-shattering in the interview. But you know, Baldelli might get along really well with Amelie Benjamin. You know? And, apparently, it's infectious.

And yes, I know I should be nicer to him.

Multi-Sport Athletes.

Last year Mike Lowell ran away from the competition and took home the Comcast Sportsnet Golden Paddle Award in somewhat of a landslide. But it's a new year and Mikey couldn't participate because of the wonky hip. Who would be willing to take on Dustin Pedroia in this year's tournament? Who would do it for Mikey? Stepping into the void and attempting to fill the shoes of Mr. Lowell was Jed Lowrie. Sadly, besides having an alternately psychotic/goofy grin, Jed Lowrie must really suck at Ping Pong. He fell to Pedroia in what seemed to be a close game.

The event loses some of it's charm without the wit of Mike Lowell but it's still amusing viewing.

It's Difficult to Think of Creative Titles for All the Golf Related Posts.

The Red Sox Charity Classic Golf Tournament took place today. The Globe seems to think that the results of the event should be very hush-hush but they saw fit to provide video of the event.

Just a couple of things:

1. Never trust a rookie to hold one of those flag things (I don't really know much about golf.) When Francona is speaking Justin Masterson is standing behind him holding one and seems to be unable to keep it upright. First, he seems to come close to knocking Javier Lopez with it and then Jon Lester. Or perhaps it's a cunning plan to annoy his competitors into quitting so that Happy can be the winner.

2. I really did think that Jim Rice was going to approach the tee a la Lucy Ricardo in The Golf Game episode of "I Love Lucy." I really wish that there was a clip of the scene where Ricky teaches Lucy how to play golf because when you viewed in the right light (he really is a terrible jerk) it's very funny and this observation only makes sense if you know what I'm talking about.

3. Justin Masterson must wear his socks pulled all the way up out of habit.

Team Mexico.

For my own sake, I find it best to avoid the two (three now, if you count Merloni) dinks at Comcast Sports New England at all costs. The anger that the two of them incite isn't good for anyone. I will admit to liking Merloni when he was first on NESN but then he started telling me how I should feel and that was the end of that. I also recently had inexplicably fallen a little bit out of love with Jonathan Papelbon.

Part four of this video may have just fixed that right up.

Jonathan Papelbon took over for one of the dinks and asked Javier Lopez and Manny Delcarmen the questions. The interview somehow takes a turn and ends up being about Papelbon but there's some good stuff in there. For example, he needs a checklist to remind himself to put on his belt and to tie his shoes; and they may need to add putting on the correct jersey to the list. And he's very upset that Manny Del won't be representing Team Mexico in the WBC. That's right he thought Manny Delcarmen was Mexican.

Summer Reading List II.

This one is only Sox related in a very round-about way but it seems like an interesting book.

Odd Man Out tells the true story of a mediocre pitcher's year on the rookie league Provo Angels. With appearances by Erik Aybar, Prince Fielder, Howie Kendrick and Alberto Callaspo, it's supposed to be humorous and insightful. The writer, Matt McCarthy, is an old buddy of former beloved Craig Breslow (I told you it was a stretch)--they were classmates at Yale.

Besides which, Joe Posnanski likes it. I don't know that a baseball book could get a better endorsement than one from Posnanski:

"Matt McCarthy has written something here that will make you laugh a lot and, even more, bring you closer to the game. It's a terrific book, and a lot of fun."

Soundbite.

Baseball movie cliche: The protagonist is deflated, possibly defeated. Things aren't going his way. He's hit a roadblock and it might just be too big for him to overcome. But before all is lost, someone comes to him and delivers an inspirational speech. So moved by this speech, the hero is able to rally and achieve his goals.

Field of Dreams:

"Ray, people will come Ray. They'll come to Iowa for reasons they can't even fathom. They'll turn up your driveway not knowing for sure why they're doing it. They'll arrive at your door as innocent as children, longing for the past. Of course, we won't mind if you look around, you'll say. It's only $20 per person. They'll pass over the money without even thinking about it: for it is money they have and peace they lack. And they'll walk out to the bleachers; sit in shirtsleeves on a perfect afternoon. They'll find they have reserved seats somewhere along one of the baselines, where they sat when they were children and cheered their heroes. And they'll watch the game and it'll be as if they dipped themselves in magic waters. The memories will be so thick they'll have to brush them away from their faces. People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again. Oh... people will come Ray. People will most definitely come."

