Spring Training's First Red Sox Starters...And More

The Boston Red Sox, so far the team to beat in the AL East, have announced their initial starting pitchers for the games in Florida. Here they are. Of course, these guys will only pitch a couple innings to start with so we'll see many more each game...

Saturday vs. Boston College (1:05 p.m.): RHP Stolmy Pimentel, RHP Michael Bowden, RHP Jason Rice.
Saturday vs. Northeastern (6 p.m.): RHP Kyle Weiland, RHP Alex Wilson, LHP Rich Hill
Sunday at Twins (7:05 p.m.): RHP Josh Beckett, RHP Clay Buchholz, RHP Brandon Duckworth.
Monday vs. Twins (1:05 p.m.): RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka

OK, some familiar names, some not. But the thing I like to stress EVERY spring, before the season starts, is that everyone take it slow. Starting and relief pitching will be the reason the Boston Red Sox go far, far into October. Amen. I'm not finished yet on this warmish (26.2 F) Saturday morning.

Here's a feeling-good Dustin Pedroia...

“My biggest thing is to get out there, get in the flow of the game, make sure I’m healthy and feel good, and just see pitches. Just like any normal game. See pitches, get used to everything, and that’s it. It’s going to be fun . . . It has been a long time.’’

And Kevin Youkilis? He's also feeling great and can't wait to get on that baseball diamond. Here he is..

“I’m just ready to get back to playing baseball. I take it like I never got hurt, so I just go out there and play. There are no restrictions and no setbacks, so for me, it’s just about going out there and having fun and playing baseball. I think it’s a cool thing just to be able to go back on the field again. The only thing about being out is that when you don’t get to play baseball for a while you really realize how much you enjoy the game, and to get back on the field will be fun.’’

The Boston Red Sox are armed, deadly and ready to go. Are you? Have a great weekend and as always, BE WELL.