Opener SquanderPalooza; Sox Fall To O's, 2-1

(AP Photo)

They were 0-9 with runners in scoring position. They left 12 runners on base. And they lost, 2-1. So starts the title defense for your Carmine Hose. Jon Lester pitched well through seven innings—making just two mistakes (a lead-off walk and a HR—both to Nelson Cruz). But the story of this loss was the inability of Boston to make anything happen in run-scoring opportunities. The only tally was a lead-off HR in the 4th inning by Grady Sizemore. Jackie Bradley, Jr. struck out to end the game with two runners on—after pinch-running for Mike Napoli. So, they will not go undefeated in 2014.

It's Official: Red Sox Tickets Are Priciest In MLB

ESPN.com

Just in time for Opening Day, Red Sox fans get a nice kick in the you-know-where. According to Team Marketing Report's Fan Cost Index, a ticket to see the 2013 World Champion Carmine Hose will set you back—on average—$52.32. That's the costliest ticket in all of Major League Baseball—just ahead of The Bronx Embalmers at $51.55. It's also $24.39 above the MLB average! And, it's a whopping $35.95 more costly than the average ticket the Padres charge ($16.37) to get into beautiful—and roomy and obstruction-free—PETCO Park. Having this dubious distinction is yet another indication of just how rich John Henry is getting on this franchise. The Red Sox, Liverpool's foreign soccer team, Roush Fenway Racing, representation of LeBron James....THE WORLD!

FenwayNation's Fearless Predictions For 2014

Here are the fearless predictions of FenwayNation's in-house sooth-sayer, Pine-Tar-Nak The Not-So-Magnificent: AL East: Rays; AL Central: Royals; AL West: Angels; NL East: Nationals; NL Central: Reds; NL West: Dodgers; AL Wild Cards: Red Sox, Tigers; NL Wild Cards: D'Backs, Braves; ALCS: Tigers over Rays; NLCS: Nationals over Dodgers; World Series: Nationals over Tigers. Given Pine-Tar-Nak's track record, you can pretty much toss these predictions in the trash. Everyone is undefeated today (except for the Diamondbacks and Dodgers), and optimism is in the air (along with a few snowflakes in key cities). Play Ball!

Red Sox Opening Day Line-Up At Camden Yards

The Red Sox open their defense of the 2013 World Series crown today in Baltimore. With Shane Victorino going on the DL, John Farrell will send out the following lineup: RF Daniel Nava; 2B Dustin Pedroia; DH David Ortiz; 1B Mike Napoli; LF Mike Carp; CF Grady Sizemore; SS Xander Bogaerts; C A. J. Pierzynski; 3B Will Middlebrooks; SP Jon Lester.

Victorino Placed On DL; Bradley, Jr. Recalled

The Red Sox have placed Shane Victorino on the 15-day disabled list and recalled Jackie Bradley Jr. to take his spot on the roster. After reviewing the results of an MRI on Victorino's hamstring, the decision was made just a few hours before the first pitch on Opening Day at Camden Yards. Daniel Nava will start in right field and hit lead-off, Grady Sizemore will play center and hit sixth and Mike Carp will play left and hit fifth.

Opening Day Is A Lot Brighter Than Last Year

Last year—in the wake of the worst season in a generation—we asked the following Opening Day question: "a new era or Groundhog Day"? Your Carmine Hose started the year right by smiting Kevin Youkilis and the rest of The Evil Ones in that first game. The rest is hardball history. Today, the 2014 edition of the Red Sox is in a quite different place. Unlike last year, there is no need to expunge an embarrassing campaign. The challenge this year will be whether they can repeat the formula that fused camaraderie and talent into a World Championship. It will not be easy. The American League East is even tougher than last year—with today's opponents (the Baltimore Orioles) a prime candidate to surprise everyone in 2014. Boston has the talent to repeat—but (as with last year)—all the breaks will have to fall our way. At 3PM today, let the games begin!