The Sandlot:

"Let me tell you something kid; Everybody gets one chance to do something great. Most people never take the chance, either because they're too scared, or they don't recognize it when it spits on their shoes."

Angels in the Outfield:

Maggie Nelson: My name is Maggie Nelson. I take care of foster kids. One of these boys is the child who can see angels. He could stand up right now and tell you what's going on and I'd know you'd just laugh at him. But, when a professional football player drops to one knee to thank God for making a touchdown, nobody laughs at that. Or when a pitcher crosses himself before going to the mound, no one laughs at that either. It's like your saying it's okay to believe in God, but it's not okay to believe in angels. Now, I thought that they were on the same team.

Hank Murphy: Is it your belief, ma'am, that angels play baseball?

Maggie Nelson: Since the all-star break, yes. We all need someone to believe in. Every child I have ever looked after has someone: an angel. You've got to have faith. You've got to believe. You have to look inside yourself. The footprints of an angel are love, and where there is love, miraculous things can happen. I've seen it.

Kevin Millar has no intention of joining the minor leagues if he doesn't make the Blue Jays roster out of spring training. Should that come to pass, however, he may find that he could have a career as a screenwriter. Says Millar of the Blue Jays chances of winning the east:

"You have to believe. You have to go out and compete and you have to go out there and believe you can win. I think that's what you try to do with a team like this that's got some good players. You look around, we've got some studs. In my opinion, they've got the best bullpen in the big leagues, having faced them the last few years. But I think you have to believe. If you don't believe, you're not going to win. But nothing stops this club from winning the East -- nothing."

If that isn't up there with the best of them, then I don't know what is.

Sit On It, Alex.

Just a couple of things before I shut my mouth:

1. Alex Rodriguez must think that we're all morons. Steroids weren't helping his performance but he continued to take them. Really? Of all the things you could have gone with, that's what you picked? Really? Well, he didn't even use them properly. Blindly sticking yourself with syringes is not a good idea; if you have no clue what your doing, you'll likely end up killing yourself. He was young and naive? He was twenty-five in 2001 and on his way to making millions of dollars. He could have fallen off terribly, Texas would still have had to pay him that ridiculous contract, and he could still have done a decent Scrooge McDuck impersonation. Why would you put that at risk?

2. Poor stupid, slow Andy Pettitte. (Who would've thought that I would ever say that?) I believed his hangdog expression last spring--I don't believe that by some miracle drug-testing is one hundred percent accurate and the two times he admitted to taking HGH last spring were the only two times he took it--he seemed genuinely sorry and like he really didn't know any better. Rodriguez didn't attend Andy Pettitte's press conference last spring. But for such a small fish to go through that--not that it wasn't any of his own doing--while a much bigger fish in Alex Rodriguez tacitly joins the ranks of his accusers must have been a slap in the face.

3. But "I made my bed and now I have to sit on it" is pretty damn funny.

One of These Things is Not Like the Others.

It was decided that Daisuke Matsuzaka should do his spring training work in Japan so as to avoid having him make that long flight too many times. This is video of him working out with the Seibu Lions, his former team. Keep your eyes peeled to see if you can spot him.

The Gambler.

Jonathan Papelbon is an idiot--but that's not news. He's also a liar but that's probably irrelevant. And he's, supposedly, a terrible poker player which may be relevant.

According to him, the contract dance went like this: He requested a four year deal. The Sox turned him down and instead offered two years and fifteen to sixteen million dollars-which doesn't make much sense given their history of trying to buy out free agent years (Papelbon would still have a year left of arbitration after that contract expired.) Papelbon then turned down the two years in favor of one year, $6.25 million; hoping, I guess, to get rich through arbitration.

But his actions don't make a hell of a lot of sense. He would have to win a $9.75 million contract for 2010 to break even. He's had shoulder problems. He was gassed at the end of last season. He should have taken the money and headed for the hills but says Papelbon:

"But I'm a gambling man, I guess. I already have a little security. What's the difference between $80 million and $100 million over the course of your career? I'm from Mississippi, man. Rent ain't too high in Mississippi, man. That's just me.''

What the gamble he's taking is, I'm not entirely certain.

Mmmmm, Pie.

(A little love for Worcester.)

I would hate to have to try to interview Josh Beckett; getting him to say anything even the slightest bit interesting seems to be like pulling teeth. But, apparently, Tony Massarotti knows the way to get him to open up.

