Beckett's Back Beautifully Better

The Boston Red Sox received some much needed great news about their ace pitcher's back. Josh Beckett, the only 20 game winner last season, was moving much better than he was able to on Saturday. His back spasms were significantly less severe. Said his manager, Tito Francona...

"He actually looked way better than we anticipated," Francona said. "He was tested thoroughly. I think it has been pretty much determined that it's musculature in nature. His lower back is kind of in a spasm right now. We've got to ease that off and then get him back to doing what he's doing. It's probably a best-case scenario of what could have happened. As soon as this thing settles down, we'll get him back moving in the right direction. I think we're all relieved to see him moving around the way he was. I think HE was even surprised..."

Peter here. There is still a chance he won't make the Japan trip, however, but the club is smartly being cautious. The season is a long one and there are far worse things than missing one start. Plus a flight of that length is not good for anyone's back. Not a Boston to Tokyo jaunt of 13 hours or so (or longer).

In other news, it looks like Bartolo Colon's first spring start has been moved up to Thursday of this week. He will face the Devil-less Rays. Tito said this about that...

"We feel good about this," Francona said. "Nothing's a for-sure thing in this game. But I think we're feeling pretty good about the fact that he's in camp and going to help us."

Peter here. Colon is well behind the other pitchers in camp, and he will be limited to one or two innings maximum. Since he is only two years removed from his Cy Young Award season, it will be interesting to see what he can do. With his incentive-laden contract, it's a win-win proposition for the Sox. And that's good for everyone involved. Including us!

That's a wrap for this still dark Monday, the first day of the work week. I'll be back if there is any Sox news about ANYTHING. And click on this post's title for the Boston Globe's Red Sox Notebook, with news of Beckett, Matsuzaka's yesterday start and Colon's start to come. Have a wonderful day and as always, BE WELL. Any and all of your comments will be answered, but you already knew that! Thanks for stopping by yet again. I love ya!