Spring Training 2014

SoxJox

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Dec 22, 2003
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Forgive me oh SoSH god(s) (I'm not certain which of the mods have attained god or god-like status...I'm sure they will declare or be pointed out) for starting a thread that I likely will be pounced upon by the masses.
 
I looked for a thread to discuss the upcoming rituals of Spring Training.  I didn't find one.  My forensic skills may be less than well-honed.
 
Perhaps I am over-exuberant in my recent location to Florida, and the anticipation of driving relatively short distances to see Red Sox, Rays, Braves, and others, well, is quite intoxicating.
 
From past skulking (I refuse to be categorized as a lurker in this matter), I wonder if there are regulars that can share ST tips.
 
All I know is this:
 
Pitchers and catchers report Saturday, Feb 15.
 
First workout is Monday, Feb 17.
 
Position players report Tuesday, Feb 18.
 
First full workout is Thursday, Feb 20.
 
This will be the 2nd year at Jet Blue Park.
 
And the first taste of resin and tar is the doubleheader Feb. 27 vs. Northeastern and Boston College
 

Bigpupp

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SoxJox said:
Forgive me oh SoSH god(s) (I'm not certain which of the mods have attained god or god-like status...I'm sure they will declare or be pointed out) for starting a thread that I likely will be pounced upon by the masses.
 
I looked for a thread to discuss the upcoming rituals of Spring Training.  I didn't find one.  My forensic skills may be less than well-honed.
 
Perhaps I am over-exuberant in my recent location to Florida, and the anticipation of driving relatively short distances to see Red Sox, Rays, Braves, and others, well, is quite intoxicating.
 
From past skulking (I refuse to be categorized as a lurker in this matter), I wonder if there are regulars that can share ST tips.
 
All I know is this:
 
Pitchers and catchers report Saturday, Feb 15.
 
First workout is Monday, Feb 17.
 
Position players report Tuesday, Feb 18.
 
First full workout is Thursday, Feb 20.
 
This will be the 2nd year at Jet Blue Park.
 
And the first taste of resin and tar is the doubleheader Feb. 27 vs. Northeastern and Boston College
3, sir.
 

The Gray Eagle

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Aug 1, 2001
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I'm actually not looking forward to spring training this time, because there's no way 2014 could be as great a year as 2013.
 
Last year was the best overall season the Red Sox have had in my pretty long lifetime. In 2013: we came back from a nightmare last place season with a lot of new faces who were fun to root for; we handily won the division, while the Yankees missed the playoffs; we won the most games in the league; sent the Devil Rays home; beat very good Detroit team in an exciting and memorable series to get to the World Series; and then won it all at home-- all without ever facing a single elimination game. Loads of postseason drama and excitement without the fear and dread and stress of facing a possible season ending game. 
 
A season just can't go much better than that. I already miss the 2013 baseball season. This one might be great too, but I don't see how it could be AS good and almost certainly won't be.
 
It's still last year until the season starts I guess.
 

Minneapolis Millers

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The Gray Eagle said:
I'm actually not looking forward to spring training this time, because there's no way 2014 could be as great a year as 2013.
 
Last year was the best overall season the Red Sox have had in my pretty long lifetime. In 2013: we came back from a nightmare last place season with a lot of new faces who were fun to root for; we handily won the division, while the Yankees missed the playoffs; we won the most games in the league; sent the Devil Rays home; beat very good Detroit team in an exciting and memorable series to get to the World Series; and then won it all at home-- all without ever facing a single elimination game. Loads of postseason drama and excitement without the fear and dread and stress of facing a possible season ending game. 
 
A season just can't go much better than that. I already miss the 2013 baseball season. This one might be great too, but I don't see how it could be AS good and almost certainly won't be.
 
It's still last year until the season starts I guess.
All true, but that just makes this spring all the sweeter! Time for great revelry, with the luxury that 3 titles in 10 years gives us to watch the highly rated youngsters develop. Enjoy it. This is what your long years of Sox faithfulness have delivered to you.
 

Saints Rest

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The Gray Eagle said:
I'm actually not looking forward to spring training this time, because there's no way 2014 could be as great a year as 2013.
 
