While other sports have demanding schedules that can span over a long period of months, there’s not much that can measure up to the day-in, day-out grind of baseball. It can be difficult to stay focused 162 games each and every time, but it’s something that best in the game can learn to adapt to.

That’s not just about ballplayers, though. Everyone around the game has to find ways to stay fresh and keep loose during what can often feel like a long season. When working on the field with the Red Sox or in the booth with the likes of Jerry Remy, however, the time tends to go by a little bit quicker.

What’s the best thing about always being with the team?
–Tyler Maheu

I would say relationships with the players and coaches. Once they realize you are there day in and day out, you seem to gain a familiarity with them and it seems to increase year by year. Getting to know each person’s personality as well as knowing him well helps formulate your in-game perceptions and calls as well as knowledge of situations that others may not know.

How long have you been in the broadcasting business? If you hadn’t gotten into broadcasting what would you be doing?
–Tracey Tavares-Mayer

This is my 23rd baseball season. When I graduated from Northeastern University I started in Single-A ball with the Pittsfield Mets in the New York-Penn League. I spent two seasons in Pittsfield and then moved up to Double-A Binghamton in the Eastern League. From there, I spent five seasons in Pawtucket, R.I., with the PawSox at Triple-A, and then I went to Boston in 2001. Also, during the winters from 1991-1996, I did Springfield Indians/Falcons AHL hockey. Not entirely sure what else I would have been doing. Maybe public relations.

Did you ever take voice classes?
–Jonathan Edson

No, but I wish I did. So many in our profession do and I never did. Northeastern provided me with lots of communication skills but I really wish I had some sort of voice training. I know it takes spring training to kind of build up and then I seem to stay level into August when sometimes I think it affects my voice. I think had I been properly trained there, it would strain less late in the season.

Are the Red Sox going to continue the way they’re playing after the All-Star break? 
–Ruperto Perez

I think so. As I said last week I am pleasantly surprised by this edition of the Red Sox. I think I underestimated how good this team could be. They are deep and their pitching has given them the opportunity to be in the mix all season. I am excited about what lies ahead.

Which Red Sox player needs to step it up the most offensively?
–Evan Gadarowski

Jacoby Ellsbury I guess would be the obvious choice. I know he will play better in the coming weeks. I think some people feel he is putting too much pressure on himself in a contract year and maybe he is. He is far too talented of a player not to hit and do all the things he does that can instantly change a game. It is just a matter of time, I believe.

Favorite Jerry Remy moment?
–@ZachDonegan via Twitter ‏

That is easy. We always wear golf shirts in extreme heat places late in the summer, but we had a producer who decided that we should be dressed more formally even in high temps. So Jerry decided to take it the max and got a tuxedo to wear for the entire game. I could not even look at him during the open without cracking up.

Have a question for Don? Send it to him via Twitter at @DonOrsillo

The Red Sox have followed up their 3-9 stretch with a five-game winning streak, which included a three-game sweep of the Twins in Minnesota. Suddenly, Boston looks like the team that started off the season among the American League’s elite, and that has put a stop to the brief hysteria that was starting to settle in throughout Red Sox Nation.

There are still questions, though — there always are. And it just so happens you fired some of those pressing questions in my direction this past week. Let’s take a look, shall we?

Are the Red Sox a playoff team?
– Kelsey Beauvais

Nice. Let’s kick off this mailbag with a question that’s straight and to the point. After all, isn’t a playoff berth — and eventually a World Series title, of course — all that really matters at the end of the day?

Well, Kelsey, if you asked me this question on April 1, I would have told you, “no.” (Check out somewhere within the Twitter feed, if you don’t believe me.) I thought the Red Sox would be a lot more competitive than many people expected, but I also thought the American League East was too deep for them to earn a playoff berth.

Let’s just say my tune has changed.

There were two reasons I thought the Red Sox would at least be competitive: Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz. And coincidentally, they’re the biggest reasons I now think the Red Sox are a playoff team. The tandem might not keep up its current pace, but it’s a two-headed monster that’s difficult for any opponent to deal with. If the rest of the rotation can be respectable, there’s no reason the Red Sox can’t be contenders come September and October.

I also think that the other teams in the AL East have some issues, which could ultimately help the Sox get into the postseason — whether it be via a divisional crown or a wild card berth.

The Yankees have battled through injuries, but you have to wonder if they’ll eventually falter, especially if the rotation doesn’t stay healthy. They were dealt a blow when Andy Pettitte went on the 15-day disabled list, and while that injury doesn’t appear serious, it really shows just how thin of a tightrope the Yankees are walking.

The Orioles’ offense has been potent, but I still think their rotation will lead to their demise. The Rays are dealing with a major issue when it comes to their ace, David Price, who has been placed on the disabled list after an awful start to the year. And the Blue Jays are an all-around train wreck.

The Red Sox, obviously, have some issues of their own, but I think they’re much more talented and much deeper than a lot of us gave them credit for before the season.

What is the status of Ryan Kalish? With Daniel Nava’s contributions, do they expect Kalish to still contribute with the Red Sox, or is he minor league-bound?
– Wesley Hoag

Ryan Kalish is somewhat of a forgotten character in the Red Sox’ mix right now, which is unfortunate, because I’ve always been a fan of Kalish’s game. I’d be very surprised, however, if he makes any major contributions at the big league level this season.

Kalish, who had offseason shoulder surgery, has been working down in Fort Myers — both physically and mentally, according to MassLive.com’s Evan Drellich. The hope is that he’ll be able to start swinging soon, and then at that point build up enough strength to start playing in games. All indications are that he’s progressing nicely, but the whole swing thing will be a huge step, as that’s where his injury was detected.

Perhaps if all goes well, Kalish can come back and be a nice outfield bench option when the rosters expand in September, but he’s most definitely minor league-bound when he’s first ready for game action. Kalish’s situation doesn’t have any impact whatsoever on Nava, who has been one of the Red Sox’ better players this season.

What is your opinion on Major League Baseball switching over to safer, softer baseballs — like children use? It would reduce injuries from players being hit with the ball. This would also make it far safer for spectators and enhance their experience at the ballpark. At the end of the day, it is just a game. No one should have to risk injury when it can be prevented. Looks to me like a no-brainer. Player safety “MUST” be made a priority. Sounds like progress to me.
– Anthony

Somebody get this guy a Shirley Temple.

Hey Rick, enjoy your stuff! Do you think it’s time to take Felix Doubront out of the starting rotation and make him the long reliever? Allen Webster needs a shot to start.
– John Lee, Colonie, N.Y.

Felix Doubront, in my opinion, is one of the most perplexing issues the Red Sox face right now. It’s not often that you see a pitcher’s velocity drop and his swing-and-miss ability essentially evaporate without any physical issues whatsoever, yet that’s the current situation with Doubront. John Farrell has said multiple times that the left-hander checks out fine physically despite a major decline in his overall stuff.

Doubront walked a tightrope last season because of his inefficiency and lack of command, but he survived more often than not. This season, that tightrope has become even thinner, and it seems like the Red Sox’ patience has as well.

For now, I think the Sox will continue to try to iron out the issues that are plaguing Doubront, who continuously racks up walks and teeters on the edge of disaster. But as I said in last week’s mailbag, I wouldn’t be shocked if Allen Webster ends up in the starting rotation by season’s end. If Webster pitched well in his second major league start on May 8, then we might not even be having this conversation, because the job could have been his. Webster’s rough outing essentially bought Doubront more time, and now it’s up to the lefty to show he still belongs in the Red Sox’ rotation.

If Doubront doesn’t right his ship, fails to find a rhythm, keeps walking an absurd amount and throws 15 million pitches through four innings each time out, then I agree that the Red Sox absolutely have to consider doing something. The difficult part is figuring out what that “something” is.

Doubront is out of options, meaning he’d have to pass through waivers in order to be assigned to the minors, so the long relief route that you suggest isn’t far-fetched. There aren’t many more true long relievers in the game today, but perhaps Doubront could assume some sort of role in the bullpen.

Is that ideal? No. But neither is Doubront’s performance thus far.

How come in every article — whether it’s written by you or Ian Browne — every time before John Farrell’s name you write “Red Sox manager?” Is this really necessary? Don’t you think everyone knows who John Farrell is by now?
– Jefferson, Worcester

You win, Jefferson. I’ll stop.

How’s Jose Iglesias doing in Triple-A?
– Taufiq Ramadhan

Short answer: not so hot.

Iglesias has struggled at the plate, and he was benched for three games recently for behavioral issues. PawSox manager Gary DiSarcina says he thinks Iglesias learned from the benching, but we’ll need to see how this whole thing plays out.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Cornerback Logan Ryan, who was selected in the third round, became the third Patriots player to sign with the team on Thursday. Ryan confirmed the deal with an excited Tweet about his new deal.

Contract signed!! officially a New England Patriot.. Nothin but Football on my mind #focused—
Logan Ryan (@RealLoganRyan) May 16, 2013

Ryan, a standout the past two seasons at Rutgers, joins a crowded cornerback group that includes veterans Kyle Arrington, Marquice Cole, Alfonzo Dennard, Ras-I Dowling and Aqib Talib. Ryan also joins his fellow Rutgers rookies, linebacker Steve Beauaharnais seventh round) and safety Duron Harmon (third round) as the first three under contract.

His contract should be similar to Harmon’s four-year, $2.7 million deal, as they were picked just eight slots apart. Ryan should get a bit higher in total value and something similar to Harmon’s $533,600 signing bonus.

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

Thumbnail Photo via College Press Box

The Red Sox have struggled to get both as of late, thanks to injury and ineffectiveness.

Don Orsillo addresses that and more in his weekly mailbag.

Don, what is your favorite memory as a Red Sox announcer?
–Kevin McNeely

I actually have a new one this season. The first game back at Fenway after the Boston Marathon tragedies. The three-run home run hit by Daniel Nava in the eighth inning vs. Kansas City. Emotions had been running high in the city and at the ballpark that day, and it was such a great moment.

What kind of music do you like?
–Kim Eldridge

I am all over the place on music preference. No. 1 for me is Dave Matthews. However, I like James Taylor, Eddie Vedder, Kenny Chesney and classical or opera.

What do you watch on TV besides sports?
–Kim Eldridge

I’m a huge Anthony Bourdain fan. I loved No Reservations on the Travel Channel and his new show on CNN. I love to cook, and I love to see the way people cook from all over the world. Otherwise, I like all the CSIs, Criminal Minds, Mob Wives and Larry David.

Do you think the Red Sox are a playoff team?
–Kelsey Beauvais

I did not think so in spring training, but I do now. This team is better and deeper — health willing — than I thought. I think anytime you have two guys as good as Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz at the front of your rotation, you are going to be in good shape. I think that Will Middlebrooks and Stephen Drew are both going to be hitting better in the near future, and I do think they could be a postseason team.

What do you like most about this Red Sox team?
–Taylor Chick

The guys on the team. This is as likable a team as we have had here in some time. All of the additions have been great character guys who can play on this stage, and I look forward to being around them as a group every day.

Don, how do you feel about the bullpen this year? Do you think they’re doing what they need to do?
–Kat Drago

I felt better about it a week ago before Joel Hanrahan and Andrew Bailey both were injured. Now everybody has changed roles and innings, and clearly they are not as deep as they were. Hopefully Bailey can return soon, and setup roles can return to some semblance of normalcy.

Will Felix Doubront remain a starter, or will he be in the pen?
–Ricky Kendall via Twitter, @RickyBobbyyyy4

I think he will remain a starter at least for the near future. I think Allen Webster‘s tough outing sort of cemented his spot for now. I think if Webster had been as effective as he was in his first start, the spot could have been his. I think Felix needs to work faster and try to find his velocity again. He has been tough to figure out. His velocity is down, and he is having trouble putting guys away, but by all accounts, he feels healthy.

That’s the million-dollar question in Boston right now, as the Red Sox, who began the season in a big way, suddenly find themselves in the midst of a rough patch. Every team goes through some struggles over the course of a 162-game season, but the whole situation has some Sox fans wondering where exactly this team is headed.