Today, Massarotti asked him when he starts preparing for the season and Beckett replied:

"We usually start the day after Thanksgiving. Have a nice little Thanksgiving meal with some pie and everything and then start working out the next day."

Pie! Josh Beckett likes pie. I'm not a big fan of pie myself but the fact that I know some little trivial thing about him makes me glad.

An Open Letter to the Red Sox in Rememberance of St. Valentine.

If you want to win my affection, don't bring me flowers. And before the horticulturists get up in arms, I have nothing against flowers, per se. Flowers are nice. They're pretty and they generally have a pleasant scent. But the thing is, I don't have a vase. So they end up sitting in one of those cheap plastic cups that you get when you order a large soda at the movie theater-mine advertises the last Batman movie that came out. Plus, the cat usually ends up eating them anyway.

And don't bring me trinkets or tokens. I don't mean to sound ungrateful; I'm sure that whatever you've purchased was intended to be a sweet gesture. And while I'll thank you for the gift, I probably don't really want it. I have plenty of junk already. And, really, how many sad-eyed stuffed animals holding signs proclaiming your love does a girl need?

Nope. If you want to win my my affection, bring me baseball. Bring me the summer sun. Bring me Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy, Tom Caron and Dennis Eckersley. Bring me pretzels and beer. Bring me 7:05 starts and west coast road trips that make it nearly impossible to get to work on time the next morning by the time they're over. Bring me well-fought games and blow-outs--with the good guys winning, of course. Bring me overly generous strike zones and close plays at the plate. Bring me spectacular catches and towering home runs. Bring me jubilation and frustration; disappointment and disbelief.

Or chocolate-as long as it's not filled with coconut. Coconut is poison.

Who Cares About That Dumb Old Teddy Bear, Anyway?

Mike Lowell has a good rapport with Rob Bradford. Their relationship probably pre-dates the book they wrote together but it at least stems from that point. So it would make sense that if Lowell wanted to come clean, as it were, Bradford would be the one to whom he would turn. Which, coincidentally, is what he did.

Lowell talked honestly to Bradford about the whole Teixeira mess and said:

"I think it’s only human nature (to be upset) when you’re given the choice (to sign) in more than one place and you end up signing in a place where you proclaim to enjoy the baseball and everything and you look forward to being there for at least three more years,” said Lowell, referring to the three-year, $37.5 million deal he inked with the Red Sox after the 2007 season. “Then after one year, for there to be all this talk … the writing was on the wall."

I understand what he's saying. Last year at this time, everything was hunky-dory; everyone was happy. But then he got hurt and his age started to show. And suddenly there was a shiny new toy that they needed to have. Mike Lowell found himself cast aside, seemingly unwanted. Even for masochists, rejection isn't a pleasant feeling.


But I (and I don't think I'm alone in this) still whole-heartedly love Mike Lowell--just please, please be healthy.

Jason Varitek is Alive and Well and Living in Fort Myers.

It was not a pleasant off-season for Jason Varitek but he seems happy enough to be back.

Clown Car.

Happy Masterson continues on his quest to win over the world via adorability.

Video from Rob Bradford.

Wake's Take.

Tim Wakefield sat down to talk with the media today.

The gist: He's glad to have Varitek back. He's happy with the players the club has added, especially the pitchers. The person on Sons of Sam Horn who said that Wake was considering retirement didn't know what he was talking about--Wakefield never considered retirement. He'll miss Kevin Cash but he has faith in Josh Bard or if it Kottaras or Brown if that's what it came to. He also like John Smoltz. But he had this to say regarding Varitek:

"Words can't describe what Jason Varitek means to this club. To use the cliches, he's the glue that holds the ship together."

Say what?

I'm no shipwright but if I'm on a boat, I'd like to think that there's more than glue keeping it from sinking into the ocean.

Pins and Needles.

Tonight! Tonight!

At seven o'clock tonight-

I'll see you and the world will go away!

(I'll stop now. I think I did West Side Story last spring, as well.)

Tonight baseball begins on NESN! I've got nothing particularly intelligent to say about it but I am very excited.

Out and About.

The UMass Dartmouth Center for Marketing Research is holding their annual scholarship dinner on April 23 and this year's main attraction will be Mr. Carlton Fisk.Tickets for the dinner held at the Venus De Milo restaurant in Swansea are $75 (or $150 if you want to go to the VIP reception.) The dinner also includes a silent auction.