Dalton Jones Pre-Season 'Raw Score' Is 73.4

We have received our initial 2014 preseason reading from the Dalton Jones Industrial Average Panel, and the results show a "raw score" of 73.4 (12.9 points higher than last year's 60.5). This raw number is out of a maximum possible score of 100.0. The 73.4 raw score will be normalized and set to 100.0 as the benchmark reading for the remainder of the 2014 season. Readings higher or lower than the benchmark will be reported once a month through September. For comparative purposes, our DJIA pre-season reading before the 2011 season (when we were supposed to have the greatest team ever) was a whopping 77.6—4.2 points higher than today's. This year's individual raw scores were: starting pitching—73.8; relief pitching—79.2; total offense—69.6; total defense—71.1.

FN Trivia Contest: Pitching From The Field

WE HAVE A WINNER!: Ron from New York!
 
CORRECT ANSWER: Bill Hall, 5/28/2010, 1.0 IP, 0H, 0R

Thanks to author Raymond Sinibaldi and the good folks at Arcadia Publishing, FenwayNation can offer our readers a chance to win a copy of the great new book, 1967 Red Sox—The Impossible Dream Season. The book has dozens of amazing images from that great campaign—the one that truly launched Red Sox Nation.

QUESTION:
Name the last Red Sox position player to record a scoreless pitching performance in a regular season game. 

The first correct answer submitted via email to: fenwaynation@comcast.net will win the book! 

NOTE: If you have won a FenwayNation-sponsored contest in the last 12 months, please let someone else win.

Victorino Gets MRI, Questionable For Opener

Shane Victorino flew back to Boston yesterday to get an MRI on his tweaked hamstring. Until the Red Sox get the results of that test on Monday, it's uncertain whether Victorino will be able to start on Opening Day in Baltimore. Said manager John Farrell, "We'll have more information once he's examined. We'll make an announcement once we get the information back." The player chimed in with, "I'm fine. "I'm ready to go." Stay tuned.

Ominous 'Pause Button' Hit In Jon Lester Talks

This is just what we didn't want to hear as the Red Sox embark on the defense of the 2013 World Series Championship. The team and ace Jon Lester have "hit the pause button" on contract negotiations—meaning the lefty could be a free agent at the end of the 2014 campaign. There was a lot of PR floating around last week (some pushed by the house organ Boston Globe) that a new extension deal was imminent—certain to happen before Opening Day. Wrong, Prvada Breath! So, now we may lose an epic post-season performer who wants to take a home-town discount. Maybe John Henry can cut back on the Liverpool jock-strap budget.

Though 'Humbling', Bradley Takes It In Stride

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Today has got to be tough for Jackie Bradley, Jr. Virtually assured the starting center fielder role with the departure of Jacoby Ellsbury, a phantom named Grady Sizemore swooped in and took his job away. Of course, hitting .158 on the Spring didn't help Bradley's cause, but that doesn't take the sting out of another trip to Pawtucket. Said Bradley, "It’s humbling. I’ve always known that, though. I don’t really get too caught up in the highs, I don’t get too caught up in the lows. I try to stay in the happy medium. It all evens out." There will come a time—not too far away—when it will JBJ's time to shine.

Sox Skipper Stahl's Mysterious 1907 Suicide

One hundred and seven years ago today, one of the strangest events in Red Sox history took place. Earlier, in August 1906, Chick Stahl was named player-manager of the Boston Americans (who would become the Boston Red Sox in 1908). Stahl was chosen to replace suspended manager Jimmy Collins—who stayed with the team as a player. Stahl agreed to be the manager for the 1907 season, but for some reason, reneged during Spring Training of that year. He did agree to stay on until a replacement could be found. However, on March 28th, he took his own life while the team was in West Baden, Indiana. To this day, no one really knows why the 34-year old Stahl killed himself by drinking four ounces of carbolic acid. Normally a jovial guy, he started talking suicide shortly before he did the deed. His players heard him say, "Boys, I just couldn't help it. It drove me to it." The "it" may have been the guilt of replacing his old friend Collins as manager—or maybe one of his infamous paramours had gone rogue on him (one rumor had him being blackmailed by a woman for fathering a child out of wedlock). And you thought today's Red Sox were a complicated bunch. Not even close.

