Sox, Despite Flaws, Will Capture Second AL Wild Card

Goodness knows your 2016 edition of The Carmine Hose have some issues. To start, two guys who are together pulling down almost $30 million this year (Pablo Sandoval, Rusney Castillo) are riding the pine to start the year. And, after David Price, the temporarily e-Rod-less rest of the rotation is—at best—league average. The newly-fortified bullpen has become a bit shaky due to the injury to Carson Smith. While Hanley Ramirez has been fine defensively at first base, there's a real question of whether he can sustain that focus through a long season. In spite of all these concerns, we project an 86-88 win campaign—which should (just barely) squeak them into the second AL Wild Card spot. The Blue Jays' sick line-up should propel them to another AL East crown, so it's slim pickings for the rest of the division. Boston should be at least a smidgen better than Tampa, Baltimore and The Evil Ones—so we've got a shot at the post-season. Don't expect a juggernaut, or a repeat of the 2013 Miracle. Be content with a talented, competitive and (mostly) young team. Hey, it beats last place.

Clay Buchholz Hurls Final Florida Spring Game Today

Clay Buchholz has one final tune-up today before his season begins in earnest next week. So far this Spring, he has posted a 4.50 ERA—giving up 11 hits over 10 innings and has walked more guys (7) than he has struck out (6). Batters are hitting a robust .275 off him. The rest of today's line-up is: Mookie Betts RF, Dustin Pedroia 2B, Xander Bogaerts SS, David Ortiz DH, Hanley Ramirez 1B, Travis Shaw 3B, Brock Holt LF, Blake Swihart C and Jackie Bradley Jr. CF.

Don't Fake Sickness For Sox Monday Opener Quite Yet

If you're thinking of blowing off work Monday to catch Red Sox Opening Day in Cleveland, think again. The forecast for The Mistake-By-The-Lake is living up to its nickname: 90% chance of rain, 46 frigid degrees and a nearly 20 MPH wind coming in off Lake Erie. And, as one of our Board members points out, Tuesday's forecast is even worse—32 degrees and windy. Still, it's a good thing the MLB schedulers kept The Carmine Hose away from Fenway on Monday—which will see 38 degrees and a mix of rain and snow. Can we please shorten the schedule to 154 games, start in mid-April, and end this stupidity?

Just One Of Five FOX Analysts Picks Sox For Playoffs

The "heavyweights" over at FOX Sports have chimed in with their MLB picks for 2016. Participating are: Ken Rosenthal (a notorious anti-Boston guy), Jon Paul Morosi, C.J. Nitkowski, Chris Myers, and Jason Dovitz. Just one of these Einsteins (Myers) even picks the Red Sox to make the Wild Card round—as all five tabbed the Blue Jays as AL East Champions. As some concession, the fans who voted picked the Sox for the second AL Wild Card. We will have FenwayNation's predictions for the AL in the next day or so.

Panda Benched! Travis Shaw Starting At 3B For Red Sox

Red Sox manager John Farrell announced this morning that Travis Shaw is the team's starting third baseman—and Pablo Sandoval will ride the pine on the Boston bench. Along with Rusney Castillo's benching, the Red Sox now have two reserve players making more than the GDP of several small nations ($28.87 million to be exact). Stay tuned, there may be another shoe dropping soon—specifically, a trade involving one or both of Sandoval and Castillo. Some speculation HERE. To the Panda's credit, here is his reaction to the move: "It's the right decision to help the team win".

E-Rod Out Until Mid-May Says Crack Sox Medical Team

No longer "nothing" or "one-day's problem", a serious knee injury will keep lefty starter Eduardo Rodriguez out until early to mid-May. Given the track record of the Red Sox medical team (Drs. Howard, Fine and Howard), look for E-Rod's return just after the All-Star Break. Again, with Boston as the medical epicenter of the world, how does John Henry manage to hire these stumble bums to keep his team "healthy"? It's really a toss-up as to whose prognostication skills are worse: New England meteorologists or Red Sox doctors. Poor John Farrell, he has to cover for these guys, "He's a starter. You can't skip any steps here. Days of recovery and rest are required." Thanks for clearing that up!

New York Yankee Reliever Andrew Miller Struck On Wrist

(AP Photo)

Former Boston (and now New York Yankee) reliever Andrew Miller was struck on his non-pitching right wrist today during a Spring Training game at Kissimmee, Florida. Miller left the game, slamming his glove down in the dugout. Early reports are that the injury could be serious (fracture) and would result in a long DL stint for Miller. The Evil Ones have already lost the services of another reliever (Aroldis Chapman) who was suspended for a month under MLB's new domestic abuse policy. Stay tuned!