Are the Red Sox more like the team that started off the season as one of baseball’s elite, or are they more like the team who has gone 2-8 over the last 10 games while losing its division lead?

In this edition of the baseball mailbag, I dive head first into such hot-button questions. Let’s not waste any more time then.

Why is the Red Sox’ slump happening? They are too good for this, don’t you think?
– Little Vivian

The Red Sox are undoubtedly better than they have been over the last 10 games. That’s not saying much, as they’re just 2-8 in that span, but they’re far too talented for a stretch like this.

The Red Sox’ current slump is due to a combination of things. Some guys are banged up, the team’s overall pitching isn’t quite as consistent as it was in April and the defense has been extremely shaky at times. But the biggest thing plaguing Boston right now is the team’s lack of situational hitting.

It seems like we keep seeing the same thing each game during this rocky stretch. The Red Sox’ offense, which is built on making pitchers work and producing baserunners, does its job from that standpoint. Capitalizing on scoring chances has been a different story, though.

All too often, the Red Sox find themselves stranding runners, which kills a team’s offensive momentum. During their three-game series against the Blue Jays, the Boston offense left 25 men on base and went 3-for-36 (.083) with runners in scoring position. It’s no coincidence they dropped two of three. Even when the Red Sox have won games, though, they haven’t been opportunistic, and that’s something that forces the team’s pitchers into high-stress situations.

It’s tough to put a finger on why exactly the Red Sox haven’t been cashing in with runners on. Perhaps guys are pressing a bit, although there isn’t too much to indicate that’s the case. Manager John Farrell has one theory.

“As much as we cashed in in the month of April, it may be cliché, but things are evening out,” Farrell said after Sunday’s game.

Maybe Farrell is on to something, in which case we’ll see the team’s offense turn things back around real soon. Until that happens, though, the Red Sox are going to find themselves in some dogfights, no matter how good the pitching is.

Why didn’t John Farrell bunt in obvious situations late in the game on Saturday? It’s the same old Red Sox mentality without the productive lineup. This team has to scratch for runs and needs a manager that can adapt to the team he has, not one he wishes he has.
– Warren Wetherbee

I assume you’re talking about the ninth inning, when Will Middlebrooks led off with a double with the Red Sox down one run. Looking back, bunting with Stephen Drew — who lined out to the shortstop — was certainly something Farrell should have strongly considered. Moving the tying run to within 90 feet of home plate with one out in a one-run game is something that’s hard to pass up. It opens up the possibility for a sac fly, and I think going down that route would have made sense with the No. 9 hitter at the plate.

That’s my opinion, although I don’t blame Farrell in any way for Saturday’s loss. It all boils down to a lack of execution. As for why Farrell didn’t bunt, here’s what he had to say when asked about it after the game:

“No, because with the lefties up [Drew, Jacoby Ellsbury, Shane Victorino] at a minimum I didn’t want to take the bat out of his hand. [Drew has] been driving runs in this month. He’s been in a pretty good place. Even if he pulls the ball on the ground, it’s going to serve the same purpose to move the runner over at minimum. Unfortunately, the 2-0 cutter gets up and in and he jams him for the infield popup. I thought with the three left-handers coming we’ll take three shots at it.”

My mom loves the Sox! Does yours?
– Eric Bam

She sure does.

Do you think the Red Sox should’ve kept Jonathan Papelbon?
– Kim Eldredge

It’s funny you bring that up, Kim. I wrote about the exact topic on Sunday, had some back-and-forths about it on Twitter and even had a lengthy conversation with a couple of friends. Looking at the Red Sox’ current closer situation, yes, they would be in much better shape right now if they re-signed Jonathan Papelbon. That being said, I thought the team’s decision to move on from Papelbon was the right one at the time it was made. Therefore, I don’t think the club should be criticized for not re-signing Papelbon.

The Red Sox have been aggressive in trying to find a successor to Papelbon. Andrew Bailey, Joel Hanrahan and even Bobby Jenks (who was signed the season before Papelbon left town) were all brought in with high expectations, but the whole thing just hasn’t panned out, mainly because of injuries. It’s unfortunate for the Red Sox, but it’s the nature of sports.

The Red Sox let Papelbon walk because they didn’t think it made sense financially. And in my opinion, $50 million over four years is way too much to pay a relief pitcher, so I don’t fault them at all for trying to go in a more cost-efficient direction. Looking at the numbers now, the Sox didn’t save all that much money, but let’s keep in mind that Hanrahan was brought in mainly because there was some unpredictability surrounding Bailey entering this season. If Bailey stayed healthy and productive in 2012, the Sox probably wouldn’t have signed Hanrahan, the financial particulars would be different and the conversations nowadays regarding Papelbon’s departure would be much tamer.

It’s easy to look at the Red Sox’ situation and say, “They should have re-signed Papelbon.” We should just remember that we now have the benefit of hindsight, though.

Click here to read more about this topic >>

Is David Ross related to Cody Ross?
– Keith William Antonevich

Nope, no relation. There is a little bit of a resemblance there, though, don’t you think? They look a little bit alike, and they’re a couple of well-spoken guys.

I notice a lot of batters — like Jacoby Ellsbury — turn their back pockets inside out. I can see that while batting, as it makes them take up more space for a hit by pitch. But once on the bases, doesn’t it seem like more space makes for an easier out by having more surface area to tag?
– Lance, Bakersfield, Calif.

Lance, I’d love nothing more than to give you an exact reason for why players turn their back pockets inside out. But the honest truth is that I have absolutely no clue why some players do it.

ESPN.com’s Uni Watch actually took a long look at this phenomenon a few years ago, and it’s a pretty worthwhile read. Basically, there doesn’t really seem to be any definitive reason for what Uni Watch calls “flappage.” Maybe players do it for the reason you mentioned — easier to get hit by a pitch — or maybe players simply don’t realize the pocket is inside out after grabbing their batting gloves.

Whatever the case, I think it looks kind of dumb. I’m no style aficionado, though, so what do I know?

Why won’t MLB face the fact that there’s an umpiring problem and deal with it? (I know the answer, by the way.) Also, when are the Red Sox going to buy pitching or trade a prospect for effective pitching?
– Jill Jankoski

Oh, umpires. Generally, I give the boys in blue the benefit of the doubt. An umpire’s every move is under immense scrutiny, and I can’t imagine having to deal with some of the things umps do. That being said, the umpiring sucked last week. Then again, I’m not saying anything everyone didn’t already know.

In my opinion, Major League Baseball actually handled last week’s debacle quite well. Suspending Fieldin Culbreth and fining the rest of the crew of Thursday’s Angels-Astros game sent a message that the league isn’t messing around, and that was something that needed to be done. So in that sense, the league is dealing with the problem, although I’m not sure if that’s the answer you were looking for.

Click here to read an opinion about Culbreth’s suspension >>

As for the Red Sox going out and acquiring pitching, I wouldn’t be shocked if they added a reliever at some point before the trade deadline, perhaps sooner rather than later. The bullpen is still strong, but you could always use horses back there, and with Joel Hanrahan going down, there is suddenly a need for another arm. They could also look into adding a starter, especially with Felix Doubront’s recent issues, but the more likely scenario is that rotational help comes from within.

What are the chances we see Allen Webster become a regular in the starting rotation this season?
– Kyle Arnold

There’s a lot to like when it comes to Allen Webster. The 23-year-old has electric stuff and a ton of potential. He’s still developing, though, so there are going to be some rough patches, which we saw on Wednesday, when he surrendered eight earned runs and didn’t make it out of the second inning in his second big league start.

The ideal scenario for the Red Sox would be for Webster to continue pitching at Triple-A Pawtucket for most, if not all, of this season, and then have the right-hander show up to spring training ready to compete for a rotation spot in 2014. But given Felix Doubront’s current issues and the fragility of John Lackey, there is a very realistic chance Webster ends up being a regular in the starting rotation by the end of this season.

Doubront’s velocity is down, and his effectiveness has suffered as a result. The Sox haven’t been able to find anything wrong with him physically, but their patience could start wearing thin. When it comes to Lackey, or anyone else for that matter, there is always the potential for an injury issue to arise. That would immediately enter Webster into the equation.

The Red Sox clearly have a ton of faith in Webster, and he’s essentially the team’s sixth starter right now. If he ends up in the rotation this season, it means something else probably went wrong, but it’s absolutely a possibility.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here. 

The Pats addressed some of their biggest needs during the draft, adding a pair of wide receivers, a coverage linebacker and some solid depth in the secondary. But, even with all the new additions, New England still has a few glaring needs heading into next season.

First and foremost on the list should be finding a situational pass rusher to pair with young budding star Chandler Jones and help spell Rob Ninkovich in some situations. The top man for that job continues to be John Abraham but, for a few reasons, the sack specialist still hasn’t signed on the dotted line.

The other obvious hole is on the offensive line, where center Ryan Wendell played the most snaps in the NFL in 2012 and right guard Dan Connolly could use some depth behind him. So, with just one roster spot left up for grabs, adding an offensive lineman might make the most sense.

Well, I’ve got a mailbag to fill and about 1,000 words to spare. Let’s field some questions and see if we might be able to hit on all the core issues with the Patriots and around the NFL.

Do you think the Patriots are done on the free agent market? Also, whatever ended up happening on the John Abraham front?
– Joe Cardaropoli, Agawam, MA

Well, Joe, the Patriots still have one open roster spot left before they get to the 90-player maximum, so they should be adding another player in the coming days to fill things out. Former Cowboys running back Felix Jones was in for a workout on Thursday, as were veteran guards Rex Hadnot and Antoine Caldwell, which makes for three interesting possibilities.

The other big name option, as you mentioned, is John Abraham. There were obviously rumors about him signing with New England when he was in for a visit in March, but the hot stove has cooled off since. Abraham has visited with a few teams since then, including the Titans, who are seriously considering signing him.

He is a clear fit with the Patriots, even after picking up hybrid linebacker/defensive end Jamie Collins in the second round of the draft, but it seems playing time is the issue. At 35, Abraham isn’t quite the same player he once was and the Patriots probably slated him in as more of a third-down/situational rusher rather than as a starter like he prefers.  If they can narrow that playing-time gap, I think the Patriots would benefit immensely. But that’s still a big if.

What are the odds of the Patriots acquiring Tim Tebow? I’m letting my imagination fly seeing Bill Belichick doing it for the sake of screwing the Jets in both games. Anyways, greetings from Mexico. There is a tremendous NFL fan base down here. Hope one day the league installs a team here.
– Ruben Rammstein, Monterrey, Mexico

Ruben, I’m glad to see you’re following along so intently from down in Mexico. Just as a note to your second point, the NFL has taken an interest in Mexico in recent years, even though they haven’t played south of the border since the 2005 season. I wouldn’t be surprised to see another game played there in the near future.

As for team Tebow, the recent rumors about Belichick “hating Tebow as a player“ make it seem extremely unlikely that he would wind up in New England. Now, I don’t know if I necessarily believe that he “hates” Tebow as a player as much as a quarterback. Even so, the media circus that would come along with Tebow is counterintuitive to the Patriots’ general practice. So, if nothing else, that alone pushes me to say the odds aren’t very good.

How do the Montreal Alouettes already own the rights to Tim Tebow?
– @KevinRice93, via Twitter

Woo! Tebow mailbag!

But, seriously, don’t be discouraged. I promise this will be quick.

This question is a bit outdated, but the answer is still relevant because it applies to players throughout the NFL and not just monsieur Tebow.

Every CFL team has a designated confidential “negotiating list” with a maximum of 35 NFL players. Unlike a draft, teams can decide to put a claim on a player when they become eligible for the NFL. The CFL will then approve for that one team to hold exclusive negotiating rights with the player, if he ever decides to head up North.

So, to answer your question, the Alouettes put Tebow on their list and have first crack at working out a deal with him.

I hope [Adrian] Wilson made good on the offer for a year’s supply of diapers in exchange for Kyle Arrington’s No. 24 jersey.
– @1CrazyPATSfan, via Twitter

This note came just after I realized the Patriots had updated their team roster, with numbers, on Friday. Wilson, who had been negotiating for the number since signing with the Patriots in March, has promised Arrington a year’s supply of diapers in return, as Arrington and his wife just had their first child during the offseason.