Last year was the best overall season the Red Sox have had in my pretty long lifetime. In 2013: we came back from a nightmare last place season with a lot of new faces who were fun to root for; we handily won the division, while the Yankees missed the playoffs; we won the most games in the league; sent the Devil Rays home; beat very good Detroit team in an exciting and memorable series to get to the World Series; and then won it all at home-- all without ever facing a single elimination game. Loads of postseason drama and excitement without the fear and dread and stress of facing a possible season ending game. 
 
A season just can't go much better than that. I already miss the 2013 baseball season. This one might be great too, but I don't see how it could be AS good and almost certainly won't be.
 
It's still last year until the season starts I guess.
Let us not forget that 2014 will have something that 2013 never had: the daily recognition of "The World Champion Red Sox."
 

pokey_reese

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Jun 25, 2008
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I'm pretty excited about finally getting to enjoy at least a glimmer of the promise of 'bridge years' past.  Putting potentially 3 youngsters in at important starting positions to open the year, and a slew of young arms who might make an appearance later.
 
The amazing degree to which this has been a really quiet off-season for the Sox has been lost a bit in the noise of the furious moves by the Yankees.  The almost complete lack of impact (or even moderate) signings speaks to both the continuity in the core of the championship team, as well as the excellence of the farm system in providing replacements for players who left.
 
March can't come fast enough.
 

The Boomer

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pokey_reese said:
I'm pretty excited about finally getting to enjoy at least a glimmer of the promise of 'bridge years' past.  Putting potentially 3 youngsters in at important starting positions to open the year, and a slew of young arms who might make an appearance later.
 
The amazing degree to which this has been a really quiet off-season for the Sox has been lost a bit in the noise of the furious moves by the Yankees.  The almost complete lack of impact (or even moderate) signings speaks to both the continuity in the core of the championship team, as well as the excellence of the farm system in providing replacements for players who left.
 
March can't come fast enough.
I agree with this. 3 emerging every day prospects plus at least as many pitching prospects getting their chances this season is far from the stand pat approach most teams take after winning a championship. If some are as good as advertised, this team will be fun to watch as it traditions to the future. If all prospects contribute like the 2013 veteran acquisitions, the future is now.
 

someoneanywhere

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The Gray Eagle said:
I'm actually not looking forward to spring training this time, because there's no way 2014 could be as great a year as 2013.

Last year was the best overall season the Red Sox have had in my pretty long lifetime. In 2013: we came back from a nightmare last place season with a lot of new faces who were fun to root for; we handily won the division, while the Yankees missed the playoffs; we won the most games in the league; sent the Devil Rays home; beat very good Detroit team in an exciting and memorable series to get to the World Series; and then won it all at home-- all without ever facing a single elimination game. Loads of postseason drama and excitement without the fear and dread and stress of facing a possible season ending game.

A season just can't go much better than that. I already miss the 2013 baseball season. This one might be great too, but I don't see how it could be AS good and almost certainly won't be.

It's still last year until the season starts I guess.
It's funny how people experience their fandom differently. I'm looking forward to 2014 precisely because they are the champs, they have the target on their back, and this seems like a crew to relish being kept up to the mark every day, in every series. My favorite non-championship teams of the last decade have been the 2005 team -- which was gritty and tough and all that but ran out of pitching -- and especially the 2008 team, which grinded out all kinds of distractions and challenges to get within a couple of innings of defending the belt.

Enjoy the feeling of defending in spring training -- that's my advice. There's no better feeling in spring. Then relish the challenge of doing it from March to September.
 

jon abbey

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Not sure where to put this, but John Farrell is on ESPN live right now.
 

soxhop411

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“@PeteAbe: #RedSox spotted in camp: Lester, Bogaerts, Bradley, Middlebrooks, Nava, Hassan, Butler, Swiharr, Britton, De La Rosa, Wilson.”
 

Minneapolis Millers

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soxhop411 said:
@PeteAbe: #RedSox spotted in camp: Lester, Bogaerts, Bradley, Middlebrooks, Nava, Hassan, Butler, Swiharr, Britton, De La Rosa, Wilson.
Where the heck is Pedroia? Gets a big deal and immediately starts to slack off. That guy has no dedication.
 