The Red Sox 2016 25-Man Roster Is All But Finalized

Unless something bizarre happens—like an injury or major trades—this is your Opening Day Red Sox roster for 2016:

FIVE STARTING PITCHERS: David Price, Clay Buchholz, Rick Porcello, Joe Kelly, Steven Wright.

SEVEN RELIEVERS: Craig Kimbrel, Koji Uehara, Junichi Tazawa, Tommy Layne, Matt Barnes, Robbie Ross, Jr., Noe Ramirez.

TWO CATCHERS: Blake Swihart, Ryan Hanigan.

FIVE OUTFIELDERS: Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley, Jr., Brock Holt, Chris Young, Rusney Castillo.

FIVE INFIELDERS: Dustin Pedroia, Xander Bogaerts, Hanley Ramirez, Pablo Sandoval, Travis Shaw.

ONE DESIGNATED HITTER: David Ortiz.

MLB Deal With Apple Allows For iPads In The Dugout

New MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is really starting to grow on us. Think about it, by contrast, lame NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell selected the Microsoft Surface as the preferred sideline tablet for his sport. Manfred on the other hand has just selected the far superior (and much cooler) Apple iPad for use by Major League Baseball. Based on the new multi-year agreement, every team will be given iPad Pro tablets—pre-loaded with every geek-inspired analytic imaginable. While use of the iPads is optional, we're sure every dugout will be displaying them prominently for the television cameras. Take that, Bill Gates.

Red Sox Option LHP Roenis Elias To AAA Pawtucket

(Getty Images)

The Red Sox announced this morning that they have optioned left-handed pitcher Roenis Elias to AAA Pawtucket. For a while, Elias was in contention (with Steven Wright) for the fifth starter slot. Despite losing that, it was thought that he would be used in middle relief. Elias (who had a 10.45 ERA this Spring) came over to The Carmine Hose (along with Carson Smith) in the deal that sent Wade Miley and Jonathan Aro to the gorgeous confines of Safeco Field. Stay tuned for the inevitable implications this move will have on the structure of the Red Sox bullpen going forward.

Future Red Sox Glory Lies On jetBlue's Back Fields

As WEEI.com's Ken Laird rightly points out, you can catch the core of Boston's "Super Youth" movement on Field #6 at jetBlue (fittingly, the Johnny Pesky diamond). There you will find the three sub-22-year-olds who comprise the future glory of The Carmine Hose. Yoan Moncada (20), Rafael Devers (19) and Andrew Benintendi (21) are a trio of Top 25 MLB prospects who will be moving through the Red Sox system together. Currently assigned to the High-A Salem (Virginia) Red Sox, all three will probably move swiftly through the pipeline. There are, of course, some differences. For example, Moncada is driving either a Lamborghini Huracan, BMW X6M Widebody, or a BMW i8 to the park. Benintendi, on the other hand, has a Ford 4-by-4 he wheels into the parking lot. Keep an eye on all three over the next year.

Brock Holt Will Be Primary Red Sox LF Against Righties

According to MLB.com's Ian Browne, Brock Holt will be the primary Red Sox left-fielder against right-handed pitching. While this is not an unexpected eventuality, it is a huge playing time boost for Holt—since about two-thirds of all pitchers are righties. In our view, Holt deserves this promotion—as Runsey Castillo has shown little this Spring and Chris Young can play well against lefties. Look for Castillo to get packaged (maybe along with Pablo Sandoval) in a trade to the Padres for either James Shields or Tyson Ross (and possibly others). Stay tuned!!!!

Today Is Red Sox Great Cy Young's 149th Birthday

Cy Young Statue On The Campus Of Northeastern University

Denton True 'Cy' Young would probably dominate even in today's game. Consider these little tid-bits: he averaged 20 wins a year for 22 years; he won over 30 games four times; his record of 511 career wins will probably live forever, and his career ERA was 2.63. In 1901, he left the St. Louis Cardinals and signed with the then Boston Americans—or Pilgrims, if you like that better (in any event, they were not the Red Sox yet). Once he got to Boston, all he did was go 192-112 and compile an ERA of exactly 2.00. Toiling at the Huntington Avenue Grounds (now on the campus of Boston's Northeastern University), he struck out 4.48 batters for every one he walked in a Boston uniform. His WHIP while he was here (not that he would have known or cared about it) was a ridiculous 0.970. Today is The Cyclone's 149th birthday. Happy birthday, Cy.

