What’s your favorite Nomar Garciaparra memory?
–Sandy, Falmouth, Mass.
Actually it is a combination of many. Mostly for me, it’s on a personal level. He was one of the core guys that I knew when I arrived in Boston that made my arrival a comfortable transition. He and I were together in Pawtucket in 1996 before he burst onto the scene. He was obviously a huge star by the time I reached the majors and he welcomed me as did many others who took the same path to Boston. His welcoming of me made things much easier for me after spending so many years in the minor leagues.
What’s the latest on the Josh Beckett contract negotiation talks?
–Aaron, Carpenterville, Ore.
If you believe what reports have surfaced, the two sides are talking and some say are close. I am not sure if gets done before the season starts, but no doubt the game changed when the Red Sox signed John Lackey for what they did. It sort of set the bar for Josh Beckett as to what to ask for, but it also allowed the Red Sox to now fall back on Lackey if Beckett’s contract request becomes unmanageable.
Beckett is going to ask for at least what Lackey got, and one wonders how much and how long will the Red Sox be able to go. The other issue will be the language. Sounds like some of the newer contracts have had clauses tied to health issues and some players have agreed and others have not. I am guessing Beckett would not. We’ll see.
What was like to see Jason Bay in a Mets uniform? Do you think the Red Sox can make up for his production in the lineup?
–Kirsten, Somerville, Mass.
For some reason, I always felt like he was not going to be here for long. I cannot explain it, but I always felt as if he was going to go where the best deal was and it was not likely going to be here. I guess that's maybe because of the way the negotiation period kept being pushed off last year and in the end never got done. So I think we have had a long time to imagine him in another uniform. I like Jason Bay as person and player and am still amazed that Theo Epstein was able to get a player of his ilk when the situation to move Manny Ramirez was inevitable and everybody knew it.
I do think the Red Sox can make up for his loss, but it will take the combination of a few things coming together. I am hopeful that Adrian Beltre, Mike Cameron and Marco Scutaro can take advantage of their new opportunity and lineup to provide some more thump than they have in the past few years.
How does Jacoby Ellsbury look playing left field, and how is he hitting this spring?
–Eric, Taunton, Mass.
I sat down with Jacoby on Thursday at City of Palms Park, and we talked about his transition to left. He really felt had it been the reverse — from left to center — that it would be a much larger task. This is easier and, as he pointed out, is hopefully going to take some of the burden off his legs and make him more rested to do what he does best. It is still amazing to think that he stole 70 bases last year. The term "game-changer" is overused I think, but Ellsbury really is one. He gets on and things happen, forcing a chance in approach from the opponent. So far, his spring hitting-wise is where you would want him to be.
Will Ryan Kalish see any major league action this season?
–Theresa, Portland, Maine
That's hard to say. Last year, I would never have expected to see Josh Reddick, and he ended up in 27 games for the Red Sox. It really depends on the injury status for the Red Sox throughout the year. From what we have seen of Ryan Kalish, he would be a viable candidate. We saw him briefly last spring, but this is his first official invite to Major League camp. He also was asked to Boston this past offseason to participate in the Red Sox' rookie development program, which is always a pretty good indicator of how the organization views your future.