There's Always Next Year.

Jacoby Ellsbury is 0 for 2 when it comes to the Oregon Sports Awards and the Harry Glickman Male Professional Athlete of the Year. On Monday night, Jacoby again lost out to Brandon Roy of the Portland Trailblazers. Perhaps next year he'll be able to get on base more often so that he can use his blazing speed and have a chance. [Aside: The woman who won the female award could probably give him a run for his money on the basepaths. Kara Goucher is a middle and long distance runner not a sprinter but even so, going from her record time in the 1500m she would cover the distance of ninety feet in a hair over four seconds.]

A New Guy.

I think that I might like Takashi Saito. During his meeting with the media today he shared this story:

"Papelbon was one of the first guys I met when I came out here the other day, and I ran into him at the supermarket the other day and Penny was there also. Penny was explaining to Papelbon that I was Korean. I was saying, ‘I’m Japanese! I’m Japanese!”

Given that he seems to like Brad Penny:

“When I joined the Dodgers in 2006 [Penny] was there and on the field and off the field there were a lot of great conversations about baseball and about life. We have a great relationship and I’m excited that he’s here too.”

it amused me.

In college, I had a class with a Korean economics professor who made it perfectly clear that calling a Korean person Japanese or Chinese was a big no-no. Calling a Chinese person Korean or Japanese was even worse. But the biggest sin of all was calling a Japanese person Chinese or Korean. They're not huge fans of each other. [Aside: Dr. Kim was great; very funny. He had this theory about Asian and American cultures and the types of rice that they eat. According to Dr. Kim, Asians eat sticky rice: it's shorter grained-like Asians-and the grains stick close together-like Asians. Americans eat fluffy rice: it has taller grains-like Americans-and there is more space between the individual grains -like Americans.]

In Your Own Backyard.

Chris Carter didn't go far this winter. Apparently, he spent the winter down at Narragansett Beach in Rhode Island. He took up beach running and hitting the World Gym three times a day in an effort to tone up. He also ended up losing fifteen pounds, definitely a good thing--he was a terrible looking cheerleader.

Ay Caramba!

So, I'm just going to go ahead and guess that Josh Beckett didn't win his school's geography bee.

Huzzah!

A couple of weeks ago I was lamenting the loss of Jeff Goldberg's take on the Red Sox. So imagine my surprise when I was going through my e-mail and came across an alert for a blog entry written by Jeff Goldberg. It can't be, I thought. But it's true, Jeff Goldberg has a blog!

The Many Faces of Roger Clemens.

Knowing that one of my own beloveds might find his way onto the list, I'm trying very hard to temper my glee at the Alex Rodriguez story.

I also feel kind of bad for my cousin's husband. Born and raised in Vermont, he was a huge Roger Clemens fan--so much so that his two-year-old dog is called Clemens. When Roger left, Cousin-in-Law Tom decided that he was no longer going to be a Red Sox fan. He threw his allegiance to the Yankees and, as it turned out, it was good timing on his part. Recently I learned that his two favorite current Yankees are Andy Pettitte (hee!) and Alex Rodriguez (double hee!). I'm sure that there's a joke to be made about him only liking PED-users but I don't think he'd take too kindly to it--beside having the major character flaw of being a Yankee fan, he's kind of a humorless guy.

Tomorrow afternoon's (2/8) programming on the MLB Network might be perfect for him, though. At noon, a fire-balling twenty-three-year-old Clemens fans twenty Mariners. And then at 3:00, a paunchier thirty-three-year-old Clemens logs his last win as a member of the Red Sox and strikes out twenty Tigers in the process.

The Crack of the Bat.

Moving On.

Manny Delcarmen seems to have become NECN's go-to guy for an interview. Having arrived in Fort Myers on Monday, he showed up for a workout today and was grabbed for a sit-down. He insults John Smoltz, once again expresses his love for Jason Varitek, and says that he's looking forward to pitching in the new Yankee Stadium. And also shares a nice story about Mike Timlin. For the past couple of years Timlin kept telling him "You're going to take my job" and "I want you to take my job." At the end of last year Timlin let him know "You took my job."

Say it with me: Awwww.

Things That Make Me Happy.

I readily admit to having the softest of soft spots for Pedro Martinez. A happy Pedro being man-handled by David Ortiz is even better. Pedro is working out with team Dominican Republic in the hope that the WBC will function as a major-league audition for him. If he can be healthy, there's no one better than Pedro with a chip on his shoulder.