Farrell Announces Sizemore As Red Sox CF

(Steve Mitchell | USA Today Sports)

Manager John Farrell announced this morning that Grady Sizemore has won the starting center fielder job for the Boston Red Sox. While not completely unexpected, the move is nevertheless highly significant. Sizemore—having a sizzling Spring—has not played major league baseball for the past two years due to a string of injuries. Jackie Bradley, Jr. will be sent back to AAA Pawtucket—but is clearly just one text message away from Fenway should anything happen to Sizemore.

Jerry Remy Explains His Decision To Stay On

(ABC 6—Providence, RI)

Today, Jerry Remy appeared on WEEI's Dennis & Callahan Morning Show to explain the reasons behind his decision to stay on as color commentator on NESN's Red Sox broadcasts. Said Remy, "I can understand the people that are upset with it [the recent Boston Globe story on his son] I certainly understand that, and I expected that. I knew for a long time that there was a story that was going to come out that was not going to be kind to us by any means. But that all was taken into consideration before I made my decision back in, I guess it was February, that I was going to come back." Regarding their support of their son Jared, Remy went on, "Did we enable him? Yes. Now when you look back on it, what was the right thing to do? I don’t have an answer for that. I really don’t have an answer for that." Perhaps the most important piece of news was Remy's denial that he and his wife tried to dissuade Jennifer Martel (the woman allegedly murdered by his son) from extending an emergency restraining order against Jared Remy. Said Remy, "Nonsense. We did everything in our power to try to help Jennifer be safe. We encouraged her to leave. We offered her a safe haven. I don’t want to get into the nitty-gritty of some of these accusations, but I can tell you that Phoebe and I did everything we could to make her safe and to encourage her to leave, to get out, to offer her a place to stay. It just didn’t work out that way." You can listen to the entire WEEI interview HERE.

Breslow and Wright Placed On The 15-Day DL

The Red Sox announced last night that Craig Breslow and Steven Wright were both placed on the 15-day disabled list—retroactive to March 21st. Breslow (who started 2013 on the DL) could return as early as April 5th from his left shoulder strain. Wright is recovering from January surgery to repair a sports hernia. Boston is expected to cut down its roster today from the current 33 players to 25. Likely departures are Ryan Lavarnway, Jackie Bradley, Jr., Francisco Cordero, Tommy Layne, Brayan Villarreal, Drake Britton, Mike McCoy, and Corey Brown.

Remy Planning On Being In Baltimore Monday

(WHDH-TV)

Red Sox legend Jerry Remy told Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy that he plans to be in the NESN broadcast booth on Monday—and for the rest of the 2014 season. In the wake of a scathing Globe article last Sunday, some have called for Remy's dismissal. Others have remained in support of Remy staying on. Said Remy, "I’m not stupid. I hear stuff, but I’d like to just pass on [commenting on] that. I’m planning on being there Monday and that’s the best I can say right now." Asked by Shaughnessy if things were harder this week than last, Remy replied with a terse, "Yeah".  Here's hoping it get easier for Remy as the season moves on.

FN Trivia Contest Is Chance At New Sox Book

Thanks to author Raymond Sinibaldi and the good folks at Arcadia Publishing, FenwayNation can offer our readers a chance to win a copy of the great new book, 1967 Red Sox—The Impossible Dream Season. The book has dozens of amazing images from that great campaign—the one that truly launched Red Sox Nation. As author Sinabaldi says, "On October 1, 1967 I went with my dad to Fenway Park and watched as our beloved Red Sox defeated the Minnesota Twins to capture their first pennant in 21 years! I was 14 years old. While we were there my brother was fighting in the jungles of Vietnam. Dad's been gone for 16 years now and that day shared with him grows exponentially in meaning to me with each passing year. When I began this book I was struck by the fact that what was the Impossible Dream summer for the Red Sox of 1967, was for many of their fans, the nightmare of Vietnam. Within the book I touch upon that dichotomy and it is my hope that as you read and relive that wonderful Red Sox summer, you remember all those who served, fought and died in Vietnam." Look for our next FenwayNation Trivia Contest this weekend for your chance to win a copy of this fantastic book.

