Baseball Reflections » Boston Red Sox

Baseball News, Tweets & More: Wednesday pm

Peter Schiller — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:52:34 +0000

Wednesday Afternoon Edition

@ ESPN_baseball: Josh Reddick's story – http://tinyurl.com/yh7qwxo (Red Sox OF prospect)

@ JCRMarlinsbeat: Florida Marlins: Josh Johnson told to watch his mouth; Derrick Turnbow done? http://goo.gl/fb/SONt

@ mlbtraderumors: Odds & Ends: Washburn, Michael Garciaparra, Byrd http://bit.ly/dnaj2k #mlb & White Sox Release Daniel Cabrera, Jason Botts http://bit.ly/bC07qJ #mlb & PRO Rumors: Michael Garciaparra, Corey Wade and Mike Lowell http://goo.gl/fb/zHVq & Dodgers send Eric Gagne to the Minors http://goo.gl/fb/axYA & Joe Mauer Trade Rumors: Yankees have an eye on catcher http://goo.gl/fb/JErZ & Nationals Interested In Jermaine Dye http://bit.ly/aZwVW8 #mlb

@ alexspeier (about Red Sox top prospect 19-year old OF Ryan Westmoreland): Sox prospect and cancer survivor Rizzo: 'I knew what to expect. With him, no one knows any details on how he’s going to come out.' BUT Initial indications from a team source, according to ESPN.com, are that surgery went well, but it will be a few days before a full prognosis. More of Rizzo's comments on Westmoreland – whom he considers a good friend – are here: http://bit.ly/a5ADX2 #redsox & #redsox say Ryan Westmoreland surgery 'successful,' but that he faces 'difficult period' prior to recovery: http://bit.ly/bbYWQD

@ MLB_Monster: Nationals cut OF Dukes in surprise move (AP): Outfielder Elijah Dukes has been released by the Washington National… http://bit.ly/ajUjao

@ JaneMLB: Wuertz (shoulder) won't throw in intrasquad game today as originally planned, but there's a "chance for tomorrow," Geren says. #Athletics & Bailey not throwing for 5-7 days w lateral epicondylitis. Breslow out 3-4 days w medial tendinitis. In English, both have elbow soreness.

@ hyphen18 (aka Ryan Rowland-Smith, Seattle Mariners Pitcher): RT @LookoutLanding: Apparently there has been so much demand that the M's are thinking about making and selling those Hyphen shirts

@ GrillCheese49 (aka Cleveland Indians Relief Pitcher, Jason Grilli): If this kid isnt inspiring then I dont know who is: Lets help him raise more than his $200 goal! http://www.elliotmast.blogspot.com/

@ MattAntonelli9: ONLINE INTERVIEW http://bit.ly/dtORF7

@ detroit_tigers: Tigers rookies Austin Jackson, Scott Sizemore have passed the test http://bit.ly/cwTsrj

@ JimmyScott: Did you listen to Part 1 of the interview with Gorman Thomas? http://www.jimmyscottshighandtight.com/node/1068 C'mon. He'll complete you.

@ sbnbaseball: New York Yankee notes: Big day for Joba: After all the arguing, all the back-and-forth between starting and reliev… http://bit.ly/degNqI

@ sabermetricsman: Nolan Ryan and pitch-count freedom http://bit.ly/auOTdL

@ NYBD: New blog post: Maybe the Mets Should Trade for Sonnanstine http://cq39x.th8.us BUT what do you think?

@ GaryArmidaFCP: Love that the Nats released Elijah Dukes. Don't know the whole story yet, but times are changing in DC with Mike Rizzo. #nationals #MLB http://bit.ly/bOxQLd & Working on a #redsox article for tomorrow and it struck me how underrated JD Drew is as a hitter. #MLB I mean, really, is it b/c of the draft holdout and Bizzinger's book that JD Drew isn't looked at as an elite hitter? @rudyjuly2 True, but lifetime .283/.392/.504 is outstanding. 7 seasons of .390+ OBP. Not a star, but damn close. Injuries kill his case.

@ HOVG: It's time to catch up with the 2010 AL East Milestones, gang! http://ow.ly/1ndTH #redsox #yankees #rays #bluejays #orioles #mlb #sblog

@ MLBHomeRun: Rockies' closer Street to undergo shoulder MRI http://bit.ly/bFL3pM #MLB & Rangers manager Ron Washington failed drug test for cocaine http://bit.ly/ae8Rmw #MLB WHAT?!!