Our 2016 Dalton Jones Industrial Average Reading Is In!

We have received our initial 2016 pre-season score from readers worldwide on FenwayNation's Dalton Jones Industrial Average. The results show a "raw score" of 67.3—just .1 points higher that 2015's initial reading of 67.2. These scores pale in comparison to 2014's initial reading of 73.4 (of course, that was coming off 2013's World Series Championship). This new raw number (67.3) is out of a maximum possible score of 100.0. It will be normalized and set to 100.0 as the benchmark reading for the remainder of the 2016 season. Readings higher or lower than the benchmark will be reported once a month through September. This year's individual raw scores were: starting pitching—60.0 (compared with 46.2 last year); relief pitching—76.3 (compared with 66.6 last year); total offense—68.0 (compared with 84.7 last year); and total defense—65.0 (compared with 71.2 last year). So, basically, pre-season evaluations are higher than last year for starting pitching and relief pitching and lower than last year for total offense and total defense. Look for our updated DJIA scores at the end of each month.

David Price Officially Named Sox Opening Day Starter

(AP Photo)

The worst-kept secret in southwest Florida was confirmed today when Red Sox manager John Farrell announced that David Price will be Boston's Opening Day starter next Monday at The Mistake By The Lake. Boy, Steven Wright must be bummed! Anyway, Clay "Will I Ever Pitch 200 Innings?" Buchholz will start Game 2. Rick "Maybe Someday My Sinker Will Sink" Porcello, Joe "Cy" Kelly and Wright will "jockey" for positioning after that. Frankly, Farrell's guess is as good as yours as to who ends up in the 3,4,5 slots! Here's hoping our new $217 million ace comes through against Tito And The Tribe.

Is There A "Padre Panda" In San Diego's Future?

West-Coast Panda?

A few days ago (last Friday to be exact)—in the midst of a story about James Shields trade rumors—we reminded readers that last year the Padres had expressed interest in Pablo Sandoval. Well, now The Boston Globe (AKA: the Red Sox house organ) is reporting that San Diego scouts are back around checking out the Panda. Now, there is not always fire where there is smoke, but considering everything, this is worth watching. There has also been talk that Boston's sights might be set on 28-year old right-hander Tyson Ross and not Shields. Stay tuned.

Another Mediocre Porcello Outing In 5-3 Red Sox Loss

Chalk up another Rick Porcello performance that falls just a little bit shy of what you'd expect from an $82.5 million pitcher. Porcello went 6 2/3 innings today, giving up five runs on ten hits (three of those being HRs). The first three batters of the game went HR, triple, and walk against the righty. His Spring ERA is now 9.77. Chris Young homered (his third) for Boston.

Red Sox Trim Eight More From Spring Training Roster

Opening Day is just one week away and the Red Sox are starting to trim their roster in earnest. Today, Boston dropped the following players from the Major League squad: Deven Marrero, Josh Rutledge, Allen Craig, Brennan Boesch, Dan Butler, Sandy Leon and Anthony Varvaro. Also, Carlos Marmol was released. Additionally, four players will start 2016 on the DL—Eduardo Rodriguez, Carson Smith, Brandon Workman, and Christian Vazquez.

Do Red Sox Have Next Paul Goldschmidt In The Fold?

(Getty Images)

There's been a lot of attention this Spring on a Red Sox player with "Travis" in his name—specifically, Travis Shaw. The son of former major-leaguer Jeff Shaw has probably played his way onto the Red Sox Opening Day roster. However, there is another player with "Travis" in his name who might someday be an even bigger deal—specifically, Sam Travis. For example, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, one scout covering the Red Sox thinks Travis is the next Paul Goldschmidt. Think about it, Boston could already have a guy in tow who can average 30 HRs, 107 RBIs and hit .300. That's what Goldschmidt has delivered over the last five seasons. The 22-year old Travis has so far shown a lot of promise—compiling a .314 average, with 17 HRs and 136 RBIs at all pro levels over the last two years. And, in 17 Spring Training games this year, Travis is hitting a ridiculous .536, with 2 HRs and 13 RBIs. Boston's 2014 second-round pick out of Indiana University could be for real.