Red Sox Are Ready To 'Turn Page' And Repeat

(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Your 2013 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox have a goal—to be the first repeat champs since 2000. Soon after the clinching World Series Game 6 ended, teammates began texting about "turning the page" on the new year and talking about what it would take to repeat. This theme has carried over into Spring Training as the team gets ready to defend the title on Monday in Camden Yards. Said manager John Farrell, "I think they looked at their situation and our situation as a chance to do something special." Boston almost pulled off a 'back-to-back' in 2008—falling in a seven-game ALCS to the Rays and a young phenom named David Price. Dustin Pedroia doesn't want to experience that feeling again, "I remember that was a huge letdown. Really disappointed, shoot, I think we were four or five innings away, winning in the fourth or fifth. You don't want that feeling. Once you win, you want to stay there and be on top all the time. That just gives us something extra to push for to always stay there." Despite losing a few of last year's key players, this team seems strong enough—talent-wise and character-wise—to pull it off.

NYY 'Think' Ellsbury Will Be Ready Opening Day

He Who Will Be Booed On April 22nd

As we all know, former Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury has a long history of injury woes. To be fair, most were freak occurrences—like being hit by the freight train also known as Adrian Beltre. But denizens of The Evil Empire have got to be a little concerned when a minor calf injury has ballooned into possibly missing Opening Day. According to Empire GM Brian Cashman, the Yankees "...think he will be ready [for Opening Day], as long as he's feeling good and he's healthy." Uh-huh. Looks like Ichiro Suzuki in center.

Dalton Jones Industrial Average Returns For '14

FenwayNation's exclusive Dalton Jones Industrial Average will return for another season in 2014. The DJIA (honoring the Red Sox all-time pinch-hit leader) gathers four key metrics from a select panel of FN readers scattered around the world. Each month, they assess the fortunes of the team on: starting pitching, relief pitching, overall offense and overall defense. FenwayNation will publish the DJIA Index Score at the start of the season and at the beginning of each month during the season. If you are interested in becoming part of the select reader panel for the DJIA, send us an email outlining your qualifications for inclusion. SEND IT HERE.

Jon Lester Is Ready After Final Spring Start

(AP Photo/Steven Senne)

While his contract extension talks are not yet resolved, Jon Lester declared himself ready to take the hill on Monday to begin the defense of the team's eighth World Series Championship. The lefty hurled six frames for a Red Sox minor league squad in his final "tune-up" before Opening Day. Lester allowed one run on three hits. The only thing lagging in Lester's arsenal so far is one particular pitch. Bur fear not. As Lester explains, "The one that's kind of dragged behind for me is my curveball. I don't know if that's just arm strength or repetition. But it will come. It's not something I'm concerned about." He will be our ace on Monday—and hopefully for many more openers to come.

It's Time To Think About Fenway Parking Again

The new baseball season has its pluses and minuses. On the plus side, we get to celebrate a World Series Championship all year long (even though the team didn't see fit to wear champions logos on their sleeves). On the minus side is the cold realization that we will soon need to find parking spaces within reasonable walking distance of Fenway Park. Of course, the Parking Politburo of The People's Republic of Brookline will make it even harder this year to occupy one of their precious pieces of asphalt for a few hours. So our advice is to use one of our partenrs—ParkWhiz.com—to find a safe, close by and reasonably-priced space. Then, as you stroll to the park, you can concentrate on nothing more than back-to-back World Championships. Click HERE to find a spot to upcoming home games. And thumb your nose at those meter maids.

The Seven Percent Solution: Lester Deal Or Not?

UPDATE: Lester—Nothing new.
As FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal points out, the Red Sox have only retained six of eighty-nine free agents since 2004—that's about 7% for the cipher-impaired. Jon Lester isn't a free-agent yet, but without an extension, he would become one in 2015. So, what does that mean for the rumored agreement that both sides seem to want before Opening Day? Well, that's just five days away, and there are no press conferences scheduled. Is a hitch developing in the negotiations to ink the lefty to a long-term deal? By right, Lester should get a minimum of $20 million a year for five years—and (based on comparables) could justify as much as six years and $145 million. But Lester has already said that he's willing to accept a "hometown" discount—although probably not at the level Dustin Pedroia agreed to. So, what's the hold-up? Stay tuned.

