Papelbon Speaks Of Spring Training And That World Series Ball

Boston Red Sox pitchers and catchers have all reported to Fort Myers, Florida. Jonathon Papelbon had time to speak of his approach to spring training, and he also mentioned, rather casually, that his dog DID NOT eat that World Series baseball. Now that's great to hear. Here he is from EXTRA BASES...

"We're going to sit down and talk about my approach to spring training," Papelbon said, while at the player development complex this morning. "Last spring training I kind of took a starter's approach, building up arm strength and things like that. I think for the first few weeks I'll kind of be more on a starter's throwing program, so to speak. Then go back into pitching every day toward the end of spring training, things like that. It worked last year, so why not try it again this year?"

Peter here again, and with Pap's role clearly defined, his approach to the season of 2008 will be a different one. Gone will be the building up process for his arm that he went through last year in preparation for becoming a starter. He has become just about the best baseball closer in all of baseball, and we wouldn't have it any other way! And neither would he.

Theo Epstein also had time to speak out, but HIS subject was none other than Curt Schilling. In part, he had this to say, from the Hartford Courant...

"Curt's here in camp to work hard and rehab and do everything in his power to get back into position and help this team on the field," Epstein said. "The diagnosis process is really behind us. There were some bumps along the road because both parties care so much about the team and his career and doing what's right, but now that we're here in spring training, it's pretty simple: He's here to rehab and get back into position to help the club."
"It's way too early to put any kind of timetable on it," Epstein said. "It's just step by step. He's at the very beginning of the process. He'll be rehabbing and strengthening for at least six to eight weeks and then we'll see where we go from there."

Peter here, and that makes sense to me. It would be nice to get Schill back, even on a limited basis, by the All Star break. Will it happen? None of us know. But in the meantime, Curt's rotation spot will be deftly taken by Clay Buchholz, who will, in my opinion, become a national star in 2008. Waiting in the wings, just in case of an emergency (PLEASE NO!!) is Julian Tavarez. I hope the club lets Clay take over the vacant rotation spot instead of starting him down in Triple A. In fact, I'd say they'd be NUTS if they did that!

Hey, have a great Friday and a wonderful and safe weekend. And click on the title for the entire Hartford Courant article concerning our very own Curt Schilling. BE WELL.