Well, Wilson did come through on the promise, as you can see in this photo Wilson posted to Twitter just last month.

It wasn’t exactly a mailbag question, but just a fun note that I thought I’d pass along.

Be sure to send in your questions for next week’s mailbag (links below).

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

Thanks in large part to the top of the team’s rotation, the Sox have been able to regain the form that made them top contenders in years past — and that they lost down the stretch in 2011 and never found during a lackluster 2012 campaign.

With Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester looking like aces once again in 2013, however, the Red Sox appear to be the real deal once more.

With that in mind, Don Orsillo dove into the mailbag to see what fans are thinking during the team’s hot start.

How long does it take for you and Remdawg to prepare for the nightly game with statistical facts and player info?
– Harry Ellis

I am not sure about Jerry, but I can speak for myself. Generally, it starts as soon as I wake up, when I head online and read for about 90 minutes. I read all of our sites and then the team’s we are currently playing as well as the team’s we will play next. That way, I stay up-to-date on us, the other team and the team we are about to see. Then once I get to the park we meet with John Farrell and players as well as the opposing manager. I like to see many players on the other side that I know from past experience. Then it generally takes me around 30 minutes to fill in my scorecard with all the stats and info that I have gathered throughout the day.

I get the impression you and Jerry laugh even more when the mics are off than you do when they are on. Is that an accurate guess?
– Alan Brown

I would say that is pretty right on. We have a great deal of fun on the air but much more off. We spend every day together for seven months, basically, and we have a very good relationship. It takes time to build a relationship, and Jerry and I now have 13 years of experience working together as a team.

What Red Sox jersey do you wear casually (what player) if you wear a Sox jersey at any point?
– Jake Pendleton

I am sort of past the point of wearing Sox jerseys around the house, but I can say that for years No. 24 — for my favorite player of all time, Dwight Evans – was the one I went with. I had the chance to work with him in 2009 as a fill-in announcer for Jerry.

Where is your favorite booth to do a game from?
– Marc Burke

Yankee Stadium, Anaheim Stadium, Citizens Bank Park and Camden Yards are probably the top four. Besides Fenway, the old Yankee Stadium was the best. Multiple reasons for all. Mostly sight lines, proximity to the field, work space and atmosphere.

Don, do you think the Red Sox will be able to compete with teams like Texas and Baltimore this year?
– Adam Gilfix

I think they absolutely can. I do not think the trip to Texas changes my mind much. I think you can add Detroit to that list as well. I am pleasantly surprised with how good the Sox have been this season and now reserve the right to change my mind on our spring training predictions. This team is better and deeper than it appeared on paper. I think any time you have two top-tier starters on the front end like Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, your ability to compete with teams you mentioned is very possible.

Are they really going to trade Jarrod Saltalamacchia?
– Bond MacEoghain

I originally thought that was possible when the Sox had four catchers in the offseason (Saltalamacchia, Mike Napoli, Ryan Lavarnway and David Ross). Now the way things have worked out, the tandem the Sox have gone with has been solid, and David Ross has become a great team leader. That is hard to do from a backup role, but John Farrell has described him as an extension of the coaching staff. I think Salty stays.

Let’s get down to the various topics of concern and see what we can expect out of the Red Sox — on the big league squad and beyond.

How long can the Red Sox keep winning with Stephen Drew and Will Middlebrooks struggling at the plate?
– Ben Johnson, via Facebook

You could look at the struggles of Will Middlebrooks and Stephen Drew in one of two ways. You could take a pessimistic approach and assume the wheels will fall off if the top of the order stumbles, or you could play the role of optimist and assume things are only going to get better for the offense when Middlebrooks and Drew come around. I tend to fall on the optimistic side of the fence because I’m confident both Middlebrooks and Drew will improve sooner rather than later.

Middlebrooks is simply too talented to continue hitting around .200, and I chalk his early-season struggles up to nothing more than growing pains. He burst onto the scene last season and immediately elevated expectations for 2013 as a result, but let’s keep in mind that he’s still just 24 years old with less than 100 games and 400 at-bats of big league experience.

In fact, Middlebrooks is already starting to show improvement. Over the last few games, he has looked more comfortable in the box, he is staying on the ball and his swing has been more controlled through the strike zone. As we get deeper into the season, I fully expect Middlebrooks’ offensive production to rise, which would essentially render your question moot.

I’m a little less confident when it comes to Drew, mostly because his struggles are a continuation of last season. Prior to his 2011 ankle injury, Drew was a very solid offensive shortstop. He’s been far less productive at the plate since, though, and that’s a bit concerning.

But just as we shouldn’t automatically assume Drew will go back to his 2010 form, we also shouldn’t assume he’s a lost cause. His spring training was cut short by a concussion, which means he’s still trying to find his rhythm at the dish. Personally, I think the Red Sox should have had Drew go through a longer rehab stint, especially with Jose Iglesias playing so well, but there’s no sense splitting hairs on what is already over and done with. Looking at the situation as it stands, I think Drew will find some level of comfort as me move forward.

So what does this all mean for the Red Sox? Well, they’re one of the best teams in baseball right now, and the biggest reason is the pitching. As long as that keeps up, the offense can afford to go through an adjustment period.

Will Middlebrooks is playing like Mike Lowell and looking good. What is Lowell’s employment looking like? Bring him on!
– Timothy DeLong, via Facebook

I assume you’re talking about Will Middlebrooks from a defensive standpoint, and there’s a reason you’re seeing shades of Mike Lowell. It’s because Lowell actually worked with Middlebrooks during spring training.

Middlebrooks’ footwork has improved, and he’s made some nifty barehanded plays down at the hot corner in the early going. I’m sure Lowell’s tutelage has a little something to do with that.

Lowell has said in the past that he’d like to get into coaching or managing, and given his baseball IQ, I have no doubts that he’ll someday find himself in such a position. For now, though, he’s enjoying his retired life while working as an analyst.

What is baseball?
– Tim Clarkin, via Facebook

America’s pastime.

Why did the Red Sox bring up Ryan Lavarnway when they sent down Alfredo Aceves? Isn’t it overkill to have three catchers on the active roster?
– David Mottola, via Facebook

Ryan Lavarnway has since been optioned back to Triple-A, but the Red Sox called him up because he was the best offensive option available in Pawtucket.

Adding an outfielder seemed logical given Shane Victorino’s lingering back issue, but Jackie Bradley Jr. was ineligible to be called up because it had been fewer than 10 days since he was sent down. Alex Hassan — the only other outfielder on Boston’s 40-man roster — is currently on the disabled list.

I love Dustin Pedroia with the scruff. He wouldn’t look good without it. Look at Kevin Youkilis now that he had to shave his beard — he looks bad.
– Lacey Vassallo, via Facebook

I’ll relay the message.

I heard Matt Barnes tweaked his hamstring. What’s his status?
– Tom Oleary, via Facebook

Matt Barnes is healthy, but he’s been rather ineffective through four starts at Double-A Portland this season. Barnes gave up a career-high 11 hits on Friday while surrendering six earned runs in 4 2/3 innings. His ERA now sits at 9.00 (14 earned runs in 14 innings).

Reports indicate that Barnes is struggling with his command, particularly as it pertains to his secondary pitches. The velocity on his fastball is still there, though, and the movement on his secondary pitches has been good, even if the location hasn’t been.

Why did Big Papi think it was OK to say [expletive] over the P.A. system?
– Mike Schellbach, via Facebook

Because this is America. Love it or leave it.

How’s Rubby De La Rosa doing now that Allen Webster got a start? Is he on the DL or something?
– Taufiq Ramadhan, via Facebook

Rubby De La Rosa isn’t hurt, but the Red Sox have made it clear that they’re going to be very careful with him in his first full season since undergoing Tommy John surgery. He’s been limited to just 9 2/3 innings at Triple-A Pawtucket as part of the Red Sox’ plan, so he was never really an option over Allen Webster, who figures to be Boston’s sixth starter when needed going forward.

De La Rosa has been rather ineffective in his limited action this season, particularly with his command. He’s given up 10 earned runs in 9 2/3 innings (9.31 ERA), and he’s walked eight hitters in that span (which equates to 7.4 walks per nine innings). There’s no denying De La Rosa has electric stuff, though. The focus right now is on making sure he’s fully healthy before really taking the training wheels off, but we should see improvements going forward.

Which team besides the Rangers is most likely to challenge the Red Sox in the American League?
– Josh Percy, via Facebook

I think there are plenty of teams who will “challenge” the Red Sox in the American League. Boston has looked like the best team in baseball thus far, but let’s keep in mind that we’re only a month into the season. Therefore, I’m reluctant to change my opinion too much when it comes to the class of the AL.

I still think the Tigers are as talented as any team in baseball. They have an extremely potent offense and a deep rotation that’s anchored by the best pitcher in baseball, which is a damn good formula to work with. The biggest obstacle for them will be the bullpen, but adding Jose Valverde certainly helps.

I also still think highly of the Rays because of their pitching, and I expect the Angels to turn things around at some point.

All in all, I’d like to give you the cliché “it’s too early to tell” response, as that will keep me from looking like an idiot at the end of the year. If you’re throwing me in an armbar, though, I’ll take the Tigers.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here. 

The Red Sox experienced their first major hiccups of 2013 when they dropped back-to-back contests to the Orioles. They’ve since bounced back, though, notching two wins against the Rays — one being a walk-off and the other almost including a no-hitter from Clay Buchholz.

Let’s not forget Boston’s current closer situation, either. Things have suddenly gotten very interesting in the wake of Joel Hanrahan tweaking his hamstring and pitching ineffectively.

In fact, the closer’s situation was one topic tossed into this week’s bag o’ mail. It was hardly the only one, however, so let’s see what was on your minds this week.

If Daniel Nava is so hot, why not send down Jackie Bradley Jr. since he’s not playing every day?
– Vatsal Khatri, via Facebook

Jackie Bradley Jr. will in all likelihood head down to Triple-A once David Ortiz returns. Since that appears to be right around the corner, the Red Sox might as well wait until then. After all, Bradley is still getting at-bats — albeit less than anticipated now that he’s struggling — and his defense is still an asset.

Ortiz could return as soon as Friday or Saturday, so even if Bradley isn’t in the lineup every day between now and then, I don’t think it will create any sort of major setback in the rookie’s development. If Ortiz was farther away from returning, though, then I think the Red Sox would absolutely have to consider sending Bradley down immediately.

Why didn’t the Red Sox try to get Kyle Lohse?
– Michael Striewski, via Facebook

Kyle Lohse is solid big league pitcher, and we’re already seeing that through his first two outings this season. But given the financial commitment of signing him, the draft pick compensation (second-round pick) the Red Sox would have had to surrender to sign him and his history in the American League, I really don’t think it was a good fit.

Lohse had an excellent 2012, but his track record isn’t exactly flawless. He was a rather mediocre starting pitcher before 2011, in fact. He had a 15-win season with the Cardinals in 2008, but other than that, he was relatively ineffective at times.

During parts of six seasons with the Twins — which ranged from 2001 to 2006 — Lohse went 51-57 with a 4.88 ERA in 172 appearances (152 starts). Even though he is a much better pitcher now, that’s still a bit alarming, especially given the number of pitchers who have failed to make a smooth transition from the NL to the AL. Also keep in mind that Lohse is 34 years old, so it’s realistic to think he’ll trend downward during the life of the three-year contract he just signed with Milwaukee.

None of this even factors in the Red Sox’ current starting pitching situation. If you ask me, the Sox look like they’re in pretty good shape. Lohse would have been a luxury — and an expensive one at that.

What considerations were made when Jonathan Papelbon left Boston?
– Boston Brew, via Facebook

I’m sure the Red Sox considered a lot of things before deciding not to re-sign Jonathan Papelbon, with money being at the top of the list. I don’t agree with giving closers big, long-term deals, so I don’t blame the Red Sox one bit for letting Papelbon walk.

Where do babies come from?
– Eric Bam, via Facebook

The stork.