Red Sox Are Third Most Valuable On Forbes List

In case you're shedding a tear for the NOG and their world-wide sports conglomerate, take heart. According to Forbes magazine, your Carmine Hose are the third most valuable baseball franchise in the world—coming in at $1.5 billion. That means that the paltry $700 million John Henry paid for the team, NESN and Fenway has more than doubled in value since 2002. Not a bad deal by the former commodities trader. Not surprisingly, The Evil Empire topped the Forbes list—valued at $2.5 billion. So now, The Bronx Embalmers are the richest American sports franchise of any kind—passing the Dallas Cowboys at $2.3 billion. The Los Angeles Dodgers Of Los Angeles were second on the value list—chiming in at an even $2 billion. The Red Sox were followed by Theo Epstein's Chicago Cubs at $1.2 billion and the San Francisco Giants at $1 billion. The average value of a MLB team is now $811 million. Deal me in, Bud!

Victorino Vows To Be In Right On Opening Day

(veooz.com)

Despite being held out of the last few Grapefruit league contests, Shane Victorino is promising that he will be in right when The Carmine Hose take the field on Monday at Camden Yards. As it becomes evident that Grady Sizemore (and his injury history) will be in center field that day, Victorino's availability is all the more important. However, as John Farrell put it today, "[He] would be playing if we were in the regular season and was really cleared to play today. I felt like with where we are in camp, another day, just precautionary is where we're at, in keeping him out of the lineup. He’s going to be our right fielder on Opening Day, I can tell you that." 'Nuf Ced.

Fenway Sports Group—A Global Conglomerate

It's becoming increasingly clear that the Red Sox (and their fans) are a mere bagatelle to the NOG (New Ownership Group) and their world-wide Fenway Sports Group conglomerate. As detailed in an April Forbes magazine article, John Henry and his partners can now reap untold millions from such non-baseball ventures as player representation (LeBron James, Johnny Manziel), foreign sports teams (the Liverpool soccer franchise) and even activities nobody in New England gives a rat's patootie about (Roush Fenway Racing's NASCAR entry). Moreover, given FSG's sweetheart sponsor relationships, they can 'make' deals happen—like New Balance getting the Liverpool jersey contract over NIKE, Adidas and Under Armour. And the purveyors of the worst-tasting coffee in the world—Dunkin' Donuts—get to sponsor LeBron as he "takes his marketing talents" to the Far East. It's all a very cozy little game—and the NOG is swimming in cash because of it. So, the next time they tell you how much they value your fandom, keep it in perspective.

Four In Five Voters Want Grady Sizemore In CF

Very early results to our latest FenwayNation Poll suggest that the overwhelming majority of readers think Grady Sizemore should be Boston's 2014 starting center fielder on Opening Day. As the chart shows, fully 80% choose Sizemore, while just 20% pick the player thought to have had the edge going into to Spring Training, Jackie Bradley, Jr. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

Jonny Gomes Gives Flag Blazers To Teammates

That wacky Jonny Gomes! You just never know what he'll do next. Tattoos in places most humans would never consider putting them, beard growth and shaving on a whim. And now, Gomes is giving all of his teammates (how shall we say?) interesting Stars and Stripes-themed sport jackets. According to The Boston Globe's Peter Abraham, Gomes finagled a deal with the coat-maker, Loudmouth Golf. Loudmouth indeed! And, yet, in this politically-correct day and age, anyone doing something even remotely patriotic deserves praise. Way to go, Jonny!

John Henry Voices Support For Jerry Remy

(Associated Press Photo)

Red Sox Principal Owner (and Boston Globe publisher) John Henry spoke publicly for the first time about the issues surrounding Jerry Remy—expressing support for the long-time broadcaster. Said Henry, "Well, it's great to have him back. I've told him, all of us in Red Sox Nation stand behind him. It's a terrible thing he's been going through, but we're really glad to have him back." Henry's comments came just a few days after his newspaper ran a disturbing story about the Massachusetts justice system allowing Remy's son (Jared Remy) to avoid punishment for years of violent incidents. The younger Remy is charged in the murder of his girlfriend Jennifer Martel.