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Baseball News, Tweets & More, Tuesday pm

Peter Schiller — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:03:07 +0000

: Image by mikeleeorg via Flickr

Tuesday Afternoon Edition

From yesterday @MLB_Monster: Mets’ K-Rod perfect in spring debut (AP): St. Louis starter Brad Penny absorbed a line drive off his pitching elbo… http://bit.ly/cV9xIn & Mariners lefty Lee ejected for throwing at Snyder (source: SI.com): TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Seattle Mariners ace Cli… http://bit.ly/cWsb5j & filed under OUCH!… A’s Sheets allows 10 runs, gets no outs (AP): Ben Sheets was battered for 10 runs without retiring a batter in his… http://bit.ly/bTF5bm

@MLB: If you’ve missed a 30/30 episode on @MLBNetwork, catch up at http://bit.ly/c4cylw – thanks @trenni #MLB … that’s 30 teams in 30 days… & Peter Gammons of MLB.com sends Postcards from the Road http://is.gd/aJjPi #MLB

@ESPN_baseball: Throwing darts at fielding stats – http://tinyurl.com/yzu2cum What do you think about what they’re saying? & in the category of sign him or trade him already…A debate on how long San Diego keeps A-Gon – http://tinyurl.com/yk249ep & Podcast: Rob Neyer – http://tinyurl.com/ylefp7o

@PeteAbe: New blog post: Big Papi makes a big promise – David Ortiz was not worried when he was 1 for 19, saying spring train… http://ow.ly/16OkL8

VERY interesting if you ask me! @mlbtraderumors: Marlins Interested In Mike Lowell? http://bit.ly/9yEYhJ #mlb & Smoltz Lands TBS Job http://bit.ly/cEz3rU #mlb

@alexspeier: Though #redsox optioned Jose Iglesias to Double-A, they still haven’t decided if he’ll start ‘10 in Hi-A or Double-A http://bit.ly/bCuM42

@sabr: From the BB Research Journal archive, great article asks: can we find another Babe if we don’t let pitchers hit? http://tinyurl.com/ygjw5hh

@JCRMarlinsbeat: Mike Stanton did not make the trip to Lake Buena Vista as scheduled because of a sore elbow. #Marlins. Although I expect to see Stanton in the majors sometime in 2010 no matter where he starts the season!

@GlobeMazz: Mazz blog: Catching up on the catchers, and more – http://b.globe.com/9GfrU8 That The Boston Globe for those of you that were unsure…

From yesterday…@HOVG: Former MLB All-Star opens up regarding steroids, “greenies” and other drugs in baseball. http://ow.ly/1ll11 #mlb #astros #sblog

@MLBHomeRun: Red Sox infielder Jed Lowrie tests out OK after medical scare http://bit.ly/94rWQd #MLB #baseball

@sbnbaseball : Godspeed, Ryan: Good luck. You’ve got our thoughts and prayers today. http://bit.ly/aDqmOx & Craig Calcaterra on the Ranger Sale Situation: More photos » … http://bit.ly/9hlX5J & another one… Mariners Release 2010 Commercials: I haven’t watched them yet, but here’s your link to the five spots, and here’s … http://bit.ly/dBYmK9

And from Baseball Reflections’ favorite umpire…@perrybarber: Part II of my absorbing conversation with Joe Magennis for baseballisms.com: http://shar.es/moQpm

@sabermetricsman: THE BOOK–Playing The Percentages In Baseball http://bit.ly/cMB09A

@immortalkid (aka Fire Brand of the AL): Tim Wakefield returns to the bullpen http://bit.ly/cUFxkc

@FenwayNation: Is Josh Reddick Ready For The Show? http://ow.ly/1n0w4

@federalbaseball: From an MLB.com article by Peter Gammons: “The Nationals have been looking for another veter… http://bit.ly/dAVdcK

@jorgesaysno: *New Post* Carlos Pena’s Love for Tampa: Once again, Carlos Pena professes his love for the Rays and his desire to… http://bit.ly/bjlTsQ

BBA Pres. Promoting the organization…@C70: And then join the #BBBA. RT @injuryexpert: I don’t understand why people want a forum at BP. You want to write, start a blog.

@SlidingIntoHome: What will Jeter’s extension cost the Yankees? http://bit.ly/aAqfLc …my questions are, what would you pay & what’s he worth to you?