Muddy Chicken Knocks In Three In 6-3 Red Sox Win

Dustin Pedroia had two hits and three RBIs, and David Price went five innings in a 6-3 Boston win over the Pirates last night. Price's outing was just "OK"—yielding one earned run on four hits and five walks. Hanley Ramirez contributed two RBIs to the winning cause. The Carmine Hose face the Orioles today in Sarasota.

Brock Holt May Open The Season As Starting Left-Fielder

According to The Providence Journal's Tim Britton, Brock Holt—and not Rusney Castillo—may have the inside track on being Boston's Opening Day left-fielder. Manager John Farrell has stated that Holt could see "a good number of at-bats" in left—and he is, in fact, starting there tonight against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It looks as if Dave Dombrowski—free of any ties to old contracts—truly is making the 2016 Red Sox a meritocracy. Way to go, Dave!

Dalton Jones Average Returns For Pre-Season Reading

PLEASE VOTE!!!!!!!!!
FenwayNation's exclusive Dalton Jones Industrial Average returns for another season in 2016. The DJIA (honoring the Red Sox all-time pinch-hit leader) gathers four key metrics from 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. Starting today, you can cast your pre-season vote HERE.

Is "Big Game" James Shields Back On Red Sox Radar?

(UT San Diego Photo)

According to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, "a few teams" have talked to the San Diego Padres about starting pitcher James Shields. Heyman goes on to say that the Red Sox are one of those teams—with Shields the logical target of The Carmine Hose. With Eduardo Rodriguez out (for who knows how long), and knuckle-baller Steven Wright a marginal fifth-starter option, Boston is clearly in need of some starter stability in its rotation. Shields is not the AL East "stud" he once was, but the 34-year old can still give you a solid 200 innings plus—along with an ERA under 4.00. The last three years, he has led the league in starts (34, 34, 33). As long as the price is not too steep, this should be a no-brainer for Dave Dombrowski. The San Diego outfield has Melvin Upton, Jon Jay and Matt Kemp—but it seems like David Murphy might be an interesting fourth-outfielder option for the Friars (along with some lower-level prospects). By the way, just last August, the San Diego media had Pablo Sandoval getting shipped west for Shields. Stay tuned!

Sox Are Favorites to Sell Most Beer At A Single Game

As we all know, online bookies will pretty much bet on anything. So, it's no surprise that there are MLB betting lines for important things like:"Most creative team rally cap" and "The relief pitcher most likely to fall running in from the bullpen". The Red Sox actually factor into a number of these. For example, Boston owns the top odds on: "The team that sells the most beer in a single game" (Red Sox 3/2). Those of us who have to get up 75 times during a game at Fenway to let annoying row-mates pass with two fists full of 'brewsky' know exactly how correct these odds are. Also, on the proposition of "The first player to trip running out of the batters box", our own Panda ranks second (Pablo Sandoval 30/1)—only Prince Fielder is seen as more likely to stumble out of the box (25/1). Geez, Opening Day can't come soon enough!

Papi Hints At Post-Career Involvement With Red Sox

Papi With FN's E-I-C

In an interview with WCVB-TV's Maria Stephanos, David Ortiz hinted that he'd like to stick around Boston after he retires. Asked if he would work for the Red Sox, Big Papi replied, "Probably. Who knows? It all depends, I’m not the owner. I’m just an employee." Something tells us the NOG will be more than happy to employ their greatest clutch hitter ever in some capacity. And, how would he like his final game ever to end? That's easy: "Hopefully my last game goes like this: Two outs, bottom of the ninth, Fenway Park, Kimbrel pitching, strikeout, we win the World Series. That is what I want in my last game." From his lips.........

The Panda May Need An MRI To Evaluate Back Issue

Once again, be prepared for Pablo Sandoval's "minor" back stiffness to evolve into a serious problem. Multiple sources now report that The Panda may soon undergo an MRI to determine the seriousness of the injury to his back—suffered (ironically) on his best defensive play of the Spring. Clearly, with so few days left, the chances of seeing the re-hot Travis Shaw at third on Opening Day are much greater. Stay tuned!

Sox Hero Curt Schilling Will Return To ESPN Mondays

After making less-than-flattering comments about Democratic Presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton, Red Sox legend Curt Schilling was thought to be in more hot water with his ESPN masters. However, The Worldwide Leader has announced that Schilling will be back in the booth for the network's Monday Night Baseball broadcasts. Last September, Schilling was bumped from his Sunday Night Baseball perch for social media behavior that ESPN did not look kindly upon. In any event, it will be good to have Curt back and pontificating again.

