FORT MYERS, Fla. — Saturday’s spring training workout got off the ground a little later than expected, as Tony Clark, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, met with Boston Red Sox players to discuss various issues.
The meeting didn’t stop the Red Sox from enjoying another productive day at JetBlue Park, though, as manager John Farrell once again was pleased with what he saw from his club. Boston even added a player, as pitcher Chris Capuano passed his physical, making his one-year contract official.
Below are some additional notes from Saturday’s spring training workout.
-Clark spoke with reporters after meeting with the Red Sox. He discussed several issues currently facing Major League Baseball, including the free-agent market, home-plate collisions and performance-enhancing drugs.
-Capuano talked after passing his physical. The West Springfield, Mass., native said he’s excited to join the Red Sox — the team he rooted for while growing up — and that his local ties were a factor in his decision to sign with Boston.
-Capuano will throw his first bullpen session Sunday. He’ll face live hitters a few days after that, according to Farrell.
-Xander Bogaerts acknowledged he has heard the constant chatter about Stephen Drew, but the rookie still is preparing to be the Red Sox’s everyday shortstop. Bogaerts said he’s unsure where he’ll hit in the lineup and that it doesn’t matter.
-Bogaerts also said he’s trying to emulate the veterans’ work ethic — both on and off the field.
“I try to act like a grown person. I mean, I’m still 21, though,” Bogaerts said. “You just have to do things the right way, see the way veteran players go about their business and stuff like that, especially baseball-wise. Off the field, I hopefully won’t have any problems. I don’t go out a lot, so that definitely helps to stay away from trouble.”
-Jake Peavy, who had a minor hand issue at the beginning of camp, threw a bullpen session Saturday. He’s expected to face live hitters Wednesday.
-Andrew Miller hasn’t shown any ill effects of the foot injury that derailed his 2013 season. Farrell said he’s looking forward to having the left-hander as a “mainstay” in this year’s bullpen.
-Jonathan Herrera played some third base with the Colorado Rockies, but most of his action has come at either shortstop or second base. Farrell said the club’s utility player will need to be able to play all three positions.
-Farrell spoke glowingly of third base prospect Garin Cecchini.
“This has been just a few days, but the reports by all that have had their hands on him throughout his minor league path, [he’s] just a baseball rat,” Farrell said. “Very good intelligence, good instincts, tireless worker and engaging. [Cecchini asks] good questions, and I think it speaks to the upbringing that he’s had. Like I said, he’s a baseball rat.”
-Grady Sizemore, who hasn’t played since 2011, continues to make steady progress offensively, defensively and on the bases.
“Everything has been very encouraging,” Farrell said. “We’re going to have to temper either our enthusiasm or really how much we push him just to gradually get him back into game shape.”
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Photo via Twitter/@FrankTank96