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Baseball News, Tweets & More: Monday pm

Peter Schiller — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:13:00 +0000

: Image by mikeleeorg via Flickr

Monday Afternoon Edition

This one is BIG scary news for the Red Sox…@PeteAbe: In today’s Globe: Concern evident for Sox’ Westmoreland – http://b.globe.com/bOw5Ya

@alexspeier: Ellsbury trying to become 1st AL LF since ‘81 to win Gold Glove. Ellsbury ‘not losing any sleep’ about UZR +/-. http://bit.ly/b8kDK0 #redsox

@PeteAbe: New blog post: Thanks for coming, kid – Terry Francona had to send 12 players down to the minor league camp this mo… http://ow.ly/16NSwh & New blog post: Lowrie out with mystery illness – Jed Lowrie has not been with the team since Thursday because of an… http://ow.ly/16NMqP

@mlbtraderumors: Discussion: Is A Howard-Pujols Swap Realistic? http://bit.ly/bvuv2H #mlb & Mauer Talks Still Progressing http://bit.ly/cU7o71 #mlb

@prorumors: Arizona Diamondbacks and Kris Benson agree to a Minor League contract http://goo.gl/fb/yUGx; Washington Nationals release LHP Ron Villone http://goo.gl/fb/hi5F; This makes a whole lotta sense: Ty Wigginton Trade Rumors: Could the Orioles trade Wigginton? http://goo.gl/fb/iEIf & Johnny Damon Rumors: Wanted to take a year off from the AL East http://bit.ly/ba07WW #tigers #rays #yankees (Right!)

@MLBHomeRun: Dodgers send Gagne packing for the minors http://bit.ly/cuT8JZ #MLB

@SI_JonHeyman: mark reynolds $: 500 grand in ‘10, $1 mil sign bonus, $5 mil in ‘11, $7.5 mil in ‘12, 500 grand buyout on $11 mil option in ‘13

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Sox Prospect Lars Anderson Making Best of Spring Training

George Campbell — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:02:26 +0000

Photo by George Campbell

Highly touted Red Sox prospect Lars Anderson is making the best of Spring Training this year in Ft Myers. MLB.com listed him as one of baseball’s top 25 prospects last year, so he has a lot to live up to.

Lars has appeared in five of the Sox first seven pre-season games this spring, but has yet to get his first hit, despite scoring three runs. He is remaining focused on his goals for the year.

“I really want to try to stay present in the moment of where I am on the baseball field,” Anderson remarked, “and a great teammate, someone the guys can come and talk to and trust.”

He is working on the mental aspects of the game, trying to, as he says, “out of my head and into my body during the game.”

He took care to explain what he meant by this.

“I think for baseball we all have pretty busy minds, and mine is as well, and sometimes that can be detrimental during the game,” he said. “If your mind is really busy its hard to be present, so I am trying to quiet the mind and just let my body take over.”

He had an impressive 2008 season, starting with the Sox A ball team in Lancaster, CA, where he batted .317 in 77 games with 13 homerun’s. He was then shipped to Boston’s AA team in Portland, Maine, where he helped guide the team to the play-offs, by batting .316 in just over 40 games.

“Making the playoffs the first year in Maine was pretty exciting,” Lars said. “I had been playing out in the desert for about four months and it was nice to see some green again!”

Lars will likely return to the Portland Sea Dogs after spring training, as the teams starting first baseman. The next step would likely be AAA Pawtuckett at some point.

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Baseball News, Tweets & More: Friday pm

Peter Schiller — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:44:58 +0000

Friday Afternoon Edition

Starting today, March 12, 2010 and running through Monday, March 22, 2010 is a charity auction for a good cause promoted by MLB Umpires! See they aren’t bad guys after all! J Just kidding!

It’s called UMPS CARE Charities and it’s the official charity of Major League Baseball umpires. Their website is http://www.umpscare.com AND the auction can be found at http://ow.ly/1ig8e . The main focus of the charity is kids — the umps visit children’s hospitals around the country with a full Build-A-Bear Workshop to help raise spirits, and they also host kids awaiting adoption at ballgames, complete with a “backstage tour.”

Here’s a list of some of the items that can be found at the auction: a tour of MLB Network, and signed memorabilia from Nolan Ryan, Harmon Killebrew, Frank Robinson, Randy Johnson, and more. There are items for just about every team, and they also have stuff for football, hockey, and golf. All in all, they have over 100 items up for bid and are hoping to raise a lot of money for the charity. A full article will be up on the site for your viewing pleasure this Sunday, March 14^th.

Now onto the latest MLB news, Tweets, etc.

@MLB_Monster: Mets’ Reyes likely to start season on DL (source: CBC): All-star shortstop Jose Reyes has been told to rest and r… http://bit.ly/bomPlv …can the Mets (or Reyes) catch a break?