Joe Kelly Sharp Again In 4-1 Sox Win Over Metropolitans

Joe Kelly may want to dust off his Cy Young boasts from a year ago. With today's 4-1 win, the righty is now 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA on the Spring. He is arguably the second-best starter on Boston's roster. Against the New York Metropolitans in Fort Myers, Kelly hurled seven strong innings—giving up just one earned run and striking out six. Xander Bogaerts homered and went 2-3 on the day—driving in two of Boston's runs. Mookie Betts and Blake Swihart each stole a base. The win improves the Red Sox Grapefruit League record to 10-13.

Owens Heads List Of Six Optioned Out Of Camp By Sox

Left-handed starter Henry Owens was optioned to AAA Pawtucket by the Red Sox today—joining five other players who were pared from the major league roster. The others were: Ryan LaMarre, Roman Mendez, Brian Johnson, Heath Hembree and Sam Travis. Effectively, this means the struggle for the fifth starter spot is now between knuckle-baller Steven Wright and Roenis Elias.

Dave Dombrowski Channels Lou Gorman On Pitching

Willie McGee

Many years ago, Sports Talk Guru Eddie Andelman mocked Red Sox GM Lou Gorman when he dismissed any interest in acquiring St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Willie McGee—a two-time National League batting champion. Pointing to the existing Red Sox outfield of Tom Brunansky, Ellis Burks and Mike Greenwell, Gorman said, "the way (those guys) are playing, where would we play McGee?" After that, every time any Red Sox official pooh-poohed getting a star player, Andelman would resurrect the "What Would We Do With Willie McGee?" shtick. Well, believe it or not, when asked if the current Red Sox are in the market for a number two starter, Dave Dombrowski actually said this, "I don't even know where we would put him." Yikes! The more things change, the more they stay the same.

MLB Player, Broadcaster Joe Garagiola Dies At Age 90

Vin Scully And Garagiola On NBC

He was an 'OK' ballplayer and a fantastic broadcaster. Joe Garagiola, best known to millions of fans for his witty broadcast style, passed away today at the age of 90. For 58 years, Garagiola called baseball games—mostly for the St. Louis Cardinals, NBC Sports and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Our favorite Garagiola phrase came when he once called a long home run as: "They serve meals on flights shorter than that." Garagiola grew up in St. Louis with fellow catcher Yogi Berra—and the two remained close friends for life. Said Garagiola of his friend, "Not only was I not the best catcher in the major leagues, I wasn't even the best catcher on my street." Over his nine-year playing career, Garagiola hit .257 with 42 home runs and 255 RBIs.

A-Fraud To Hang Up Tainted Spikes After 2017 Season

UPDATE: A-Fraud backtracks on retirement.
Don't expect a Jeter-like 'Farewell Tour' for Alex Rodriguez. The beleaguered Yankee announced today that he will retire after the 2017 season. The collective yawn you heard from all of baseball was profound and deserved. When he finally leaves us alone, he will have "earned" a record $420 million. Said The Centaur, "I won't play after next year. I've really enjoyed my time. For me, it is time for me to go home and be dad." Isn't that special? The Fraudulent One needs 76 HRs to pass another disgraced player—Barry Bonds on the fake "all-time" list. Rodriguez was suspended by Major League Baseball for the entire 2014 season for using banned performance-enhancing drugs. Good riddance, pal!

Sox Will Pay Tribute To Ortiz In Final Spring Home Game

The Red Sox will honor their retiring DH David Ortiz at his final home Spring Training game on March 28th. Ceremonies will be conducted prior that that day's 1:05 game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Ortiz has participated in 20 Spring Training seasons in Fort Myers, Florida—14 with the Red Sox and six with the Twins. Big Papi's number '34' will be painted on the grass at jetBlue Park along both baselines. Also, the nine-time All-Star and three-time World Series Champion will be presented with gifts from the Red Sox. In his 19 seasons so far, Ortiz is a lifetime .284 hitter, with 503 HRs and 1,641 RBIs. He has a career on-base percentage of .378. Fans who would like to attend the ceremonies should arrive in their seats by 12:30 PM.