Do you think the Red Sox will make Andrew Bailey the closer?
– Jon Whalen, via Facebook

If you had asked me this question a week ago, I would have told you to be patient. After the weekend’s developments, though, I wouldn’t be shocked if Bailey takes over the closer’s role at some point.

Joel Hanrahan has obviously struggled out of the gate, but I still think it’s unfair to suddenly assume he’s incapable of being Boston’s closer. With that being said, Bailey has an opportunity to seize the job if he pitches well in Hanrahan’s absence.

Manager John Farrell said Hanrahan is “day-to-day” with a hamstring issue, so it’s unclear exactly how long he’ll be out. But if Hanrahan misses a week or so, and Bailey comes in and shuts the door in a few instances, it’ll be hard for Farrell to go away from what’s working.

Plus, a few things make me believe Farrell isn’t opposed to making such a change. While the Red Sox skipper kept saying initially that Hanrahan was the Red Sox’ closer, he seems to be a little less emphatic when discussing the situation now. Prior to Sunday’s game, Farrell was noncommittal about whether he’d consider pitching Hanrahan in a different role while the right-hander gets his legs under him.

I also can’t get over the move that Farrell made on Saturday, when he lifted Hanrahan in the middle of the ninth inning in favor of Koji Uehara. Knowing what we know now, perhaps Farrell was erring on the side of caution a bit given Hanrahan’s hamstring issue. He might have also been hammering home a bigger point, though — that being that he’ll ride the hot hand in the ninth inning regardless of who it is.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here. 

Fenway Park has been known to give the Red Sox a major home-field advantage over the years, but last season was much different, as Boston struggled mightily in front of the home crowd. Fenway was bumping on Monday, though, and it’s clear that this year’s team is already winning folks over.

And how could it not? The Red Sox are off to a 5-2 start, and they’re playing with the type of passion and energy that Boston fans appreciate. We’ll have to wait and see if they can sustain this success throughout the season, but there are plenty of positive vibes going around the Red Sox’ clubhouse.

Now that the Red Sox’ home opener is in the rearview mirror and the season is officially in full swing, let’s dive into another edition of the mailbag.

Is the Red Sox’ pitching actually reliable enough for a playoff appearance this year?
– Eric Morin, via Facebook

It certainly looks that way early on, so until we see otherwise, I think it’s more than reasonable to be optimistic.

Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz have each looked like front-end starters through their first two starts, which is a continuation of the success they enjoyed during spring training. It’s obvious they’re both in a much better place mentally now than they ever were in 2012, and the adjustments they’ve made have them poised to maintain a level of consistency this season.

That consistency out of the top two spots in the rotation will help set the tempo for the rest of the staff — as manager John Farrell alluded to after Monday’s home opener — and it should have a trickle-down effect. In many ways, it’s as if we’re looking at a friendly competition among the team’s starters, with each one trying to pull his weight. That bodes well for Boston.

The bullpen, meanwhile, should continue to be one of the team’s strengths. There’s no shortage of talent within the unit, meaning Farrell has options when it comes to bridging the gap to closer Joel Hanrahan.

On Opening Day in New York, the Red Sox needed a big out in the seventh inning. Understanding the importance of that seventh-inning at-bat, Farrell turned to Andrew Bailey for just one batter. Ideally, Bailey will control the eighth-inning duties this season, but with the surplus of quality arms, Farrell knew he could afford to use Bailey in that key situation instead of trying to hold onto him for the eighth.

The pen’ has depth, versatility and talent — not a bad trio to have at your disposal.

Ultimately, the Red Sox’ pitching success will come down to health, though. That’s so often the case in sports, but juggling acts rarely yield favorable results.

Why is Alfredo Aceves still on the Red Sox? He’s clearly awful. He’s allowing runs like there’s no tomorrow, blowing games, and he has a temper that puts everything in jeopardy.
–Ben, Victor, N.Y.

There are a lot of Alfredo Aceves haters out there. He still has a role on this team, though, so until the Red Sox no longer require his services, he’ll be sticking around.

There was a point during the offseason when Aceves’ future was somewhat up in the air, but Franklin Morales’ injury really put the Red Sox in a bind. Morales figured to be Boston’s long reliever who could also start, as he thrived in such a role last season, but his back issue meant the Sox needed to look elsewhere. Aceves was the logical choice, and now with John Lackey potentially missing a couple of starts, the Red Sox need the polarizing right-hander to step forward.

There are some quality, up-and-coming arms down in Pawtucket in Allen Webster and Rubby De La Rosa, but the Red Sox have made it clear that they’d like each to spend some more time in Triple-A. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see either pitcher in the majors later on this season — perhaps as early as June — but until the Sox are ready to pull the trigger on those call-ups, they need a veteran capable of logging some innings. Say what you want about Aceves, but he’s really the best option they have at this point.

Check back later in the season.

John Lackey, Jose Iglesias, Alfredo Aceves and a prospect or two to try and get Felix Hernandez?
– Roger Craft, via Facebook

Unless someone has nude photos of Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik or something, I think you’re out of luck with that trade proposal.

What are your thoughts on the Toronto fans chanting “FARR-ELL?”
– Brian Girard, via Facebook

Is baseball back in Toronto? Whatever floats their boat, I guess.

Why is it a question of letting Stephen Drew play when Jose Iglesias is on such fire?
– Chris Taylor, via Facebook

You’re not alone, Chris. Plenty of Red Sox fans want to see Jose Iglesias stay in the lineup, but the fact is that it simply isn’t happening. With Stephen Drew making $9.5 million this season, he’ll be the starting shortstop.

Is that the right move? Well, I will say this. Drew has the potential to win over Sox fans in a hurry, so the decision may be looked at more favorably in a few weeks. He is the superior offensive shortstop — regardless of Iglesias’ early-season batting average — and the Red Sox will want to see what they have in the veteran.

We should also keep in mind that Iglesias hasn’t exactly been smoking the ball all over the ballpark, as he’s benefited from a few well-placed infield hits. That isn’t to take anything away from what he’s accomplished early on this season, but it shouldn’t be ignored.

It’s obvious Drew will be under a lot more pressure now than perhaps the Red Sox anticipated, though.

Is there some reason why the Red Sox can’t keep two shortstops on the major league roster? Both can hit, and I also think Stephen Drew could be a Gold Glove recipient.
– Bucky Macmillan, via Facebook

It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to keep Jose Iglesias up in the majors if he’s not going to get consistent at-bats. He’s still only 23, and the biggest improvements he needs to make are offensively. It’s hard to make those strides if he’s not playing every day.

Plus, the Red Sox would have to make a corresponding roster move to keep Iglesias in the bigs, and there just doesn’t seem like a logical one. Pedro Ciriaco is out of options, and it’s not worth losing his versatility right now.

As far as Drew’s defense, I think you’re overrating it a bit. His range has suffered since his major ankle surgery, and while he’s slouch with the glove, the Red Sox will definitely see a considerable drop-off from Iglesias.

Stephen Drew at third, Jose Iglesias at short and Will Middlebrooks at first. Thoughts?
– Neal Wesloski, via Facebook

Where would Mike Napoli play? Why should we assume Will Middlebrooks would be willing to move to first? Or Drew to third?

There are too many questions to even consider that idea. I dig the creativity, but it’s grasping at straws and creating unnecessary problems.

Why is Will Middlebrooks such a boss?
– Daniel Shapiro, via Facebook

Wake and rake. It comes with the territory.

At what point will Jackie Bradley Jr. be sent down if he continues to struggle?
– Bryan K Dunn, via Facebook

My guess is that Jackie Bradley Jr. will remain with the big league club until David Ortiz returns, and then he’ll head back down. It sounds like Ortiz isn’t too far away, and that would be a logical time to make the move.

That being said, Daniel Nava has looked comfortable at the plate. Nava, a switch-hitter, has typically fared much better as a lefty against right-handed pitching in his career, but he’s becoming much more consistent from the right side of the dish. If Bradley continues to struggle, and John Farrell ultimately thinks Nava gives him the best chance to win, then maybe the Red Sox consider sending the rookie down sooner. I would say it’s unlikely, though.

Is aggressive baserunning a good idea for the Red Sox?
– Matthew Wilson, via Facebook

The Red Sox have definitely been aggressive on the bases. It has and will continue to yield mixed results, so it’s simply a matter of taking the bad with the good. Overall, I’m OK with them continuing to push the envelope, though.

After all, isn’t that what being “relentless” is all about? In the words of Herm Edwards, you play to win the game.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

OK, so the Sox probably won’t run the table, but for at least one day, Boston fans can say that their fandom once again lies with a winning organization. And although we’re only 0.617 percent through the season after Monday’s Opening Day showdown in the Bronx, there are plenty of reasons for the Red Sox to be encouraged.

Jon Lester‘s first start went well, the bullpen was impressive, the offense showed patience, Jackie Bradley Jr. approached his big league debut with plenty of confidence and the newcomers played a pivotal role in the season-opening win. But as is always the case with Boston sports, there are still questions that everyone wants answered.

Some of those questions were tossed in this week’s MLB mailbag. I decided to take those and throw in my two cents, so let’s check out this week’s edition, shall we?

What impact will Pedro Martinez have on the Red Sox’ pitching staff?
– Joseph Tingley, via Facebook

Well, let’s just say that having Pedro on your side can’t hurt.

Pedro Martinez’s hiring isn’t likely to make or break the Red Sox’ season, but bringing in the two-time Cy Young winner as a special assistant will do more than just put a smile on the faces of those who watched him make hitters look foolish during the late ’90s and early 2000s. The right-hander’s stuff was downright filthy in his heyday, but Martinez was also one of the smartest pitchers to ever play the game. Any wisdom he can impart on the pitching staff will be an asset, which is especially true at a time when the Red Sox’ coaching staff is consistently preaching the benefits of being aggressive on the mound.

Where Martinez has the potential to make the biggest impact, though, is in the future. The Red Sox’ big league pitching staff features mostly veterans, so the Sox would be wise to have Martinez focus his efforts on those still developing down on the farm. In fact, Martinez has already been very hands-on with prospect Rubby De La Rosa — whom he’s actually related to — and that relationship should help the 24-year-old’s continued development throughout this season and into next.

Martinez’s presence also has the potential to extend beyond those currently in the organization. Martinez has an infectious personality and is considered a hero in his native Dominican Republic. That could help facilitate and expedite discussions with foreign prospects, meaning the team’s overall scouting department could see improvements.

It’s hard to look at Martinez’s status within the Red Sox organization and say he’s going to do X, Y, Z, and this is going to be the end result. I think in a few years, though, you’ll start hearing more about his overall impact, and I expect it to be right in line with his big league career: all good things.

What is the status of Alex Hassan’s foot injury and his prospects for this season?
– Bob Ryan, Dennis, Mass.

Alex Hassan has battled back from the stress fracture in his left foot. Unfortunately, the injury kept him from participating in spring training with the big league club. He should contribute at Triple-A Pawtucket this season, though, and he remains on Boston’s 40-man roster, which indicates that the Red Sox are still hopeful the 25-year-old can make strides offensively. Hassan has always been a patient hitter, but he’ll need to develop more power out of a corner outfield position in order for his stock to rise any further.

Can Frank Thomas pitch as good as video games say he can?
– Joe Pati, via Facebook

Maybe. Who am I to doubt The Big Hurt?

Why didn’t the Red Sox go get Josh Hamilton in the offseason?
– William Critcher, via Facebook

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

That’s really the best way to sum up the Red Sox’ mindset this past offseason when it came to going after free agents. Having been plagued by lengthy contracts before, Boston was steadfast on not going over three years for anyone, and Josh Hamilton ended up receiving a five-year, $125 million deal from the Angels.

The Red Sox’ philosophy seems to be that they’ll overpay in terms of annual salary if it means they can cut down on the number of years. Sure, no team wants to overpay, but minimizing the number of years on a deal eliminates the risk of ending up with a lingering issue should the player not produce — a la Carl Crawford.

Hamilton is a talented player, but there are some red flags — most notably, his controversial past — that make giving the outfielder a lucrative, long-term deal a risky investment. If Hamilton was unable to secure a deal over three years, I would have understood the Red Sox gambling a bit. All things considered, they didn’t want to add what could amount to a bad contract just months after putting themselves in a much better position financially.