@mlbtraderumors: Polanco Probably Would Have Accepted Arbitration http://bit.ly/c8PNEz #mlb …ouch, that has to hurt the Tigers if they were interested in keeping him!

Also: The Latest On The Remaining Free Agent Starters http://bit.ly/c1SDKK #mlb Who would you be more interested in signing, Pedro or Smoltz? AND The Latest On The Remaining Free Agent Relievers http://bit.ly/bBiS6p #mlb

@Ken_Rosenthal: Is #RedSox’s Ellsbury developing pull power? Scout says his 2 HRs Wed were “Johnny Damon specials.” Pitches down, in; he dropped his hands.

OR is his power just maturing in his third season in the big leagues as most players do?

@PeteAbe: Towers selects Yankees – Former Padres general manager Kevin Towers has decided to take a post with … http://ow.ly/16MoLv …is Cashman looking to retire or is this just a stepping stone for Towers?

Also: New blog post: Red Sox coverage in today’s Globe – Bob Ryan writes that Manny Delcarmen, Boston’s own, will be more… http://ow.ly/16MHY9 …SO, DelCarmen WAS hurt last year. That explains A LOT!

@MLBHomeRun: Rays agree in principle to deal with Cuban OF http://bit.ly/cKjh8m #MLB

@ ducksnorts: Giles Retires http://ducksnorts.com/blog/2010/03/giles-retires.html #padres #mlb #in

@ jhamrahi: Lastest from BDD (Baseball Daily Digest)… BDD ‘10 Team Previews — Oakland Athletics http://bit.ly/b6skZu

@ madfriars: Padres GM Hoyer eyes prospects fit for Petco: Jed Hoyer has seemed to be almost superhuman since taking over as t… http://bit.ly/96wlGw

@ SlidingIntoHome: Will the Twins have to trade Mauer? http://bit.ly/9Pfks6

@ sbnbaseball: New York Yankee notes: Old Stadium is going, going …: The old Yankee Stadium is coming down in huge chunks now…. http://bit.ly/bdnKsR

@ BleacherNation: #cubs: Lou Piniella Considering Going with 11 Pitchers in April http://bit.ly/cAIl57

@ immortalkid: Fire Brand article: Can Jacoby Ellsbury add power to his game? http://bit.ly/c5KA1M

@ thebaseballpage: A career remembered incorrectly by so many, NOMAR done right! http://ping.fm/QBsxM

@ soxvsstripes: Nice ESPN article from Jeremy Lundblad about how Boston’s revamped infield will benefit Clay Buchholz — Dave http://bit.ly/aws2Tu

@ prorumors: John Smoltz Rumors: Closer for the Twins? http://goo.gl/fb/t0Lv Well why not?!

@ babeslovebball: Is Liriano really Liriano again? http://bit.ly/c5egPL #MLB #Twins #StribTwins

@ AstrosCounty: RT @brianmctaggart: #Astros 1B Lance Berkman to have surgery on left knee, out 2-4 weeks. Could miss Opening Day http://bit.ly/cuLB63

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Aaron Bates Having A Productive Spring Training with the Red Sox

George Campbell — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:13:20 +0000

Photo by George Campbell

One week into spring training and Red Sox first base prospect Aaron Bates is among the team leaders in games played and hitting. The right handed 26 year old has a .300 batting average after appearing in six of the teams first seven games.

He is pleased with his strong start, and is enjoying camp with the Red Sox in Ft Myers.

“Things are going well,” Bates said after the March 8th game against the Cardinals, in which the Red Sox came back to win 7-6 in the ninth inning. “Just trying to get better, its been a good experience so far, we’re winning some games, doing what I can to get better. Its been a great time.”

All Star Kevin Youkilis has the Red Sox first base position locked up, so Bates’s best hope is to make an impression and be ready for a bench spot or first in line for a call-up.

“I don’t know, you never know with those kind of things,” Bates stated. “Its just my job to go out there and get myself ready, as far as where you end up, a lot of that stuff’s out of your control. As long as you go out and swing the bat and play hard, and play good defense, everything falls into place where it may.”

Photo by George Campbell

Bates pinch hit for Jacoby Ellsbury and earned a base on balls, then scored his second run of the Spring in Boston’s 9-0 rout over the Marlins on March 9th in Jupiter, FL.

He started the 2009 season off very well for Boston’s AA team, the Portland Sea Dogs. He batted .340 in over 200 plate appearances for the team.