FORBES: Red Sox Are Third Most Valuable Baseball Club

According to the latest analysis by Forbes Magazine, the Red Sox are the third most valuable MLB club—worth $2.3 billion. That's a full one billion dollars more than the average for all MLB teams ($1.3 billion). Once again—for the 19th time in a row—The Bronx Embalmers top the list at $3.4 billion, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in second place at $2.5 billion. The Miami Marlins are last on the list with a valuation of 'only' $675 million. If you ever find yourself feeling sorry for Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry, just remember that he paid $660 million for The Carmine Hose back in 2002. That's a tidy little profit of $1.64 billion.

Suggested Red Sox Activities On Spring Training Off-Day

Today is the only off-day on the Grapefruit League schedule for your 2016 Boston Red Sox. Being the helpful scribes we are, we thought we'd recommend a few leisure activities for some of The Carmine Hose:

• For Pablo Sandoval: Schedule a lunchtime meal at a local Fort Myers Chipotle—then, thinking better of the idea, skip lunch;

• For Dustin Pedroia: Sit down. Stay still. Relax. Be quiet. It'll be good for you in the long run;

• For Hanley Ramirez: Go to the local Barnes & Noble (there's one at 13751 Tamiami Trail) and buy a copy of "Pure Baseball" by Keith Hernandez. Read the chapter on defense;

• For Rusney Castillo: Thank your lucky stars that Raúl Castro doesn't attend your games anymore;

• For Travis Shaw: Spend the day shopping for more suits and ties—you'll need them;

• For Christian Vazquez: Let Andover's Ryan Hanigan know that you'll occasionally head up to the Merrimack Valley and say hello to the folks—just in case he's traded;

• For Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts: Just keep doing what you guys are doing.

Former Sox Owner And Team Doctor Arthur Pappas Dies

Former Red Sox part-owner and long-time team doctor Arthur Pappas passed away yesterday at the age of 84. Dr. Pappas was affiliated with the team from 1978 until the NOG took over in 2002—and was a part-owner during most of that period. As team physician, Pappas ran a much healthier ship than what passes for medical care today. For example, the team lost just 285 player-games to injury in 1985—compared with 858 last year. 'Nuf Ced. Pappas was also the first chairman of the Department of Orthopedics at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. And, he was renowned for his philanthropic efforts in his hometown of Auburn, Massachusetts. Said his niece, Kristen M. Pappas, "He lived a really good life and made a huge difference." Indeed he did. We send our condolences out to the entire Pappas family.

Shocking! Carson Smith Lands On The Disabled List

(AP Photo)

As they say, you can count on three things in life: Death, Taxes, and Inept Red Sox Medical Attention. As we predicted, reliever Carson Smith has landed on the disabled list with a "flexor tendon strain" of his pitching arm. The mainstream media says the team has "dodged a bullet"—since it's not a trip to Alabama for Tommy John surgery. Really? First of all, who's to say that in a week's time the crack Sox medical staff won't re-evaluate things and decide it is a tear requiring surgery? Anyone want to take bets on that? Second, even if Smith returns quickly (3 or 4 weeks), his presence in the late-inning bullpen parade will be missing—putting added pressure on the ridiculously over-used Junichi Tazawa, Koji Uehara and closer Craig Kimbrel. Is this "dodging a bullet"?

Sox Reliever Smith Suffers Apparent Right Elbow Injury

(USATSI)

UPDATE: Still waiting on tests.
Just what we need! Carson Smith, the guy the Red Sox are counting on to be the anchor of their late-inning bullpen, suffered an apparent right elbow injury in yesterday's win over the Cardinals. Smith came out of the game after complaining of "forearm tightness"—which was later (scarily) referred to in some media reports as a 'right elbow' injury. Smith is going for an MRI today on the elbow. If he goes down, it will be the second major blow to the pitching staff—after the knee injury which is still sidelining starter Eduardo Rodriguez. Stay tuned for updates from the crack Red Sox 'medical' team—which, of course, says he "feels better" today. Beware!!!!!!

Travis Shaw Needs To Have A Major Role On 2016 Sox

(USATSI)

It's no longer debatable. Travis Shaw has to be a key player on the 2016 Red Sox roster. Whether he's starting at third, first or left-field—he needs to get as many regular at-bats as possible on a team that has (let's be honest) stunk the last two years. Nobody's job should be safe on a last-place team—except perhaps David Price, David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia. Shaw should be shuttled in to "spell" Pablo Sandoval, Hanley Ramirez and Rusney Castillo whenever possible. Yesterday, Shaw had three more hits (sprayed to all fields) and continued his flawless defense at third. It's good that The Panda (in particular) feels the heat—he got two hits and two RBIs yesterday. The kid has got to play.