Over/under on games played by David Ortiz? 90?
– Jeffrey Ryan Perkins, via Facebook

If that’s your over/under, I’ll be an optimist and take the over. At this point, though, it’s hard to put a finger on David Ortiz’s season. Not only must he get back on the field, but he must also show an ability to stay on it. And judging by the setbacks he seems to have whenever he really starts to ramp up his rehab, that’s hardly a guarantee.

I guess “cautiously optimistic” is a more accurate description of how I feel.

Over/Under on wins by John Lackey? 8?
– Jason Tomassetti, via Facebook

I’ll go with the over here. I don’t expect John Lackey to be lights-out, but I think he’ll be effective enough to give the Red Sox a chance to win. They’ll take advantage of that chance more than eight times.

Is there a chance that if Jose Iglesias actually performs — plays remarkably in the field and manages to hold his own at the plate — Stephen Drew might get traded or benched?
– Sean Cronin, via Facebook

Stephen Drew will be the Red Sox’ starting shortstop when he returns. That doesn’t end the discussion, though.

It’s hard to envision any scenario in which Drew is relegated to the bench. The Red Sox have 9.5 million reasons to immediately insert him into the starting lineup when he’s healthy, and he’ll certainly provide an offensive upgrade over Jose Iglesias. If Iglesias performs well during the opportunity he’s been given, though, I don’t think it’s far-fetched to think the Red Sox could try to use their shortstop situation to their advantage, and at least see what the market looks like.

Iglesias’ future is as hard to predict as anybody’s right now, mostly because of the organization’s overall depth at shortstop. I know that sounds funny, as “shortstop” and “depth” haven’t exactly been synonymous in Boston since the departure of Nomar Garciaparra, but there are plenty of talented middle infielders coming up through the system.

Iglesias was once considered the shortstop of the future, but that title now belongs to 20-year-old Xander Bogaerts — assuming the Red Sox keep him at shortstop, which is the current plan. The Sox also have 2012 first-round pick Deven Marrero, 19-year-old Dominican shortstop Jose Vinicio and 19-year-old Tzu-Wei Lin of Taiwan. That means Iglesias’ long-term future hangs in the balance a bit, and the roller-coaster ride he’s been on over the past year only adds to the questions.

Iglesias had a chance last season to secure a starting shortstop job for at least 2013. All he really had to do was — as you put it, Sean — hold his own at the plate, as his defense is already among baseball’s best. Instead, he hit .118 (8-for-68), which was concerning enough that the Red Sox thought it was in their best interest to sign Drew, who could end up being a one-year stopgap. To Iglesias’ credit, though, he showed up to spring training having put on 10-15 pounds of muscle, and he produced. His offensive game looks very much improved, and he is playing his usual fantastic defense, which has effectively put him back onto the map after last season’s offensive struggles — both in the majors and in the minors — sent his stock plummeting.

At this point, the most likely scenario is that when Drew returns to game action, Iglesias gets sent down to Triple-A to continue developing. As much progress as he’s made, there’s still room for improvement. If Iglesias gets hot over the next couple of weeks, the Red Sox will have no choice but to consider their options. That doesn’t mean a trade is forthcoming, but they will have some added flexibility if that’s the route they elect to go down.

One scenario I think we can rule out is Iglesias starting over Drew. Regardless of what happens, as long as Drew’s here, he’s the team’s starter.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

One week.

That’s all that separates us and regular season baseball. Can you feel it? Huh? Can you feel it? All right, I’ll shut up.

Either way, the games will soon start counting for real, which means the all-important mailbag is beginning to take on a life of its own. I received some solid questions this week, so even if yours wasn’t answered, don’t be shy about coming back next week. You just never know what rabbit will be pulled out of the hat going forward.

I feel for Daniel Bard. Was the starter experiment such a bust that Bard cannot mentally get back to his former self? Also, I love Daniel Nava’s attitude and flexibility. How long is remaining on his contract?
–DJ, Baltimore

It’s hard not to feel for Daniel Bard. Not only was the magnitude of his drop-off last season almost unimaginable, but it was such an in-your-face fall from grace. (Who knew I was also a poet?) Some supported the decision to put him in the starting rotation, while others feared the worst. Regardless of your stance, though, there was no shortage of coverage and debate, and that led to a slow, painful death for Mr. Bard.

However, while the Red Sox ultimately made a poor decision in trying to transition Bard into something he’s obviously not, the pitcher also has to shoulder the blame. Bard said all along that he wanted to become a starter, and the Sox eventually granted him his wish, only to then have the whole thing blow up in their face. So while it’s easy to feel for Bard, we must also remember that he was given the opportunity he lobbied for, and he was simply unable to take advantage of the situation.

Does this all have the potential to impact a pitcher mentally? Of course, and I do think the mental aspect played a huge role in Bard’s struggles. Even the biggest skeptics of the Red Sox’ decision — I happen to be one of them — will tell you that they didn’t see this coming. There were times when Bard simply couldn’t put the ball over the plate to save his life, and that seems to indicate some mental blockade. He is simply too talented to be posting an ERA north of 7.00 and a WHIP of 1.88 down at Triple-A.

Looking back, it was really a perfect storm that was awaiting Bard, and the right-hander just wasn’t equipped to handle it. Some blame his mental makeup, while others point to alterations in his mechanics. I don’t think they’re mutually exclusive, though, nor do I think there’s one specific thing that’s responsible for Bard’s disastrous 2012.

The focus is now on turning the page, both mentally and physically, and I think Bard is on the right path. Even though manager John Farrell has noted that it’s still a work in progress, the velocity is there and Bard’s stuff is getting back to where it used to be. The righty’s arm slot still drops from time and time, but that’s a mechanical issue that Farrell and pitching coach Juan Nieves are well aware of and are still trying to help him work through.

As far as the mental part, the ball is in Bard’s court. He looks and sounds more focused and confident this spring, so there is reason to believe he could once again thrive as a reliever. After all, he’s still just 27, so writing him off completely would be foolish. The true test will come when the games start counting for real and he’s forced to put together everything he’s worked on since last season’s nightmare.

It’s unclear whether Bard will start the season at Triple-A or with the big club, although I’d say Triple-A seems more likely given his room for improvement and Clayton Mortensen being out of options. One thing working in Bard’s favor this season, however, is that there is no added, starter-versus-reliever hoopla he’ll have to deal with.

Last season needs to be out of sight, and out of mind, as difficult as that may be.

As for Nava, I completely agree with you, and I actually wrote about his very productive spring last week. Being able to play first base makes Nava even more valuable to the Red Sox going forward, and I really like what he has to offer off the bench in 2013.

Nava is under team control through 2017. He’s arbitration eligible beginning in 2015.

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Have you attended any of the World Baseball Classic games? If not, have you spoken with folks who have attended the games?
–Bob Kavanagh, Newton, Mass.

Unfortunately, I have not attended any WBC games, nor have I spoken to anyone directly who has. It’s definitely something I’d like to do, even though I’ve been critical of the tournament in the past.

Then again, I have a fairly low tolerance for cowbells and vuvuzelas, so it’s probably best I steer clear for a while.

Which players are out of options, and could thus see that impact them making the team?
— Scott Taylor, via Facebook

First, I’ll give the gist of what it means to be “out of options,” for those a little hazy on the details. There are a lot of parts involved, but essentially, teams are limited in the amount of times that they can send a player on their 40-man roster to the minors. When they send a player on the 40-man roster to the minors, and he spends at least 20 consecutive days down on the farm, the team loses an “option.” Only one “option” can be burned — so to speak — in a given season, though. That means that a player can be optioned multiple times over the course of one season, but it will still only count as one “option.”

Each player has three “options.” Once those “options” have been used up, and the player is “out of options,” that player must first pass through waivers before being sent down to the minors again.

Got all that? Good, because I still struggle when trying to figure out the whole thing.

What’s important, though, is that this whole process can often impact how a team looks coming out of spring training. The Sox have a few players out of options, but I don’t anticipate it making too much of a difference.

Felix Doubront is and has been a lock for the Opening Day roster. Andrew Miller is now a lock in the wake of his solid spring and the injuries to Franklin Morales and Craig Breslow.

The two players whose option status makes somewhat of a difference are reliever Clayton Mortensen and utility man Pedro Ciriaco.

Mortensen isn’t exactly guaranteed to make Boston’s Opening Day roster, but it’s looking increasingly likely that he’ll make the team, while Bard — who has an option remaining — begins the year in Triple-A.

Ciriaco, meanwhile, has been battling an injury, but it’s likely he’ll make the team as a bench player over Brock Holt, who still has three options.

How many wins do you think the Red Sox are going to get this season?
— Keith Washburn, via Facebook

162.

Two relievers are going to be the odd men out of the bullpen situation. Who do you think will be gone?
— Tom Joyce, via Facebook

My guess is that the Red Sox’ Opening Day bullpen will include Joel Hanrahan, Koji Uehara, Andrew Bailey, Junichi Tazawa, Alfredo Aceves, Miller and Mortensen.

Bard will be sent to Triple-A, while Morales and Breslow will begin the season on the disabled list. If Morales and Breslow were healthy and Bard was out of options, this would be more of a debate.

Is Will Middlebrooks or Pedro Ciriaco going to play third base most of the time?
–Aaron Scotch, via Facebook

I’ll venture to say Middlebrooks.

Will the Blue Jays be a factor or will they be the Philadelphia Eagles of Major League Baseball?
— Gary Haga, via Facebook

First of all, don’t let manager John Gibbons hear you say that.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, Vince Young isn’t walking through those doors. Expectations are certainly high, but I think there’s a realization among most that the Jays have a tough road ahead of them due to playing in the American League East.

I really like what the Jays did in the offseason, though, and in my opinion, they have the most well-rounded team in the division. Their lineup is filled with talent, and if Brett Lawrie and J.P Arencibia are able to take the next step, it could be even more dangerous than it is at first glance.

I also like that Toronto added two workhorses to the rotation in R.A. Dickey and Mark Buehrle, as well as a high-ceiling starter like Josh Johnson. I wouldn’t be shocked to see both Johnson and Brandon Morrow flourish this season, so the inconsistent — to say the least — Ricky Romero remains the wild card.

The biggest concern with the Blue Jays, though, is the bullpen, particularly at the back end. Both Casey Janssen and Sergio Santos have enjoyed success in the past, but both also come with some injury issues. Gibbons could be tested early and often when it comes to managing his pen, and that could be enough to spell trouble north of the border.

I expect the Blue Jays to be very much in the thick of things this season, but in a wide open AL East, I really wouldn’t be shocked by anything.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

As you St. Patrick’s Day party animals shake off the hangover, just keep that little factoid in mind. Two weeks from Monday, the Red Sox will battle the Yankees in a baseball game that actually counts in the standings.

Sure, spring training is all fine and good, but as the exhibition games come and go, it’s hard not to get antsy about the start of the regular season. That’s especially true for this season, when it’s hard to put a finger on what exactly the Red Sox are going to do in the American League East.

Nevertheless, spring is still a time to reach into the mailbag. And here’s what was pulled out this week.

Why can’t Jonny Gomes DH and Jackie Bradley Jr. start in left field while David Ortiz is on the disabled list? Is keeping Bradley arbitration eligible for another year (seven years from now) really worth it?
–Josh Costigan, via Facebook

You pose a fantastic question, Josh. And it’s probably the biggest question the Red Sox are facing right now — understandably so. The short answer is that they very well could go that route to start the season, although I — albeit hesitantly — reside in the latter camp, and feel as though Jackie Bradley Jr. should start the season at Triple-A.

As everyone probably already knows, Bradley started off spring training with a bang, and he hasn’t slowed down since. As of Monday, he’s hitting .444 (16-for-36) with a home run, four RBIs, seven runs, eight walks and a stolen base. That’s all in addition to his stellar defense, which has been as advertised.

Yada, yada, yada, right?

