First sign of Spring in New England

Here in New England, with our long, cold winters - we look for the tiniest of glimpses that spring is on it's way. What marks that the season is just around the corner? What indications do we seek? Is it Punxsatawney Phil and his shadow? Who believes that crap anyway? The crocuses popping their little heads out of the ground? Not quite. For any member of Red Sox Nation - it's TRUCK DAY!

Well, folks...today is that day. The truck showed up at Yawkey Way early this morning. What truck? If you don't know about Truck Day - let me tell you: It's the day when the tractor trailer arrives at Fenway to load the Red Sox equipment and haul it all down to Ft. Myers, Florida - home of Red Sox Spring Training.

There may still be snow in the forecast and a frigid blast on the way - with no flora or fauna in sight - but, the Fenway Faithful are warm with the promise of another magnificent season of baseball.

This is the first sign of spring that inspires me the most!

Happy Travels!

Ann, the Red Sox fan

(photos are courtesy of Boston Globe)

Countdown to Spring Training!

My blog has silent for nearly 2 months now. And, with all of the long faces here in New England this week - I thought it appropos to cheer everyone up with news from a team that DID go all the way - and can do it again!

Pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training on February 14 and my list of 2008 valentine's this year include:

Josh Beckett
Daisuke Matsuzaka
Tim Wakefield
Jon Lester

Clay Buchholz
Jonathan Papelbon
Hideki Okijima
Mike Timlin
Jason Varitek
Doug Mirabelli

There are a number of other pitchers and catchers on the roster, but you get the jist.

Wondering why Curt Schilling isn't on the list?

BREAKING NEWS: As you may or may not be aware, Curt Schilling began experiencing shoulder pain in December (long after he passed his Red Sox contract physical). Schilling saw the Red Sox' doctor who prescribed rest and rehab. Then, Curt saw his own personal doctor who recommended immediate surgery - and went on to say that, in his opinion, Curt will never pitch again unless he has the surgery. As per the contract, they brought in a 3rd opinion - who agreed with the first recommendation - rest and rehab. Seemingly, they all agree on one thing - we won't see Curt until half way through the season. Now, this is serious - if Curt can't pitch, we're not that deep in starting pitchers. More than likely, Clay Buchholz will be called up to fill the absence in the rotation. PLEASE THEO - don't let it be Tavares!

Read more about it:

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080208&content_id=2368243&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos - What MLB has to say

http://38pitches.com/ - In Curt's own words

http://news.google.com/news?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GWYA,GWYA:2006-07,GWYA:en&q=curt+schilling&um=1&sa=N&tab=wn - The latest news

I have mixed feelings about this. I think Clay Buchholz would do a good job....was the no-no a fluke? Perhaps...but, I've no doubt he can pitch. Clay is quite willing to let Varitek lead the way, as it should be. And, you know what, folks....there was a chunk of the season last year when we were without Schilling...we still went ALL THE WAY! Does it make you wonder "what if" we'd closed the Santana deal instead of letting him go to the Mets? Ah...woulda, coulda, shoulda...we still got Jacoby Ellsbury!

Remaining hopeful and optimistic,

Ann, the Red Sox fan