Former Red Sox Pitcher Brad Penny Retires After 14 Yrs.

(Getty Images)

Brad Penny, who pitched one season with the Red Sox, announced his retirement from baseball after a 14-year career. The soon-to-be 38-year old righty never clicked in Boston—going 7-8 with a 5.61 ERA in the 2009 season. Penny signed a $5,000,000 free-agent deal with The Carmine Hose, and was released before the season ended. He was picked up by San Francisco and—after stops in St. Louis and Detroit—returned to the Giants in time to get a ring in 2012. For his entire career, Penny was 121-101 with a 4.29 ERA. His best season was probably 2007 with the Dodgers, when he compiled a 16-4 mark with a 3.03 ERA. He finished 3rd in NL Cy Young voting that year.

Now THIS Is A Red Sox Opening Montage, NESN

Long Ball And Joe Kelly Pace Red Sox Over Cards, 3-1

Home runs by Mookie Betts (his 4th of the Spring) and Pablo Sandoval, powered the Red Sox to a 3-1 rain-shortened Grapefruit League win over the Cardinals. Starter Joe Kelly delivered another quality outing—going 4 2/3 innings, striking out five, and giving up just one run (on a wind-blown Mini-Monster HR). Kelly may be setting himself up as the team's second most effective starter—and will likely move up a rung or two on the rotation ladder. In three starts this Spring, Kelly is 1-0 with a 1.08 ERA. The Carmine Hose "improved" their Spring record to a dismal 7-12.

Rumors Swirling Around Deal To Bring Sale To Boston

Chris Sale

He's 26 years old, his nickname is The Condor, and he is really upset with his current General Manager. Chris Sale is one of the best young pitchers in the American League, and after his teammate (and former Carmine Hoser for six games) Adam LaRoche retired from the White Sox over a silly locker room dispute, Sale ripped into GM Kenny Williams. What do we care? Well, the local baseball chattering class is touting a trade of the disgruntled lefty to Boston for Hanley Ramirez and a bunch of prospects—like Blake Swihart, the injured Eduardo Rodriguez and Anderson Espinoza. That's a pretty big haul for one guy (although some have mentioned David Robertson also coming our way in the deal). Certainly, Dave Dombrowski should explore things with The Pale Hose management—but the uniquely harsh atmosphere in The Windy City should make the return package smaller rather than larger.

Brennan Boesch Fractures Wrist On Attempted Catch

The Boesch Era of Boston baseball may have just ended. In the third inning of today's split-squad game against the Rays, Red Sox OF Brennan Boesch fractured his right wrist while making an attempted catch on a sinking fly ball. Boesch probably had only a marginal shot at heading North for Opening Day, but he was delivering a surprisingly good Spring (.303 BA). Ironically, Boesch drove in the first—and so far, only—Red Sox run in today's game.

Red Sox Option Out Two, Now Have 46 Players In Camp

The Red Sox optioned two players from the major league camp—paring the roster down to 46 (34 on the 40-man, 12 non-roster invitees). Infielder Marco Hernandez was sent to AAA Pawtucket after delivering a scorching Spring (.579 BA). Right-handed pitcher Kyle Martin was reassigned to minor league camp. Hernandez was acquired in the trade that sent Felix Doubront to the Cubbies in 2014. The 23-year old had six two-baggers and seven RBIs in 14 Grapefruit League games before injuring a shoulder in yesterday's win over the Orioles. He is being groomed for a Brock Holt-like "super-utility" role down the road.

'Starting' To Get A Bad Feeling About Red Sox Chances

Louis Was Pessimistic, Too

Let's face it, Red Sox fans are born pessimistic. It's something about the weather, the politics and the traffic. It doesn't help that we had to endure 86 years of championship drought before we tasted glory. So, even with three recent rings on our collective fingers, we can't help but see the dark cloud inside the silver lining. Which brings us to Boston's 2016 starting rotation. Granted, we have an ace at the top in David Price. But after that, to paraphrase King Louis XV of France: "the deluge". The knee injury to Eduardo Rodriguez (putting him on the DL until sometime after Opening Day) was the first blow. Then, crappy—or just "OK"—Spring performances by Clay Buchholz, Rick Porcello and Henry Owens make you think long and hard about just how deep this staff really is. The strengthening of the bullpen is predicated on the assumption that starters can get the team into the 6th or 7th inning with a lead. That assumption is by no means a certainty. Something is seriously wrong when your second best starting pitcher might be Steven Wright.