Now, is this enough to warrant a spot on the big league roster out of camp? Well, I’ll be honest with you, I’ve gone back and forth on this topic a few times, because it’s rare that you see such a head-turning spring performance. There’s no doubt in my mind that Bradley is big league ready right now, and if the decision was based solely on this spring, you can bet Bradley would be in my starting nine come Opening Day.

However, as baseball decisions always are, there’s a lot more to the equation — which you already alluded to, Josh. Players are eligible to become free agents after six full seasons of service time in the major leagues, and the Red Sox are essentially in a position to ensure that they preserve another season of team control when it comes to Bradley.

Bradley isn’t on Boston’s 40-man roster yet, so it boils down to this: If the Red Sox bring Bradley up on or after April 12 (Opening Day is April 1) and keep him up for the remainder of the season, he won’t be eligible for free agency until after the 2019 season. If Bradley is instead promoted before April 12, he’ll need to spend at least 20 days in the minors after that point in order for the Red Sox to maintain team control through 2019. Otherwise, he’d become a free agent after 2018.

I understand this all seems very forward-looking. I mean come on, who knows what we’ll be doing in 2018/2019 or where the Red Sox will be as a team at that point? However, given that Bradley needs just 11 days in the minors before the Sox gain an extra year of team control — presumably when Bradley is in his prime — then, yes, I do think it is worth it to start him at Triple-A to begin the season.

There are a lot of comparisons to the Mike Trout situation, in which the Angels missed out on the playoffs last season in large part because of their subpar April (when they didn’t have Trout). Let’s keep in mind, though, that this situation is very different.

First of all, Trout actually played in 40 big league games in 2011, and he hit just .220 with an on-base percentage of .281 in 123 at-bats. That was after jumping from Double-A to the bigs — the same leap that Bradley would be attempting. Before Trout eventually made another leap to the majors in 2012, he saw 20 games at the Triple-A level. So if you’re considering the Trout situation a cautionary tale of why the Red Sox shouldn’t wait any longer with Bradley (as it could cost them later in the season), you must also consider the struggles that Bradley could endure upon playing against legitimate big league competition right out of the gate in 2013 without any additional seasoning at the Triple-A level.

As I mentioned, I do think Bradley could be a major leaguer right now, and that’s mostly because of his defensive ability, which should translate well at any level. But when you couple the whole service time thing with the options that Boston has on the roster, it’s hard to justify losing what could be a crucial year of team control down the line for what amounts to an 11-day high.

Bradley might be the best option to plug into the lineup if David Ortiz misses the start of the year, but the Red Sox have enough options beyond the 23-year-old to weather the storm out of the gate — for 11 days, at least. The time Bradley spends down at Triple-A will also help his continued development, and enable the Red Sox to see their other guys in regular season action before making any drastic moves.

How many wins will Jon Lester get, and will David Ortiz hit 30 home runs?
– Rob Clewley, via Facebook

Jon Lester has been absolutely lights out this spring. And although my No. 1 rule — or somewhere in the top 10 or so — is to never get too high on spring training performances, it’s hard not to be encouraged about how he’s looked.

Lester’s command has been there, his cutter is again looking like one of the nastiest pitches in baseball, and the lefty’s ability to mix speeds has had hitters at his mercy this spring. Most importantly, though, judging by his actions and his comments, it appears Lester has a chip on his shoulder.

With all of this in mind, I fully expect Lester to have a bounce-back year. In fact, I think he’s more important to Boston’s success this season than any other player on the team. It’s hard to put an exact number on it, but I’ll go out on a limb and say he’ll finish with 17-19 wins, thus returning him to No. 1 status.

As for David Ortiz, I have a hard time believing he’ll reach the 30-home run plateau. I think the power is there, but there are just too many concerns to safely say he’ll reach that mark.

Why not promote the whole PawSox team to the majors? PawSox are champs, son!
– Allyn Smith, via Facebook

Haha.

What was the point of getting Mike Flacco if Drew Hedman and Travis Shaw are better?
– Tom Joyce, via Facebook

I wouldn’t read too much into the Mike Flacco trade. This answer may sound like a cop out, but he really is just organizational depth at this point, as the Red Sox’ system is very thin at first base.

Fun, little nugget for you: Flacco posted a .324/.378/.459 line against left-handers at the High-A level last season. (Bring your own grain of salt.)

With David Ortiz sketchy for the upcoming season, wouldn’t it be a good idea to DH Mike Napoli, given his hip situation and all?
–Darren Povelite, via Facebook

I certainly understand where you’re coming from. This is Mike Napoli‘s first season as an everyday first baseman, so there are inherently some defensive concerns. And, as you already pointed out, his hip condition is the elephant in the room. That being said, I’m not so sure moving him out of first base would be the wisest decision at this point.

David Ortiz will return at some point — I assume — so therefore shifting Napoli to a DH role would be temporary. Considering that, I don’t think the Red Sox should risk messing with what they’ve accomplished this spring. Even if Napoli proves to be an average first baseman at best, he does appear to be more comfortable after working with coach Brian Butterfield this spring. Taking him off the diamond would only risk backtracking in his progression as a defender.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

The Red Sox are continuing to push through their Grapefruit League schedule, which is nice, but one can’t help but get a little antsy for the upcoming regular season, especially since this year should be an interesting one.

The Sox are obviously coming off a train wreck of a season, so expectations amongst Sox fans have been tempered a bit. However, this has the look and feel of a completely different ball club. Now, it’s time to figure out whether the abundance of changes will make the team better.

Sure, it’s nice that the Sox brought in some high-character guys, now have the manager they wanted all along and have placed an emphasis on player development. But will the formula lead to success in 2013 and beyond?

You asked that and more as part of this week’s mailbag, so let’s reach into the big ol’ sack and see what else you came up with.

Having been a die-hard Sox fan all my life, is it my biased, unbridled optimism, or have the additions of Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, Jonny Gomes, et al. put the Sox in position to go from worst to first ?
–Mark J. Anderson, Spokane, Wash.

Congratulations, Mark. You have the honor of this season’s first mailbag question. And it’s not just because I visited Spokane a number of times while my brother was stationed out there.

Anywho, I don’t think you’re alone in your optimism, and it’s because the Sox really do stand a chance this season. The American League East is certainly deep, but the Sox have improved by way of their additions, and there are some questions among the other clubs that make it realistic to think Boston could at least be competitive.

The Yankees are banged up, as they’ll start the season with a depleted lineup that lacks Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson. Plus, there are other players whose health status could change at the drop of a hat, including CC Sabathia, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Phil Hughes, and there are general concerns about whether the pitching staff is deep enough. I really don’t think there’s a more important player in baseball this season than Robinson Cano, who is in a contract year and figures to be New York’s one constant. With all of this said, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Yankees near the cellar rather than the top of the heap when things are all said done.

Obviously, the Yankees aren’t the Red Sox’ only concern in what is a solid division top to bottom, but the other AL East foes have some questions of their own. The Rays no longer have one of their workhorses in James Shields. They should be able to weather the storm, and the Shields trade was actually a great one for them in terms of the future, but the loss of a bona fide front-end starter will hurt. And considering the Rays rely so heavily on their pitching, it could create some problems.

The Orioles, who were a feel-good story in 2012, are finally on the map and in the discussion during spring training. That’s great for baseball and the city of Baltimore, but it also means the O’s have some lofty expectations. And while things are looking up, it’s hard to imagine them repeating their 29-9 record in one-run games. It’ll ultimately come down to the starting pitching holding up (shocking, right?), and the rotation doesn’t appear all that daunting. Manager Buck Showalter will have to work some magic again this season.

The team that poses the biggest threat on paper is the Blue Jays. The key words in that sentence, however, are “on paper.” We saw the Marlins — a team who many dubbed perennial contenders going forward — flop in 2012 despite some bold offseason moves and the acquisition of solid talent. I don’t expect that to happen in Toronto, as the Jays were already a competitive bunch and have a nucleus that is far better than the one that was assembled down in South Beach, but John Gibbons will have to prove he’s the right guy to manage the club. The Jays look like the best team in the AL East, but it’s hard to firmly slap the label on them without them proving anything on the field yet.

Basically, this is my long-winded way of saying that the Red Sox could certainly contend in 2013. It’s definitely an optimistic outlook, but the Sox are a far cry from a 69-93 team. For a number of reasons, things spiraled out of control last season, and it essentially looked like they were playing out the string near the end of the year. This year marks a fresh start, though, and the pieces are in place.

One thing that should work in Boston’s favor is its deep bullpen. The O’s enjoyed so much success last season because of their bullpen, and the Sox will enter the year with the pen as one of its strengths. Now, if Jon Lester and Co. can put together a respectable campaign and ensure the bullpen isn’t overworked, we should see a competitive team taking the field in Boston.

Will the Red Sox actually be watchable this year?
–Dave Queen, via Facebook

Yes. Watch, and watch often.

Do you feel that what happened with Alfredo Aceves on Saturday will decide his future with the Red Sox?
–Keith Turner Sr., via Facebook

Well, it’s no secret that Aceves has been skating on thin ice recently because of his rather unusual behavior, so his involvement in Saturday’s World Baseball Classic brawl certainly won’t help his cause. That being said, if the Sox do move on from the mercurial right-hander, it might be more a result of what they have in the pitching department.

The Red Sox’ starting rotation appears set — with Lester, Clay Buchholz, Ryan Dempster, John Lackey and Felix Doubront taking up the five spots — so Aceves would likely be used in a long relief/spot starter role. The club also has Franklin Morales and Andrew Miller who could serve in similar capacity, though, and Rubby De La Rosa and Allen Webster — the two pitchers obtained from the Dodgers in last August’s megadeal — look like they’re big league ready.

If something happens to the Sox’ rotation, there are other arms standing by, so Aceves’ value seems to be decreasing, especially when you factor in his unpredictable nature. We shall see, though. I really wouldn’t be surprised by anything at this point.

Is Terry Francona going to manage the Indians?
–Bill Gross, via Facebook

Yes.

When will the Red Sox realize that Ryan Lavarnway cannot hit nor field as a catcher, therefore trade him so that Christian Vazquez and Dan Butler can get more shots in the organization?
–Riley Austin, via Facebook

Well, I’m not sure that I’m willing to write off Lavarnway just yet, but he does have some flaws, and I certainly understand your desire to see more of Vazquez and Butler.

Lavarnway’s biggest asset has always been his bat, particularly his power. But as he continues to progress as a catcher, it looks like he’s having a hard time adjusting to big league pitching. He had every opportunity to seize the moment and make sure he’d be a fixture in the 2013 lineup last season, but he hit just .157 and posted a .459 OPS in 153 at-bats. It was not only disappointing, but it was also enough for the Sox to explore other options — hence the David Ross signing. I still think Lavarnway has the potential to turn things around, and his defense behind the plate has come a long way since he was drafted in 2008, but he’ll turn 26 in August. At some point, the training wheels need to come off, and last season showed he wasn’t exactly ready to ride. As far as a trade, it’s possible, but the Red Sox would be better off waiting until later in the season and hoping that Lavarnway can increase his value over the first few months, because his stock has definitely dropped over the past year.

If the Red Sox were to explore trading Lavarnway, it would definitely be because of the organizational depth at the position, as Blake Swihart is also in the mix. Vazquez has been especially impressive this spring training, though, and his absolute cannon is a deviation from what we’ve come to expect out of Boston’s catchers, who are generally lauded more for their offensive potential. Vazquez probably has another year or two of seasoning before he’s ready to make a run at the big club, but beyond Jackie Bradley Jr., he’s stood out more than anyone early on this spring.

Vazquez is just 22, and he will need to continue developing as a hitter, but he isn’t a slouch at the dish, and his defensive aptitude will be enough to keep him around the game for a while. The young backstop was clocked at around 1.8 seconds in delivering a throw to shortstop Jose Iglesias to nab a would-be base stealer during Thursday’s game, and he once again showed off his rocket in gunning down a baserunner on Sunday. My only concern with him from a defensive standpoint is that he gets a little trigger happy with that weapon he calls an arm, as he’ll frequently try snap throws down to first. While I’m all for an aggressive approach, he probably needs to settle down a little bit in an effort to steer clear of any unnecessary risks. All in all, though, it’s hard not to like what Vazquez brings to the table, and I’m all for seeing if he’s capable of being Boston’s catcher of the future.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Play 1: Patrice Bergeron

Play 2: Rick Nash

NESN.com staff will pick the two or three best Amica Coverage Plays of the previous week for games played from Friday night to Thursday night. Voting will begin every Friday morning and conclude on Monday. 

