Spring Training Miscellany, Players, issues, articles, opinions, etc

Some in game tweets about Rizzo:

alexspeier
Wow - Anthony Rizzo just golfed a Rafael Soriano slider for a 2R-HR vs #rays. Some in the #redsox org think Rizzo has 25-30 HR power.
EvanLepler
Anthony Rizzo just CRUSHED a homer on ESPN off Tampa's closer Rafael Soriano! Pretty sweet for Salem's likely opening day first baseman.
EvanLepler
Not only could Rizzo have that power, but he also is a special defensive player at first base. He has dynamic superstar potential.
EvanLepler
Just know that he's got game RT @WDBJ7Sports: @EvanLepler Are you psychic? Rizzo just with the pick at first, did you know that was coming?

Evan Lepler is the Salem Red Sox radio announcer, has been the Salem announcer for a lot of years and is very knowledgeable. Alex Speier is the only Boston based journalist whose opinion on minor leaguers you should take. He knows more than all the others combined and it isn't close.

I know it is difficult to look good on a bad night but Tek was overmatched all night, looking very bad in his 3 strikeouts and double play grounder. He's overmatched in the batter's box by marginal pitchers.

.227 / .320 / .318 / .638

Not that I think Dusty Brown should be the backup catcher but his throwing out Crawford at the back end of a double steal was impressive.

According to multiple sources, the Red Sox and Rangers aren’t close to a deal that would send Lowell to Texas to serve as a back-up for third baseman Michael Young, first baseman Chris Davis, and designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero. The main issue continues to be Texas’ reluctance to allocate the kind of money the Red Sox would be looking for the Rangers to absorb out of the $12 million the infielder is scheduled to be paid this season.

Despite the likelihood that nothing is going to get done prior to Opening Day, Texas has shown the most interest of any team in acquiring Lowell.


WEEI - Lowell


The main problem here is that since the original trade fell through, the Rangers have spent the $3m they had allocated for Mikey. From the Sox perspective, they could accept the equivalent of $6m worth of minor leaguers instead of the approximate $3m that Max Ramirez was valued at but, that does nothing for their salary cap which, they are slightly over. Another team might have to be found to solve that problem as the Rangers are in financial lockdown.

An Ortiz/ Lowell DH platoon is appealing since David has not been hitting well but the dilemma for the Sox is what to do about backup for shortstop since Hall has generally looked bad there. With Lowell on the team, there is no room for a defensive shortstop. With Lowrie on the DL, this could be the reason the Sox acquired Frandsen and, Frandsen or possibly Hulett could make the team with Hall being the odd man out.

From what ive read ortiz has looked bad by in large,it seems dumping lowell is an even worse idea than before.I saw the potential batting order and im really wondering about the Cameron sighn,8th for a guy who hit 25 hrs.i realize he doesnt hit muchfor avearge,but he cerainly by the numbers should be hitting ahead of ortiz except he strikes out .. alot.

Minor leaguers are practically starving

And NCAA kids work for free ... unless you call the time they spend on campus an education.

Ever been to a college training table,the food is quite good and abundant.the apts are nice too.They earn it though.

The Rangers claimed Ryan Garko off waivers. There goes their interest in trading for Mike Lowell.

So now do they say fuck it,and keep him and wait or does Theo keep knocking on doors begging for someone to take a really good offensive player and he will pay for it.

The Rangers also could have picked up old friend Kevin Millar. Last I heard, he was cut by the Cubs and hasn't signed anywhere. I'll miss him and if he comes back, I hope it's the AL East cause he kills the MFY.