'We're Number Four!' (In MLB Team Salaries)

Your Carmine Hose check in with the fourth highest payroll in Major League Baseball at $163 million—a tiger's breath ahead of fifth-place Detroit at $162 million. Topping the list this year is the payroll of the Los Angeles Dodgers of Los Angeles—coming in at $235 million dollars. And that's after they jettisoned Nick Punto! For the first time in 15 years, The Evil Ones have been knocked off the top spot—doling out a paltry $204 million and finishing second. And this is after their half-billion dollar Winter shopping spree! The pathetic Phillies were just ahead of Boston in third place with $180 million. Interestingly, the top salaried player on the Red Sox is—wait for it—Mr. Jake Peavy at $16.157 million. Who knew?

FN Poll: Who Should Be Starting Red Sox CF?

Red Sox 2014 Center Fielder
Who should be the Red Sox starting center fielder?	Jackie Bradley, Jr. Grady Sizemore
	Current Results

Every Little Thing Gonna Be Down To 15 Secs

Remember the 'gang-Karaoke' at Fenway whenever Shane Victorino walked to the plate in 2013? Around 40,000 fans started chanting along with Bob Marley, "...every little thing gonna be all right". And, we're all set to do it again this year, right? Wrong, GangaBreath! A new MLB rule limits 'walk-up' music to just 15 seconds—well short of what's needed to lay down a real Rastafarian Rythym to Marley's 'Three Little Birds' lyrics. Have no fear, the Fenway Faithful will surely continue the refrain long after the music fades—"Sweet-Caroline"-like. Count on it.

Get Tickets To Red Sox Opening Homestand

Opening Day at Camden Yards is just six days away—and the home opener at Fenway is a week from this Friday. Face it, folks, the season is effectively here. You can still score good seats at good prices from one of FenwayNation's three ticket sources—Front Row Tickets, Seat Geek and Authority Tickets. Make sure you are there as the Red Sox defend their eighth World Series Championship—and go for number nine!

Sox To Meet President Obama On April Fools'

Next Tuesday, April 1st, the 2013 World Series Champion Red Sox will be honored at the White House by President Barack Obama. The team—which will be in nearby Baltimore next week—will be celebrated in a ceremony that will begin at 11:15 AM in The Executive Mansion. Former Boston Bruin Tim Thomas could not be reached for comment.

Farrell: No Room For Two Sox Center Fielders

Red Sox manager John Farrell made it clear on Tuesday that there's room for only one center fielder on the Red Sox Opening Day roster. One or the other of Grady Sizemore or Jackie Bradley, Jr. will make the cut. As quoted by The Providence Journal's Brian MacPherson, Farrel said, "it's probably an either-or"—but all current indications heavily favor Sizemore. If that happens, Bradley, Jr. would be headed back to AAA Pawtucket to continue his offensive progression with a maximum number of at-bats. Of course, given Sizemore's history of fragility, Bradley, Jr. could well be summoned to the big club at any moment in the early going. Stay tuned.

Middlebrooks & Ross Jimmy Fund Co-Captains

Erin Harkins And Middlebrooks

The Jimmy Fund and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute announced that Red Sox 3B Will Middlebrooks and C David Ross will serve as Co-Captains for the 2014 season. The pair will also be this year's spokespersons for the Jimmy Fund's Ninth Annual Rally Against Cancer Fundraiser. The two players will be ambassadors for the Jimmy Fund, raising awareness and building support for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Rally Against Cancer, sponsored by Fan Band, encourages Red Sox fans to start a Rally Against Cancer team at their workplaces or schools and encouraging co-workers, classmates, and friends to each contribute $5 or more to the Jimmy Fund. In exchange, they can “Dress for Sox-cess” by wearing Boston Red Sox gear to work or school on Friday, April 4, when the Sox take on the Milwaukee Brewers at Fenway Park for their home opener. The top fundraising workplace and school (K-12, college, or university) are each eligible for a visit from Middlebrooks or Ross. There will be a third and fourth opportunity to win—all teams that raise $5,000 or more (workplace or school) will be entered to win a visit from Middlebrooks or Ross, and the team with the largest number of participants will receive a visit from the 2013 World Series trophy (see full contest rules at RallyAgainstCancer.org). In eight years, Rally Against Cancer has raised more $3.5 million to support the fight against cancer at Dana-Farber. FenwayNation urges our readers to support this great cause.

