Spring Thoughts

Oh, so much has happened since I last blogged, much of it encouraging, some of it frustrating, but all of it fascinating.

First and foremost, the A-Rod saga keeps getting more interesting, and I'm not talking about his ailing hip. Has there ever been a human being -- other than maybe John Wilkes Booth -- who has been so successful at creating a never-ending factory of negativity. Seems like just yesterday that I was snickering about his infamous mirror kiss. Literally, today, I am rolling on the floor laughing at his involvement in New York's famous prostitution ring. Apparently, it's all true, not just because the Daily News says so, but because text messages offer proof.

Second, and relating to the hometown team, many things have occurred that are worth mentioning. We have the Julio Lugo surgery, which opens the door for Jed Lowrie to open the season at shortstop. We have minor World Baseball Classic injuries to Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis. We have the continued healing of outfielder-first baseman Mark Kotsay. We have the occasional homerun being hit by Captain Jason Varitek this spring. We have the release of backup catcher Josh Bard and the anointing of new backup receiver George Kottaras, who just happens to be out of options (I read where some MLB executives feel that another shoe will drop, and the Sox may be on the verge of acquiring someone like Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Miguel Montero). We have, perhaps, the return to health (and shape) of very important starter Brad Penny. We have the continued spring success of starter Clay Buchholz. We have the steady health progress of third baseman Mike Lowell. We have a little competition for the temporary position of backup utility infielder (will Nick Green keep the seat warm for Lowrie?). And we wonder if veteran outfielder Brad Wilkerson will make the opening day roster or be shown the door in lieu of his astounding spring strikeout total.

We have seen the beginning of Lars Anderson and Junichi Tazawa, and see why Tazawa will surely be welcomed to the major leagues.

Other topics will be covered in upcoming postings, like some thoughts on the World Baseball Classic, the retirement of Curt Schilling, and my own spring training visit to Fort Myers. The MLB Network continues to provide outstanding coverage of spring games, and I can hardly wait for the nightly show when the season finally begins. It has been a long spring training, but apparently not long enough for the great Pedro Martinez, a man who is still unemployed.

Photo: Future Sox first baseman Lars Anderson in the on deck circle at the Red Sox Player Development Complex in Fort Myers.