Reverend

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Minneapolis Millers said:
Where the heck is Pedroia? Gets a big deal and immediately starts to slack off. That guy has no dedication.
 
Don't even kid:
 

Dustin Pedroia’s energy extends well beyond the diamond.
 
David Ross recently told The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo that several players from last year’s Red Sox team have remained in touch throughout the offseason via text messages. Pedroia apparently went one step further, leaving a voice mail that has Ross extremely excited for the 2014 season.
 
“It was such a special group of guys,” Ross told Cafardo about the 2013 Red Sox. “We have a line of texting going on all winter, and this team is fired up to get back out there. [Dustin] Pedroia sent me a voice mail the other day that got me completely fired up for the upcoming year. I can’t wait to get to spring training and start it all over again. And I know the guys, texting back and forth, feel the same way.”
 
 
 

Doctor G

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Jan 24, 2007
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The Gray Eagle said:
I'm actually not looking forward to spring training this time, because there's no way 2014 could be as great a year as 2013.
 
Last year was the best overall season the Red Sox have had in my pretty long lifetime. In 2013: we came back from a nightmare last place season with a lot of new faces who were fun to root for; we handily won the division, while the Yankees missed the playoffs; we won the most games in the league; sent the Devil Rays home; beat very good Detroit team in an exciting and memorable series to get to the World Series; and then won it all at home-- all without ever facing a single elimination game. Loads of postseason drama and excitement without the fear and dread and stress of facing a possible season ending game. 
 
A season just can't go much better than that. I already miss the 2013 baseball season. This one might be great too, but I don't see how it could be AS good and almost certainly won't be.
 
It's still last year until the season starts I guess.
There is a way it could be better. If the young guys emerge as integral parts of a team that takes the AL East in a season long battle with the Yankees, and continue to be a big part of a  repeat World Championship.
That would do it for me.
 

Al Zarilla

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jon abbey said:
Not sure where to put this, but John Farrell is on ESPN live right now.
I guess they make the rounds. Farrell was also on ESPN First Take today. When Stephen A's turn came to ask Farrell a question, he asked about Victor Ortiz. Then, he made an excuse of having boxing on the brain. Skip Bayless' remark was that Koji came out of nowhere. No, he didn't. Why do I even pause on that show. Farrell has to be the most diplomatic manager ever, or in the top few. Every question about 2012 vs. 2013 he avoids taking any credit or saying anything that may implicate Bobby V. Instead, it's Ortiz, Ellsbury and Pedroia being healthy, the starting pitchers turning it around, etc. Of course, he was probably the guy that spotted Lester's mechanical problems. 
 

Savin Hillbilly

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The wrong side of the bridge....
Remember that scene in "There's Something About Mary" where Dom tells Ted that he needs to "flog the dolphin" before a big date so he'll be relaxed? That's how I feel about 2014. We flogged the dolphin last year, I'm nice and relaxed, and I'm going to really enjoy this date. Maybe I'll even fall in love.
 

SoxJox

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Rock > SoxJox < Hard Place
I've not been to the Jet Blue facility, but now that I'm residing in Orlando and can expect to make a number of trips over, are there any recommendations on navigating the place?  Now that the park and Player Development Complex are co-located, any tips?
 

BoSoxLady

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I received security clearance today to view and document The Truck as it's being off-loaded at Jet Blue Park. Wednesday, 2/12 at 7:00AM.

The things I do for you people. :)
 

mabrowndog

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Set your calendars, alarm clocks and DVRs. NESN's first airing of Red Sox Live from Fort Myers will be Sunday, February 16 at 6 pm EST.
 

Lose Remerswaal

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SoxJox said:
I've not been to the Jet Blue facility, but now that I'm residing in Orlando and can expect to make a number of trips over, are there any recommendations on navigating the place?  Now that the park and Player Development Complex are co-located, any tips?
 
Park towards the left as you enter from the main drag, and just start walking.  There may be no signs or fans at the backfields, but there will be players playing, stretching, tossing, running, etc.  It's amazing.
 

