Boston 5 NY Yankees 3..Good Beckett News

The Boston Red Sox defeated the New York Yankees last night in Tampa by a score of 5-3. Boston used a very young lineup and that proved to be a successful move by manager Terry "Tito" Francona because it spared the veterans a long bus ride across the state and gave the young guns a chance to shine. And shine they did. After the game, he praised his players...

“I’ll take a two-hour bus ride to watch those young kids do what they did. Linares, the game that Iggy played at short, Tejada. They were worth the bus ride.”

Jose Iglesias, Boston's phenom-to-be shortstop, was on base three times, scored a run and was stellar in the field. Tejada was two for two and Linares was two for two with an RBI and two runs scored. Here's Tito again on his emerging star who will play most of the year over in Pawtucket. Iggy has quite a future in front of him and should be the long term Red Sox shortstop possibly starting next year. He's a gem. Here's Francona...

"You get in this atmosphere, I think he enjoyed himself immensely playing. I think it's a good learning process for him."

The atmosphere in Tampa was intense. A sold out crowd, three television networks and a horde of other media people made that atmosphere circus-like. The starting pitchers, Clay Buchholz for the good guys and Bartolo Colon for the pinstriped fiends, each went three innings and surrendered one and two hits respectfully. The Sox were up five to one until Tony Pena Jr. gave up New York's two runs in the ninth. Eamon Portice put out the fire and extinguished New York for good. And then it was time for the Good Guys to travel back to Ft. Myers on what was probably a happy and upbeat cross-state east to west journey.

In other Boston Red Sox news, Josh Beckett threw a 40 pitch bullpen session and declared himself ready for his Tuesday start. He's one of the vital keys to Boston's 2011 season, one that I hope will be remembered for a long time to come. Here's Josh...

“I think I’m right there. I wouldn’t have thrown that many pitches yesterday if I didn't feel great.”

"Right there" is a great place to be, Josh. Take it slow and easy and come out firing on Opening Day. Yes, I think he'll be pitching on that day. A comeback season ready to happen? Barring any injuries, yes, yes and yes again.

It's a warmish (32 degrees) early March morning here in north central Connecticut...finally. It's still dark because I woke up SO very early. And don't forget we turn our clocks forward just a scant eight days from now. Believe it or not, daylight saving (there IS no S in saving) time already.

You can click on the title of this post for more Sox news (including video) and I wish every one of you a great weekend. As always, BE WELL. See ya soon if not sooner.