FORT MYERS, Fla. — Tuesday began with heavy downpours.
The hitters took batting practice in the covered cages. Mike Lowell took swings in a group with David Ortiz and Jed Lowrie. It marked the second straight day Lowell took swings in the cages.
Rain quickly moved out, and some starters and relievers threw off the mound, including Tim Wakefield, Jonathan Papelbon and Josh Beckett. Ten pitchers threw overall. Daisuke Matsuzaka was not in the group.
Terry Francona addressed the media, and is excited to get the preseason started and move past intrasquad games.
It was a smooth day from the manager’s perspective. The team went over signs in the morning, so the players are game-ready.
Bill Hall might play some right field this spring. The veteran has been taking balls in both the infield and outfield, and Francona mentioned that Hall could be a good option when facing lefty starters.
Mike Cameron could be ready to go as soon as Friday. While it depends on how the veteran center fielder feels, he would have to say he is completely healthy. Cameron has some lingering effects from a slightly strained groin but did take plenty of swings in cages in the morning.
There’s nothing new on Dice-K. He will continue his tossing regime and may begin some mound work, yet nothing is etched in stone.
