YankeesRedSox.com

I've been big on saying I don't put much stock in Spring Training games.  But time's a awaistin' and there are some developments that concern me and should concern you, assuming you are a Red Sox fan.

It is being reported that Josh Beckett will not be ready for opening day.  He is suffering from back spasms, a condition that can flare up time and time again.  That's your ace.  Strike One.

Daisuke Matsuzaka isn't a lock to head to Japan either as his wife is due with their first child.  She is due the day the club is schedule to travel to Japan.  If she goes past due, his ability to attend is in question.  That's your #2 starter.  Strike 2.

Julio Lugo has missed the past 8 games with a back injury.  Coco Crisp is still on the roster and has only played 8 innings this spring, Curt Schilling is done for a minimum of 3 months and likely the year.  David Ortiz doesn't have a HR yet, nor does Manny Ramirez.  Clay Buchholz has been bad, so has Julian Tavarez, Kyle Snyder, Jon Lester (good last appearance) and Matsuzaka have been bad and the Red Sox are 4-8 in Spring Training play.  Strike(s) 3.

These sorts of things happen in baseball, but this combined with the toll that is expected to be taken with the extreme travel ahead, the Red Sox might start and end the month of April with their heads spinning.

Old friend Mike Greenwell was in town to throw the opening pitch.  Somehow he has managed to grow a denim mustache.  In all seriousness, he admitted in an interview that had it not been for his wife, he would have tried steroids.  Interesting.