Jerry Remy's Fate Should Be In His Own Hands

by Ernie Paicopolos, Editor-In-Chief

Full disclosure right off the top—my bias is in support of Jerry Remy. In 1992, while a 'get-a-lifer' at Red Sox Fantasy Camp in Winter Haven, I was lucky enough to have Remy as my manager. All the players who got to know Jerry—including myself—found him to be a genuine, thoughtful and helpful person. While he was already four years into his broadcasting career, these were pre-'RemDawg' days. The 'brand' had not yet materialized. Over the weekend, an article appeared in The Boston Globe detailing the horrific spree of mayhem carried out by Jerry's son Jared Remy. This pattern of behavior culminated in the alleged brutal murder of Jennifer Martel. The article is a chilling account of how Jared was allowed to escape punishment for multiple acts of violence—mostly against women. The Massachusetts 'justice' system was nothing short of a pathetic joke. In the wake of these disclosures, there has been a renewal of the debate as to whether Remy should remain as NESN's color commentator on Red Sox broadcasts. There are many who want him fired for what they perceive to be enabling behavior toward his son. While Jerry admits to some of this, it should not lead to his forced dismissal. Jerry and his wife—by all accounts—did everything they could to get Jared the help that might have turned him away from his pathological life. Their efforts failed, and a young woman is dead. Should these circumstances lead to Remy's firing by NESN? We don't think so. Our view is that whether he stays or goes should be Jerry's decision alone.

Red Sox And O's Rained Out In Sunny Florida

Memo to the Sarasota Chamber Of Commerce—take down the TV spots about perfect weather. The Red Sox and Orioles had their game cancelled today—after two scoreless innings—due to rain (also known in Florida as 'liquid sunshine'). So, The Carmine Hose are stuck at 8 wins and 15 losses with seven days to go until the real match-up with Baltimore at Camden Yards.

Evil Empire "Tapped Out", Will Not Sign Drew

The Bronx Embalmers are flat out of cash—at least if you believe what they told Scott Boras. Despite having the infield range of a Softball Beer League All-Star team, The Evil Ones will not open their purse for Stephen Drew. After shelling out half-a-billion dollars over the Winter, the Steinbrenner Brood (Tweedle-Dumb and Tweedle-Dumber) are apparently tired of throwing good money after bad—they're "tapped out" according to sources. It now appears that Drew's only hope is the rumored new interest of the Tigers—although Detroit today signed ancient former Red Sox shortstop Alex Gonzalez—adding to their stable of retreads to replace Jose Iglesias.

Sizemore's Aggressive Schedule Scaled Back

(NESN Photo)

The ambitious playing schedule of Grady Sizemore has been scaled back a bit after a couple of back-to-back outings. Originally, the center-fielder was slated to start on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Now, he will be given Monday off and play Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. According to NESN's Ricky Doyle, Manager John Farrell claims this change is not due to any physical issues. The Red Sox open up their defense of the 2013 World Series Championship a week from today in Baltimore.

FN Editor Mark Lawrence On 'Sydney Series'

(FN Photo by Mark Lawrence)

by Mark Lawrence, Down-Under Editor

Sydney, Australia— After a few years of nonsense rumors and knuckle-headed local sports reporting by guys ill-equipped to cover the topic, Major League Baseball finally made it to Australia, and amid the initial hoopla, this correspondent began to fear that the potential for National Embarrassment was quite real.  And, of course, the Oz Media didn’t let me down.

Ortiz To Sign $16M Contract Extension Today

(Getty Images)

All the rumors were true—with an extra $1 million cherry on top. Booh-Yah! (with apologies to Pam Grier). David Ortiz will sign a one-year contract extension today worth $16 million for 2015. The pact reportedly also has provisions for 2016 (club and vesting options based on plate appearances) and 2017 (club option). The deal will keep Big Papi in Carmine Hose—potentially—through his 41st birthday. Slobbered Boston Globe owner John Henry, "With this agreement, we have near certainty that David Ortiz will finish his career in a Red Sox uniform, which is something we have all wanted and that we are all proud of. It is difficult to describe David’s contributions to our city both on the field and off the field, and we are so proud to have this ambassador of our game with us as he continues on this road to Cooperstown." Good for Papi!