BoSoxLady

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The facility doesn't allow visitors until the first workout of pitchers/catchers which is February 18h. Enter the West entrance and you'll be directed to the parking lot which as Lose wrote, is to the left of the park.

Workouts begin at approximately 9:00AM, on the agility field on the East side of the park.

If you go before the full squad workouts, you'll see lots of PFP (pitcher's fielding practice) on the five fields plus the guys who've reported to camp early taking BP on Field one, which is an exact replica (including the green monster) of Fenway. Field one is near the agility field.

Once the full squad begins workouts, fans move between the five fields watching BP, infield and outfield drills. There's plenty of grandstands, each with a roof for sun protection.

Sunscreen is a must, regardless.

Enjoy!

Edit: workouts usually end between 11:30-12:30. Time for golf!
 

someoneanywhere

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BoSoxLady said:
I received security clearance today to view and document The Truck as it's being off-loaded at Jet Blue Park. Wednesday, 2/12 at 7:00AM. The things I do for you people. :)
 
It is to be noted -- and held as a great good -- that you are the only one among us who could get security clearance. 
 
Can't wait for you guys to get down there. 
 

Mike F

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Truth be told she doesn't have a security clearance.  She is just too short for the security camera to catch her.
 

Curt S Loew

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Mike F said:
Truth be told she doesn't have a security clearance.  She is just too short for the security camera to catch her.
Awesome.  Good to see ya made it, Mike.  Looking forward to the updates!
 

mabrowndog

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I'll be really bummed if he doesn't make that artwork available on t-shirts for charity.
 

BoSoxLady

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Truck departs Fenway at 10AM.
 

sittingstill

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Muddy Chicken said:
Does anyone know the schedule for Truck Day tomorrow?
Per the Sox:
 
The truck will be loaded starting at 7 a.m. and is scheduled to leave Fenway Park for the 1,480-mile trip around 10 a.m. Additionally, the 2004, 2007, and 2013 World Series trophies will be on display for fans in the Red Sox ticket office located on the corner of Yawkey Way and Brookline Avenue from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
 
 
I hope I get there in time to shoot the Loading of the Vacuums.
 

InsideTheParker

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Do other teams have such rituals? How much sense does it make to haul this stuff 1500 miles and back annually? Those must be some mighty  pricy vacuum cleaners.
 

Al Zarilla

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InsideTheParker said:
Do other teams have such rituals? How much sense does it make to haul this stuff 1500 miles and back annually? Those must be some mighty  pricy vacuum cleaners.
They have to load a truck with Pedroia's kids' bikes and trikes anyway.
 

mabrowndog

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InsideTheParker said:
Do other teams have such rituals? How much sense does it make to haul this stuff 1500 miles and back annually? Those must be some mighty  pricy vacuum cleaners.
 
The freight charges are probably less than a few thousand dollars round trip. The clubhouse staffers who box up the stuff and load/unload the truck are already on the team's payroll.
 
Having some of the comforts of home & office for 6-7 weeks can absolutely be worth it. Certainly more so than buying duplicate quantities of crap, or having to call some office lackey back in Boston to pull up paperwork you need.
 

sittingstill

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Tremendously disappointed not to see vacuums this year. I guess after that third World Series win they thought they could send down a couple hundred bucks and have them in permanent residence.
 
(BTW I would estimate that more than half the 2014 truck was loaded with retail operations stuff.)
 

 

 

 

 
On its way to BoSoxLady!
 
More photos here, for those of you who can;t get enough photos of people putting boxes on a truck.
 

Al Zarilla

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sittingstill said:
Tremendously disappointed not to see vacuums this year. I guess after that third World Series win they thought they could send down a couple hundred bucks and have them in permanent residence.
 
(BTW I would estimate that more than half the 2014 truck was loaded with retail operations stuff.)
 

 

 

 

 
On its way to BoSoxLady!
 
More photos here, for those of you who can;t get enough photos of people putting boxes on a truck.
The first Official event of the new and (could it possibly be) improved Red Sox season! Thanks, SS. 
 
For the record, getting a "page not found" clicking on your "here".