It's perhaps the most exciting time of year for baseball fans, and Red Sox Nation is certainly no exception.
Will the Josh Beckett contract situation be a distraction?
–Manny, Providence, R.I.
Normally, no. This year, probably. Any time your ace is heading into a contract year, it is a story. However, this year, with the lack of storylines heading into the season, this will have much more play than normal. I am sure the play will be pretty one-sided on the media speculation side. I am sure Josh will not want to discuss this publicly, and it will not be a distraction for him — very little distracts Josh when he locks into his starts.
There will be a lot made of what the Red Sox paid John Lackey, and you can understand that Becket is going to want those numbers. Beyond his contract situation, I believe this will a big year for him, not just because of the contract status but because this staff is going to be very competitive within itself. I think that level of competition will bring Beckett’s game back to dominance.
Who do you think would be a good candidate to be the Red Sox’ next captain after Jason Varitek?
–Ellen, Worcester, Mass.
I think Dustin Pedroia would be a very good choice. I think it has to be a position player who not only leads by example but who is not afraid to say something to someone who is not representing in the best interest for the club. A voice that is respected and carries weight. Pedroia has all of that going for him, and the lead-by-example thing would be his strongest trait.
I think Jason Varitek was very strong in that area. There is a large amount of respect that he carries. He is not the loudest voice in the room, but when he has something to say, they listen. I think Jason will continue to have that cache this year even with the reduced role forecast for him, but I think Dustin would be a solid selection in future years.
Where do you see Rocco Baldelli landing this season? Given his past health problems, do you think he might be willing to accept a minor league deal at this point. It just seems like he might benefit from a year in the minors where he would have a better opportunity to test his limits and help get his medications in a good balance to help him play more regularly. If he can get healthy and be productive, it would help boost his value in coming years. Do you think the Red Sox would be open to such a deal? Would Rocco?
–Deb, Greenville, N.H.
I am hopeful that he finds a major league job this year and that he finds a good spot where he can come off the bench and be productive and healthy. I am a big Rocco fan. There was no question at times last year, even when he was not on the DL, that he was unable to play. It makes it difficult for a manger if your bench player is a no-go. No fault of his own for Rocco, but it was a tough situation, and you can see where a team would be cautious in committing completely.
As far at the minor league deal? He may need to. There are so many guys who are having to take that deal and make their way on a team in the spring. I guess based on how things are going, maybe he will end up doing that. I have a hard time imagining him accepting a minor league assignment after the spring if he does not make the major league roster at the end of March.
How do you prepare for the season during spring training?
–Nick, Buffalo, N.Y.
First and foremost, the games are the most important. Generally, it takes a few for me to get back into the flow again. This will be my 10th season in Boston and my 20th in professional baseball, but it is always like starting over with the first broadcast of the spring. It is also a good chance to see all of the organization in person. During the year we are very consumed with who is on our immediate roster, but the spring allows you to see the prospects and those who are on the cusp of making an impact. I remember the times we were able to see Hanley Ramirez, as an example, in games for the first time. Also, it is a good opportunity to meet and get to know some of the new guys to the roster. Spring is a little more casual than the regular season, and it lends itself to more leisurely conversations.
If you could make any changes to Major League Baseball, what would they be?
–Adam, Milford, Mass.
That’s easy. I would require the umpires to actually enforce the speed-up rules for pitchers and hitters.