Red Sox End 7-Game Losing Streak, Beat Orioles, 9-5

(AP Photo)

Finally, our long national nightmare is over. The Red Sox ended a seven-game Spring Training losing streak today, beating the hapless O's 9-5 at Fort Myers. Clad in their green St. Patty's Day finery, the Sox clouted out 14 hits—including a mammoth 3-run HR by red hot first baseman Sam Travis. In addition to Travis, both Brennan Boesch and Marco Hernandez had two-hit games. Left-handed starter Henry Owens had a rough outing, going just 2 2/3 innings, walking two and giving up four earned runs—including a three-run HR. Matt Barnes got the win in relief, throwing 2 1/3 innings of shutout ball. Barnes has yet to yield a run in four outings.

Enjoy This Spectacular Video Tour Of Fenway Park

Sox Truly Hit The Jackpot In The 2011 MLB June Draft

It's fitting that on St. Patrick's Day we look back at one of the 'luckiest' days in recent Red Sox history: the 2011 MLB June Draft. Now, clearly it was more than just pure luck that netted the multitude of quality players in that one draft. Still, check out the haul in just the first round: Matt Barnes (#19), Blake Swihart (#26), Henry Owens (#36), and Jackie Bradley, Jr. (#40). Way down in the fifth round they nabbed a high-school kid out of Tennessee named Mookie Betts (#172). Then, even further down the line in the ninth round, Boston selected Kent State's Travis Shaw (#292). So, five or six players likely to go North with the club were taken during that fateful draft in June of 2011. A pretty impressive accomplishment for Theo Epstein in his final year as Red Sox General Manager.

Red Sox Taking On Orioles In St. Patrick's Day Contest

Lefty Henry Owens will take to the hill against the Orioles today in the traditional St. Patrick's Day home game at jetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Florida. The green uniform tradition began in 1990 when Roger Clemens bought green hats and socks for his teammates. Here is the full Carmine (or, today Emerald) Hose line-up: Brock Holt 2B, Rusney Castillo CF, David Ortiz DH, Travis Shaw 3B, David Murphy LF, Ryan Hanigan C, Brennan Boesch RF, Sam Travis 1B, Deven Marrero SS.

Former 2004 Red Sox Hero Bill Mueller Turns 45 Today

(Getty Images)

Perhaps the classiest player on Boston's fabled 2004 World Series Championship roster was third baseman Bill Mueller—who turns 45 years old today. In his three years wearing Carmine Hose, Mueller batted .303, with a .378 OBP and an .853 OPS. Mueller always demonstrated the 'Quiet Class' that all of us want in players who wear the Red Sox 'laundry'. He did his job day in and day out without fanfare. Who can forget the game-tying hit in Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS (driving in Dave Roberts) or the season-turning home run off Mariano Rivera in the 'Brawl Game' of that same year (featuring the famous A-Fraud/Tek contretemps)? Both classic Red Sox moments—and Mueller was in the middle of both. Happy birthday, Bill!

Brock Holt Gets FenwayNation's '16 'First Citizen' Award

Brock Holt At A Jimmy Fund Clinic

FenwayNation has named Brock Holt as their 2016 'First Citizen' for his numerous charitable efforts. Specifically, his work on behalf of The Jimmy Fund and its Dana Farber Cancer Institute demonstrate his worthiness for this award. FenwayNation salutes The BrockStar—and we are proud to give him this honor. After being nominated for MLB's Roberto Clemente Award last year, Holt said this about his work with The Jimmy Fund: "When you play for the Red Sox, you just start seeing the Jimmy Fund around a lot. You start to wonder: What is it, and what is so special about it? And then I was able to take a visit there, and the first time I went there, it opened my eyes a lot to what they do and how important it is for us to kind of being involved in it. It's so close to Fenway." You can find out more the great work of The Jimmy Fund HERE. Previous winners of FN's 'First Citizen' award were: 2015—Dustin Pedroia; 2014—Shane Victorino; 2013—Craig Breslow; 2012—David Ortiz; 2011—Josh Beckett; 2010—Mike Lowell; 2009—Kevin Youkilis; 2008—Mike Timlin; 2007—Curt Schilling; 2006—Tim Wakefield; and 2005's inaugural winner—Bill Mueller.