The Falcons reign supreme atop the NFC standings, but beyond them there isn’t much else settled. As for the AFC, the teams are set but it’s anyone’s guess as to how the top four seeds will end up.

The Patriots are in an interesting position, much like their two counterparts vying for the AFC’s No. 1 seed. New England is still in competition with the Broncos and Texans for a first-round bye in the postseason, but the Pats can finish in any of the top four spots depending on Sunday’s outcomes.

Rob Gronkowski‘s health should be a factor in the Patriots’ game against the Dolphins on Sunday, and could be an even bigger one in the playoffs depending on how effective he is. With him on the mind already, let’s take a peek into Santa Gronk’s mailbag and see what sort of questions people have about the Patriots this week.

Are the Patriots gonna play Gronk versus  Dolphins? We don’t want to start the playoffs with a rusty Gronk! Lemme know your thoughts, we’re going to the game!
– @hossdaboss74, via Twitter

Happy to hear you’ll be taking in the game live, although it might get a little wet out there.

I got a bunch of questions on Gronk this week, and I did write about his status after listening to Bill Belichick‘s comments on Wednesday.

The reality is that even though Gronk has been practicing with the team for close to two weeks now, he still hasn’t been medically cleared by the team doctors, which is likely more precautionary than anything. If he is cleared by Sunday, I’d expect him to get some good reps. If not, I would put good money down that he would be ready by the first playoff game, whenever that happens to be.

Is it safe to assume that Aqib Talib and Rob Gronkowski are the two most important Patriots not named Tom Brady?
– Kris Kauffman

Given the way both the offense and defense has played without both of them, I’d have to lean toward yes on your theory, Kris.

Gronk is a vital part of the Patriots’ offense and Tom Brady‘s primary target down in the red zone, but without him they’ve had a little trouble crossing the goal line — well, a little more than they’re used to. With Gronkowski back in the fold, Brady can go back to his usual routine and maybe we’ll see a few more Gronk spikes.

Aqib Talib, on the other hand, hasn’t looked like a shutdown corner for much of his time in a Patriots uniform, but boy is that defense different without him. He’s got the skills of a No. 1 corner, and his ability to lock down one side of the field has given the Patriots some flexibility in the secondary and allowed them to be more aggressive with the front seven.

Both guys will be integral to any run the Patriots might make in the postseason, which could take them all the way to New Orleans.

What’s the likelihood of Wes Welker getting the franchise tag again this offseason?
– @MrTICgamer, via Twitter

Well, this is a question that people have seemed keen on since Wes Welker signed his franchise tender over the summer. Welker is an important piece to this Patriots offense, and he is definitely a valuable asset. But the question remains: how valuable?

A second franchise tag comes with a 20 percent pay raise, meaning Welker would make more than $11 million for next season. Handing over that sort of salary doesn’t seem like a very Belichickian or Krafty thing to do, plus it would completely defeat the purpose of not agreeing to Welker’s contract demands last season.

The outlook appears bleak, as I don’t see the Patriots franchising Welker again, at least not at that hefty number. A contract agreement is a definite possibility, but with another 100-catch season under his belt, I’d guess Welker’s contract demands couldn’t have changed very much.

The unfortunate reality may be that Welker is just too expensive and he goes elsewhere to get his money. The Patriots would miss his production, but they might just be better off finding another slot receiver and spending that money on someone one.

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

After Christmas Day brought yet another lopsided victory in which Jordan did not record a millisecond of playing time in the fourth quarter, let’s take a look at your responses, and my thoughts on each.

Yo, Ben, I’m writing this in response to your article about DeAndre Jordan. Honestly, how many touches does the dude get in a game? If you’re in a “semi-close” game, do you want to give anyone free throws? (They are “free.”) Also, this seems pretty ridiculous comparing a player like Shaquille O’Neal, who was a dominant force, versus DeAndre Jordan. Let’s get real man. The hack-a-DeAndre plan is pretty absurd. Hack-a-Dwight [Howard] at least makes sense, kinda. Neither gets touches like Shaq.
– Joseph T. Lepri

Let me start by saying that I respect any reader who prefaces his comment by warning that he drank a lot of spiked eggnog prior to writing, as you did in the subject line of your email, Joe. I’m putting this question first to clear up any confusion. I’m not saying opponents should foul Jordan to rein in Jordan — they should foul Jordan to rein in Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and Jamal Crawford. Yes, free throws are free, but if you can limit those guys’ opportunities to score two or three points, it seems worth the trade-off to send Jordan to the line for one point at most.

It has a lot to do with a concerted effort to get Odom where he needs to be. He’s getting D.J.’s minutes.
–@RolandTGunner via Twitter

The Lamar Odom factor is understandable, since he was such a major part of the Lakers’ last two titles and can be a game-changer when he is right. If the Clippers can get him back to something resembling his last two or three seasons with the Lakers before he (mentally) took last season off, they would have a bench that could compete with several teams’ starting fives.

(Seriously, you have to give the Clips’ bench at least a fighter’s chance in a matchup pitting Odom, Crawford, Matt Barnes, Grant Hill and Eric Bledsoe against Anthony Davis, Robin Lopez, Al-Farouq Aminu, Austin Rivers and Greivis Vasquez. Davis is for real, Vasquez is a potent pick-and-roll threat and Lopez plays hard, but …)

The problem is, I do not see this as Odom taking Jordan’s minutes. It seems to me that a more accurate explanation is that Odom is taking Caron Butler‘s minutes as a swing-forward (as our next reader points out), while Ronny Turiaf has been manning the paint when the Clippers need somebody down low. Turiaf is a valiant survivor of heart surgery and helped calm Jeff Green during his own heart ailment, but — really, Ronny freaking Turiaf?

Occasionally, the Clippers are going without a true big man altogether. This is fine so far as it goes. The Heat went to a super-small lineup with Chris Bosh, LeBron James and Shane Battier in the frontcourt to win the title last season, while the Celtics often played an unconventionally small lineup around Kevin Garnett to get to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks’ success with Carmelo Anthony at the four is well-publicized and even the Thunder have gone with lineups in which Kevin Durant is technically a “post” player. Benching a player making more than $10 million is a lot different from benching Joel Anthony or Greg Stiemsma, however. Sticking Jordan on the bench in the clutch makes him a sunk cost roughly equivalent to one-fifth of the salary cap.

It is simple… if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Their current rotation and bench are working out better than they ever envisioned. There is no reason to play D.J. in the fourth quarter, not so much because of the poor free throw shooting but because Lamar Odom is starting to play like he was a couple of years ago. Matt Barnes is playing the fourth quarter, moreso than the starter Caron Butler, who’s getting paid 10 times more than Barnes. Crawford, the leading 2013 sixth man of the year, is finishing games and at times even Eric Bledsoe plays big chunks of fourth quarter with Paul on or off the court. The Clippers are 12 men deep.
–Dionisios Marinos, via Facebook

Barnes has shocked me with how good he has been. He is not just a hack artist who brings no other skills to the table, as he was for most of the last two years with the Lakers, in my opinion. Like many veterans who play with Paul, Barnes seems re-energized and is running the floor as though he were 27 years old again. I would ride Barnes until he broke if he played like this in the playoffs.

The rub, though, is that this is not the playoffs. The point is not to play your best ball in November and December. The point is to build up throughout the regular season so you can play up to your potential in the playoffs. Barnes, Turiaf and Ryan Hollins are fine now against the Suns, Nuggets and Kings, but how about the Thunder and Spurs in June? When the Clippers signed Jordan to a four-year deal last December, they sent a message that they considered him a budding elite defender and finisher. They sent a message that they intended for him to be a crucial part of a championship-contending team. He cannot get there, and the Clippers risk falling short of the potential they themselves implied with that contract, if he is mired on the bench during the teachable moments of the regular season.

The conclusion I draw, based on your responses, is that Clippers fans are not nearly as perturbed about Jordan’s lack of fourth-quarter playing time as I thought they would be — and perhaps as much as they should be. Considering the long, sordid history of the franchise, I can understand why they would want this win streak (14 games and counting) to continue at all costs.

As amazing as this is to write, though, the Clippers are a legitimate title contender — not a Pacific Division title contender or a Western Conference title contender, but an NBA championship contender, complete with rings, a parade and a banner. It is tough to see them fulfilling that potential without Jordan as a major part of the equation. If finding a way to work him in comes at the cost of a few regular-season wins, is that worth it?

Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Paul Pierce and a whole bunch of other players who are a lot more used to winning than the Clippers would resoundingly say, yes.

Anyway, this was fun. Let’s do this again. Next topic: Which one of Griffin’s Kia commercials is the best?

Have a question for Ben Watanabe? Send it to him via Twitter at @BenjeeBallgame or send it here.

Regardless of the platform, it’s your messages that fuel our desire to look out into the world and call things as we see them. So please, please, please keep us in mind when you have opinions to share or questions you want answered.

I’d love for NESN soccer to be the home of the soccer question and answer. Given our resources, I think it’s the most fruitful approach to analyzing the sport. It helps us know which stories to tell. The more we interact and engage, the better we’ll understand the game and the world in which we live.

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We’re human beings here, and we can take it. Besides, praise or a word of thanks from one person generally outweighs the flames and vitriol from a thousand. And I can’t let the holiday season pass without sending a big “thank you” to our supporters — those of you who’ve sent a kind word our way. Your encouragement keeps us going, day in and day out. You are like family. It’s an honor and a pleasure to do this every day because you make it so. Thanks.

Anyways, Consider this a call to arms — but peaceful like. And without further ado, here it is — back by popular demand — the NESN Soccer mailbag.

I want to ask you if it’s sure that Wesley Sneijder will join PSG in January, as you wrote in your article?
– Panagiotis Koumian, Greece

Hello, Panagiotis. It’s not certain that Sneijder will end up at PSG, but it’s almost certain that he’s leaving Inter Milan in January. His relationship with the club is broken, and I don’t see any way they can reconcile.

PSG was among the first clubs with which he was linked ahead of the January transfer window, and it’s a logical destination for him. The French club has the money and the project to attract a player of his caliber. Watch Javier Pastore’s situation. He was one of the first of PSG’s galacticos, but he’s not an automatic starter under manager Carlo Ancelotti. If PSG offloads the struggling Argentine next month (AC Milan is a rumored destination, but Inter could be waiting in the wings), it will create an opening for a player like Sneijder to fill.

Also, there is a rumor coming out of Italy that he’s agree to join Tottenham, and the clubs are trying to agree on a fee. That one’s unconfirmed at this point.

Where do you think he [Wesley Sneijder] will end up?
– Kyle Caldarelli, Elkton, Md.

Hi, Kyle. Sorry for making you wait for my answer, but I figured I could give a better answer here than on Twitter.

Sneijder’s is the transfer saga to watch in January, as he’s one of the few world-class players who is available for a reasonable price. Also, he hasn’t competed in the UEFA Champions League this season. It’s almost unheard of for a player of his quality to be in this situation, and I’m expecting a bit of a scramble for his signature.

His salary is what’s driving him out of Inter, as the Italian club is learning to exist in what I call “Serie A’s Age of Austerity.” He reportedly makes €6 million ($7.8 million) per season, a figure that top clubs in England, Spain (Barca and Real Madrid), France (PSG only) and even Germany can meet. Also, the reported transfer fee of around £12million ($19.4 million) is reasonable for most top teams to spend.

Tuesday’s news about him agreeing to terms with Tottenham makes me think one of two things are going on: He’s either willing to come down from that figure, or Tottenham is ready to break the bank. Given the club’s history under chairman Daniel Levy, I think it’s the former.

Money won’t be much of an issue with his move. Tottenham has the early lead, but that’s could be changing at this very moment. I’d expect other clubs to match the transfer fee and throw more money Sneijder’s way. It’s really his choice at this point.