Also, Kevin Millar is apparently thisclose to signing a minor league deal with the Bluejays. There was, apparently, some discussion with the Yankees and the Mets about finding a place for Kevin and I'm really glad nothing came of that. It would be heartbreaking to see Millar in pinstripes. Possible reason he hasn't put pen to paper, yet? He was in Hawaii yesterday participating in the Ace Hardware Golf Shootout to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network.

That Didn't Take Long.

(Click to make bigger and to be able to read the labels.)

Mark Kotsay's back is not in good shape. He first went on the DL with a strained back in May of 2003 and missed sixteen games. He missed sixteen games of the 2005 season with back problems. He missed nineteen games in 2006 with back spasms. He started 2007 on the DL after having surgery on a herniated disc. He came back in June of that year but only lasted until mid-August when the pain came back and caused him to miss the rest of the season. He landed on the fifteen-day DL in May of last year and missed thirty-three games. So the news that his back has once again proved problematic shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.

Back on January 29, Kotsay had endoscopic surgery to remove a displaced disc fragment from his back. When a disc herniates besides the nucleus pulposus leaking into the foramen and aggravating the spinal cord; bits of cartilage, apophyseal bone, and anulus can also enter and float around in the spinal cord's space. It's likely that one of these bits of anatomical litter was removed from his back.

His surgeon performs Micro-Endoscopic Discectomy (neat little animation of the procedure here by clicking on micro endoscopic disectomy.) A tiny slit in his back, make the hole slightly bigger by pushing the muscle to the side, insert a light and a tool, grab the errant fragments, and close him up.

Because the muscle isn't cut, the recovery from the procedure shouldn't be too bad. It can actually be performed under local anaesthesia, as an outpatient procedure. The idea that he might be ready to go by some time in April isn't too out there of an idea.

Early Bird.

Woot.

Jon Lester has already shown up in Southwest Florida. I now know that I'm not the only one who finds Lester a little bit boring. The cameraman agrees with me and if not for him I might never have seen a close up of Lester's knees.

The gist: He arrives early so that he can get acclimated to the weather. He's very, very glad that Jason Varitek has returned. He feels good physically. He hopes to be more efficient at the start of the season (Please. Oh, please. Follow through on this one.) He'd like to sign a long-term contract but nobody, besides the reporter, has brought it up to him. Learning baseball is an on-going process for him and he's looking forward to talking to John Smoltz.

And things can be equal in different ways.

I Guess the Shoulder is OK.

John Smoltz's reputation proceeds him. And, as it turns out, it might not be an exaggeration.

On January 25, Smoltz (and teammate Julius Erving) won Michael Jordan's Celebrity Invitational golf tournament. This is the second time that Smoltz was part of the winning team at the event--he tied for first place in 2004 when he was partnered with Angie Everhart. He tied for second place last year. As his prize he received $20,000 which he donated to the Kings Ridge Christian School in Alphretta, GA. I suspect that the school was the one he mentioned having built when he discussed his love of Atlanta. Overall, the event raised $150,000 for charity.

Whoever put the team of Johnny Damon and Roger Clemens together must have a cruel sense of humor.

Baseball!

The World Baseball Classic does have something going for it: it brings us (almost) real baseball early. Team Dominican Republic held it's first practice today and there's photographic proof of David Ortiz's participation:

Albert Pujols wonder how someone who is, at least nominally, a first baseman could have such a shiny glove.

Cause for concern? Or a really big wedgie? (It's nothing to worry about, according to the caption he hadn't taken to the batting cage yet.)

Underwear fixed and all is well.

Celebration all around.

Even the fans are happy for him.

Lecture Circuit, Part 2.

Saturday night, Terry Francona headed down to the University of North Carolina (where, coincidentally, his eldest and his middle daughter take classes and play softball) to deliver the keynote address at the school's First Pitch Dinner for the baseball team.

Said Francona:

"Also for me, it's kicking off baseball season, which is an exciting time for all of us. I know the weather doesn't really look like it but you starting thinking warm thoughts and start thinking of spring training, and I know the college kids are thinking about starting their season. It's an exciting time of year."

Here. Friggin' here.

Also on Saturday night, Javier Lopez made a trip down to his Alma Mater, University of Virginia, for their baseball season kick-off dinner: Step Up to the Plate.