“I loved Portland,” Bates continued. “Its a great city and a great set up for a park. The city was a lot of fun, great restaurants and lots to do in the Old Port.”

He earned a call up to Boston prior to the All Star break, where he played five games. He did an impressive job hitting .364 with a pair of doubles and driving in a pair of runs, while scoring another two. He then was sent to AAA Pawtucket, where he finished the season.

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Nomar Garciaparra Signs with Red Sox, Quickly Announces Retirement

George Campbell — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:10:29 +0000

Photo by George Campbell

Nomar Garciaparra signed a minor league deal this morning with the Boston Red Sox, then promptly announced his retirement at a 10:30 AM press conference. Joining Nomar at the press conference were President/CEO Larry Lucchino and Executive Vice President/General Manager Theo Epstein. Several friends and family members of Garciaparra were on hand, including wife Mia and his two daughters.

“From the first day I had the thrill of putting on a Red Sox uniform and playing in front of all the great fans at Fenway Park, I have felt at home in Boston,” said Garciaparra. “While I had the privilege of playing with other legendary teams, I always saw myself retiring in a Red Sox uniform. Today I am honored to live that dream thanks to Mr. Henry, Mr. Werner, Mr. Lucchino, Theo, and this wonderful organization. I thank my family, friends, teammates, fans and all who have supported me throughout this wonderful journey.”

Photo by George Campbell

Nomar received a standing ovation when he took to the field at City of Palms Park prior to the Red Sox / Jays game today. He threw out the first pitch, which was caught by long time teammate Jason Varitek.

He will begin a new career starting tomorrow, as an analysist for ESPN. The media wasted no time kidding the former shortstop about working on the other side of the mic soon.

The right-handed hitter finished among the top 10 in American League Most Valuable Player voting five times with Boston, including four straight from 1997-2000. He is one of six players in Red Sox history to earn AL Rookie of the Year honors after hitting .306 (209-for-684) with 122 runs, 44 doubles, 30 homers, 98 RBI and 22 steals in 1997. He was voted onto six All-Star teams including five with Boston and started at shortstop in the 1999 contest at Fenway Park.

Garciaparra appeared in 32 playoff games over the course of his career, batting .321 (36-for-112) with seven homers and 24 RBI. He hit .323 (31-for-96) with seven homers and 21 RBI in 25 postseason contests with Boston.

He was originally selected by the Red Sox with the 12th overall pick in first round of the 1994 First-Year Player Draft out of Georgia Tech. He was dealt to the Cubs as part of a four-team trade on July 31, 2004. Red Sox GM Theo Epstein said the two had remained in contact since the trade, and he was thrilled to have Nomar retire wearing a Red Sox uniform.

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Baseball News, Tweets & More…Wednesday pm

Peter Schiller — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:25:40 +0000

@ESPN_baseball: Source: Beckett eager to get deal wrapped up – http://tinyurl.com/yh3qpj8 [it would be great to get a Beckett deal done before the start of the season and have him, Lackey, Lester & Dice-K locked up with Buchholtz (sp) under team control for a while. What other team could boast a rotation like that under contract?]

@alexspeier: WEEI.com’s Lou Merloni says Nomar Garciaparra is signing a one-day minor-league deal with #redsox to retire as a member of the organization. And then later Tweeted: Nomar, after today’s presser to announce his retirement, will begin a career as a baseball analyst for ESPN. http://bit.ly/cRYuck #redsox And again from Nomar’s good friend & former Teammate Lou Merloni: @loouu26 — on Nomar’s desire to bring his career full circle and retire as a member of the #redsox: http://bit.ly/b82sbS Here’s even more: Lou says that Nomar had called Theo Epstein each of last couple years about playing again with #redsox. http://bit.ly/b82sbS

@SI_JonHeyman: tony clark is the perfect choice for baseball players union director of player relations (what do you think? Who would be a better choice?)

@IanMBrowne (more on Nomar): Nomar will throw today’s first pitch to college and Red Sox teammate, Jason Varitek. AND…Nomar wearing white Red Sox jersey (yes, Number 5) and blue jeans. Carl Beane just announced what Fenway fans heard many times before, “The shortstop, Number 5, Nomar Garciaparra.” Now, he is in front of the mound, soaking in the applause. Now Tek comes out to catch it. And it’s a strike. He high-fived his two daughters on the way off the field.