I like to use the process of elimination to answer these sorts of questions, so let’s take a look. In Spain, Barcelona seems highly unlikely given their set style of play and embarrassment of riches in the midfield and attack. Real Madrid would be an option, but his old friend Jose Mourinho is on his way out. Also, given Sneijder’s previous stint at the club, I’d rule that one out too. I don’t think any other Spanish team can afford him at this point.

Juventus is the only Italian club I could see him joining, and I just don’t see it happening.

In France, it’s PSG or bust based on his salary. See the previous question for my thoughts on that one.

He’s also been linked with Anzhi Makhachkala, the mega-rich Russian club. Samuel Eto’o would probably love to link up with his former Inter teammate, but manager Guus Hiddink‘s impending retirement will probably reduce the chances of that happening.

There two options in Germany — Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund — that are not out of the question. It would be tough for him to displace Bayern’s current crop of stars, so I’d be shocked if he went there. But the Bavarians can afford him. Dortmund is an intriguing option, as the reigning Bundesliga champion is in the last 16 of the Champions League. It has some money to spend, but not too much. Sneijder is at the top end of what it can afford.

That leaves us with the English clubs.  Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham have been linked with him in the past. City has a wealth of attacking players already. Samir Nasri (signed last season) and David Silva (who recently signed a new contract) play his position. He could drop deeper and spell Yaya Toure, but it’s unlikely that he’d sign just to become a utility player.

Manchester United is in a similar position with Wayne Rooney, Shinji Kagawa and Tom Cleverly playing where Sneijder is often deployed. Chelsea is in a similar state, as Oscar, Juan Mata and Edin Hazard are fighting for minutes. Victor Moses and Marko Marin are pushing for minutes as well. It’s not to say Sneijder wouldn’t play ahead of any of these players. It’s just that each club seems to be committed to each of these players.

Tottenham is a likely English destination, but there is another one just down the road. Arsenal rarely spends in January (or ever), but that’s going to change in the coming years. Arsene Wenger needs a creative influence in team, and Sneijder could do the trick. The Gunners already have the money to compete with Tottenham. They also have a motive: vindictiveness.

The short answer is Arsenal, Tottenham or PSG. Thanks for the question, Kyle.

And I also wish you to tell your opinion about the winner of the FIFA Ballon d’Or.
– Panagiotis Koumian, Greece

The finalists are Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo. I think the world of Iniesta, and he was deservedly named the best player at Euro 2012. But Ronaldo and Messi were on another planet in 2012.

Mourinho would pick Ronaldo because he won La Liga … and to keep his star player happy. Patrice Evra likes Ronaldo because he was great without the supporting cast that Messi has. Both make valid points, but if there’s a time to downplay team accomplishments and focus on the individual, it’s now.

Ronaldo was slightly ahead after his good showing at Euro 2012, but Messi’s pulled away from August – December. He’s scored 36 goals in all competitions, while Ronaldo (and Madrid) failed to keep pace. Sure, goals aren’t everything, but when a player breaks a 40-year-old record goal-scoring, we have to pay attention. I’ll expand on this in the next week or so, but it’s Messi.

Can Chelsea win the Premier League title under Rafa Benitez?
– Christopher, Atlanta, GA 

Anything is possible, but I don’t think Chelsea is strong enough to sustain a title assault. The “old guard” is missing their top Drog (Didier Drogba), and they’re another year removed from their best days. I expect Chelsea to have another blip or two in the coming months, leaving little chance of winning the Premier League.

Also, Manchester United is already seven points clear, and I think they’re only going to get better in the second half of the season. The title is United’s to lose, and if it does, City will be there to scoop it up … again.

Thanks for the question, Christopher.

What did Santa Bring you for Christmas?
– David, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Hi, David. Santa was great as always. He brought me all the practical things I need, but never have the good sense to go out and get myself. These include some clothes, a whole bunch of food and drink, two epic parties and a bit of rest. I’ve got to thank my family for another great holiday season — easily the best in four or five years.

That’s all for this week. Thank you very much for all the support. I wish you a happy holiday season and all the best for the new year.

Have a question for Marcus Kwesi O’Mard? Send it to him via Twitter at @NESNsoccer, NESN Soccer’s Facebook page or send it here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.

Tom Brady says he feels like the Patriots haven’t won in three years, and I’d expect him to come out playing like he has three years worth of scoring to make up for.

He’s not the only Patriot with something to prove, though. Stevan Ridley fumbled for the second time in as many games on Sunday, and his putrid output of just 23 yards rushing has many wondering if he’s wearing down with the long season. A nice surge from him in sunny Jacksonville would certainly counter that speculation.

Beyond Brady, Ridley and the offense, the Patriots need to regroup on defense, too. After a stretch of solid play leading up to San Francisco’s visit to Gillette Stadium, New England allowed the 49ers to put up a season-high 41 points — the most the Patriots have allowed since 2005.

The leadership of Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo will be a major key to the unit’s performance, as the Patriots’ defense seeks to rekindle the aggressive style they played with in the weeks prior.

There’s plenty to talk about, though, as the loss has opened up a whole Pandora’s box of playoff possibilities, including the thought of tanking down the stretch. We’ll see how the Patriots respond on the field come Sunday. In the meantime, let’s jump into a very special holiday edition of the NFL mailbag.

You think the Patriots made a mistake by blitzing Colin Kaepernick late in the game when the defense was doing well during a stretch of stops?
– @jbird010, via Twitter

I’m guessing the specific play you’re talking about is the touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree late in the fourth quarter. The Patriots brought the house, including all three linebackers, and were intent on pressuring Kaepernick with the 49ers reeling from New England’s comeback.

After rewatching the film, the Patriots did bring the blitz a few times during their big comeback. That first-down pass seemed like another good opportunity to bring the heat on Kaepernick. The blitz was actually very effective on that play, as it forced Kaepernick to run through his reads and to make a quick pass to the outside. The problem was Kyle Arrington had been forced to play outside since Alfonzo Dennard was injured, and he missed the tackle that let Crabtree get free.

I understand the concern about blitzing too much, but to be honest, the aggressive style the Patriots have displayed over the past few weeks has been a major factor in their resurgence on that side of the ball.

 Is anyone else sick of watching Kyle Arrington consistently getting beat? Why does Belichick still rely on him?
– @Timjroc, via Twitter

Speaking of Arrington, there’s been plenty people bashing him for his late-game play this week, and deservedly so. He made a horrible misstep on that missed Crabtree tackle, and allowed some key passes through that helped the 49ers extend a few drives.

But while he wasn’t great on the outside on Sunday, he doesn’t necessarily belong out there. Arrington was forced out there because of Dennard’s knee injury. Once Dennard’s back, Arrington should slide back into the slot where he has appeared much more comfortable.

Bill Belichick likes Arrington because of his speed and instincts when the ball’s in the air. He has actually been the Patriots’ best cover corner over the past few weeks, even racking up the most passes defended in the secondary (six) over the past four games.

He is definitely much better on the inside. The fact that Dennard is back at practice is a good sign, and indicates things should go back to normal in the secondary in short order.

Should the Pats use the Miami game as a bye and rest their starters? Losing against Miami could help a lot. The fourth seed offers a better road, too.
– @Bobalu10, via Twitter

Well, we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves with the Miami talk here, seeing as that game’s still more than a week away. But resting players has been a hot topic this week, especially considering the slim chance the Patriots can get hold of a first-round bye.

This week’s game should be something of a release for the Patriots. They have plenty of built-up frustration from Sunday’s loss, and a trip to play the lowly Jaguars could be just what New England needs to get back on track. Next week, though, is a whole different story.

By this time next week, the AFC playoff picture should be much clearer. If the Broncos or Texans don’t lose this weekend, it’s all but sealed that the Patriots won’t be getting a bye in the first round. So, at that point, it might be wise to rest those players with lingering injuries like Dennard, Aqib Talib, Brandon Spikes and Rob Gronkowski.

I’m not so sure I agree that the No. 4 seed is the best route, because Houston is still damn good at home. But using that week as something of a second bye week could definitely help.

Until next week, have a great holiday, and let’s Ho, Ho, Hope for some better days ahead for the Patriots.

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

Just days after the Patriots laid an “ass whipping” — Andre Johnson‘s words, not mine — on the AFC-leading Texans, the Pats are now tasked with the misfortune of hosting yet another Super Bowl contender.

Even in a week that featured “Tom Brady Day,” the Patriots and their leader have a tall order at hand as the 49ers come to town looking to stake their own claim as the NFC’s preeminent team.

With them comes one of, if not the best, defenses in football, led by a front seven featuring Patrick Willis, Justin Smith and NFL sacks leader Aldon Smith. But Tom Brady‘s is well aware of San Francisco’s defensive prowess, even admitting to preparing for the 49ers since as early as Thanksgiving.

Sunday’s game in Foxboro should prove to be far more competitive than Monday’s blowout, at least NFL fans hope that’s the case after last week’s overhyped letdown. New 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is focused on ensuring a close game, and his elite skill set should at least challenge the Patriots secondary, especially if they are missing some key pieces as the practice report has alluded to.

But coming off such a massive win on Monday night, and headed into another mammoth showdown on Sunday, there was plenty of intrigue and concern from Patriots nation. Not to worry, that’s what the mailbag is here for.

So, let’s take a dive into some of the burning questions you sent in this week and get set for another big game this weekend.

What’s the status on Aqib Talib for this weekend?
– via Twiter/@Oh_Fourosix

Considering Kaepernick’s precision and weapons like Randy Moss and Michael Crabtree lurking about, Talib’s presence will be even more important this weekend.

After a few subpar performances to start his Patriots career, Talib finally seemed to figure things out against Andre Johnson and the Texans on Monday. But midway through the third quarter, Talib suffered a hip injury that saw him finish the game as a spectator on the sidelines. He described the injury as “day-to-day” on Thursday, and seems committed to getting healthy and back on the field by Sunday night.

I’d say he should be a go come game time, barring any unexpected setbacks. So, look out for that Talib-Moss matchup which should draw plenty of attention from Kaepernick and the refs, too.

Does Vince Wilfork have a legitimate chance at winning Defensive Player of the Year?
– Kris Kauffman, Westbrook, Maine

I’m glad you asked, Kris. I was so impressed on Monday night that I actually wrote why Wilfork deserves the Defensive Player of the Year award. The stats may not say much about him, but then again his impact far exceeds what numbers can quantify.

Throughout that blowout of the Texans, all I saw was Wilfork dominating the line of scrimmage. The Texans actually tried to double-team Wilfork in the second half, but his power and strength have been near unstoppable this season.

Now, because of his disadvantage as a defensive tackle and without the statistics to support him, I don’t see Wilfork getting too many DPoY votes. So, to answer your question, no, I don’t think he has a fair chance to win the award. But I definitely believe he’s deserving of it.

I recently read that the Pats and Brian Waters had come close to an agreement for his return to the team. But, because they never did reach that agreement, he is no longer able to join the team this year. Why is it teams can still pick up unsigned players (i.e Donte Stallworth, Plaxico Burress, etc), but not a player who had held out? What is the league’s logic in any such rule?
Thanks,
– Ken, Rehoboth, Mass.

You got it right, Ken. The Patriots did have a deal in place with Waters, but the two sides were unable to figure things out before this year’s Nov. 30 deadline — more information here.

When Waters didn’t report to the team during the preseason, the Patriots placed him on the reserve/did not report list. If Waters was a free agent, he could still sign with the Patriots, or any other team for that matter, at any point in the season, like you suggest with Stallworth and Burress. But because Waters was under contract with the Patriots and listed on the reserve list, he only had until before Week 13 to return.

It’s unfortunate that he couldn’t work something out to get back before the deadline, especially given how beat up the offensive line has been with lingering injuries to Logan Mankins, Sebastian Vollmer and Dan Connolly. But the Patriots have done a tremendous job of filling those voids, and there’s no point in playing the “what if” game now as they’re stuck with what they’ve got.

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here. Luke will select a few questions every week answer them in his weekly mailbag.