Theo's Cubbies May Give Kalish Another Shot

Kalish & A Fan (FN Photo)

Ryan Kalish was once the Red Sox right-fielder of the future. Then, a cascade of injuries short-circuited his promising career. The most severe of these was cervical fusion surgery—just eight months ago. And yet, Kalish is on the verge of winning a roster spot on Theo Epstein's 2014 Cubbies. He's hitting .300 this Spring and things are looking up. Most of the comeback is mental not physical. Kalish has cleared his mind of all the health concerns and gone back to the fluidity and simplicity that baseball demands. He's approaching the game like he did as a kid—less thinking, more fun. We wish him the best.

One-Year, $15M Ortiz Deal Is 'Close To Final'

(Al Bello/Getty Images)

Multiple sources are reporting that the Red Sox and 2013 World Series MVP David Ortiz are "close to finalizing" a one-year, $15 million contract extension for the 2015 season. While the team is not confirming anything, it's pretty clear that the deed is done. Reportedly, Papi's agent, Fernando Cuza, met with the team several times during Spring Training. Next up, a deal for Jon Lester before Opening Day.

Drew Willing To Sign 1-Year Deal With Tigers

(Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB)

According to The Detroit Free Press, free-agent shortstop Stephen Drew is willing to sign a one-year deal with the Detroit Tigers. By signing for just one year, Drew would not be blocking the other former Red Sox shortstop, Jose Iglesias. Iglesias could miss all of the 2014 season with shin fractures in both legs. The actual signing might not come until after Opening Day (March 31st)—which would technically allow Drew to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year.

Farrell: Sizemore 'Likely' CF If Keeps 'Durability'

(AP Photo)

According to WEEI.com, John Farrell let loose with a potential bombshell on Friday—essentially saying Grady Sizemore is the team's starting center fielder if he stays healthy. The exact quote from Farrell is: "We have every reason to believe at this point that he is a likely candidate to become an every day player, with durability on his side at some point. The medical exam, the medical information is guiding us with a progression. But every piece of feedback from the medical staff has been positive with the end thought that he’ll become an every day player," Amidst the semi-ambiguity, there's very little actual ambiguity. Right? What impact this will have on the destination of Jackie Bradley, Jr. remains to be seen.

REPORT: Lester Talks Resolved By Opening Day

(AP Photo)

According to WEEI.com's Rob Bradford, contract negotiations between the Red Sox and Jon Lester will be resolved before Opening Day—one way or the other. Neither side has any desire for talks to drag into the 2014 season. Lester will be in the final year of his contract and—without a new agreement—the lefty would become a free agent at the end of this season. Lester's agents have been in discussions with Boston GM Ben Cherington throughout the course of Spring Training in Fort Myers.

So Far Capuano Proving To Be A Sage Signing

(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

When Ben Cherington signed West Springfield native Chris Capuano, many pointed to the risk of signing a guy with two Tommy John surgeries in his past. While Capuano has always been a steady performer, injury concerns lingered. So far in 2014, Capuano has delivered an impressive 2.45 ERA in eleven innings of work—including three hitless innings against The Evil Ones yesterday. The lefty will work out of the bullpen, but could be used as an emergency starter if Boston loses one to injury. In 2012, Capuano made 33 starts for the Dodgers and delivered 12 wins, along with a 3.72 ERA over 198 1/3 innings.

Edes: 'No Doubt' Ortiz Extension Coming Soon

(FenwayNation Photo)

ESPNBoston's Gordon Edes writes that there is "no doubt" that a David Ortiz contract extension will be agreed to soon—perhaps "in the next few days". There has been much speculation about the likelihood of such a pact, but it appears that both sides are now hinting that a deal is imminent. Stay tuned.

Jonathan Herrera Wins Red Sox Utility INF Job

 (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The Red Sox announced this afternoon that Jonathan Herrara had won the utility infielder job. At the same time, the team announced that infielder Brock Holt and pitcher Rubby De La Rosa were sent to the minor league camp. The team also reassigned infielder Brandon Snyder. Herrera— acquired in a trade with the Rockies for Chris Martin and Franklin Morales—is hitting .276 so far this Spring.