@MLB_Monster: Nats C Flores may start season on DL (AP): Nationals catcher Jesus Flores is likely to begin the season on the di… http://bit.ly/cDzQLs

@Wally97: RT @RedSoxInsider: Check out Nomar’s press conference now on redsox.com! http://ow.ly/1gztE

@RipkenBaseball: Watch as Cal & Bill discuss the “Action Ball” & the importance of preparing for anything on each and every pitch youtube.com/ripkenbaseball

@BattingStanceG: KungFuPanda RT:@briancromer What’s your favorite MLB nickname? I’d have to go with Aaron Harang – The Harang-a-tang. & Will Clark. Easy. RT:@MisterLucky13 In your opinion, who had the prettiest swing you’ve ever seen? (who would you say?) & Nomar & me. http://www.battingstanceguy.com/2008/09/17/bsg-nomar

@sbnbaseball: Royals UZR/150 Projections for the 2010 Season: More photos » … http://bit.ly/9lYYS5
(are these numbers on target?) & Floating Realignment: Major League Baseball isn’t an organization that is known for its willingness to change. Tha… http://bit.ly/aUEjEU & Happy Birthday Mike Timlin: More photos » K… http://bit.ly/cadPhq

Adderall Is Baseball’s New Drug Problem, Says Doc, As Charges Fly In Player’s Divorce: http://digg.com/d31L5i5

@NewbergReport (A Texas Rangers blog): Splitting Edwar Ramirez…and a trade idea: http://www.newbergreport.com/article.asp?articleid=1734

@prorumors: Minnesota Twins Trade Rumors: Dealing Glen Perkins for Nathan replacement? http://goo.gl/fb/UnyZ #trades

@detroit_tigers: Detroit Tigers Links: Jim Leyland is impressed with Dontrelle Willis’ early performance http://bit.ly/90xHeB

@SI_JonHeyman : great chatting with ken griffey jr. today. says his knees are healthy now. expect more from him. #mariners

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Michael Bowden to Start for Red Sox on Saturday

George Campbell — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:28:29 +0000

: Image by firebrandal via Flickr

One of the Red Sox top right handed pitching prospects will be making his 2010 Spring Training debut as a starter for the big league club this Saturday. Michael Bowden will get the call to face the Pirates at City of Palms Park in Ft. Myers. Bowden has pitched two innings of relief this spring, giving up just a hit and no runs with a pair of strike outs against the Twins.

Bowden is hoping for a role in Boston’s bullpen when the club heads north. The team already has six starters vying for the five rotation spots.

“Right now I don’t know if the bullpen is an option but that’s going to be my mind set this spring training,” he said before the March 8th game against the Cardinals. “I’m looking for a spot to be on the big league roster, but if that doesn’t work out, I’ll be going down to AAA, starting and continuing to develop and work on some new mechanic’s I have been working on this off season, and continue to try to work on my game.”

Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell sees this as an opportunity for Bowden and the Red Sox.

“He is a guy we will look upon as providing us depth in the rotation,” Farrell said of Bowden. “This is a chance for him to do just that, get up and down three times with the scheduled three inning of work Saturday, and face some of the guys at the major league level. It’s a chance for him to see that caliber of hitter, and for us to take a continued look at him. He’s a guy we know can and needs to perform, and add that major league depth.”

His best shot to make the team out of spring training is as a reliever, but he is not looking to become a reliever long term, saying, “its just an option.”

He will log innings as both for the Sox this spring, giving him opportunity to build innings and show his talent.

“I’ve had innings coming out of the pen, so I can work on my routine in the pen,” Bowden said. “Next Saturday I’ll be starting, so I will be working on that. My innings are going to add up so I am developing like a starter, thats how I’m preparing, but the bullpen transition for me won’t be that hard if that were to be an option.”

The 23 year old Illinois native has made one big league start in each of the past two seasons. He had a 3.13 ERA in 24 starts for AAA Pawtucket in 2009, third best in the International League. His .228 opponent average against ranked second in the league.

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Baseball News, Tweets & More…Tuesday pm

Peter Schiller — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:01:12 +0000

Tuesday Afternoon Edition

@prorumors : Hank Blalock signs Minor League deal with Tampa Bay Rays http://goo.gl/fb/Qiue #topstories #contract #hankblalock

@steveslow: Chasing Sabermetric’s Holy Grail or, Another Stab at Valuing Catcher Defense http://sbnation.com/e/1127904 & Chasing the Grail, Part Two http://sbnation.com/e/1127922 & Updated my attempt at putting a UZR value on catcher defense. It’s only an estimate, but was fun to put together. http://tiny.cc/e6WrB

@MLBHomeRun: Spring preview: New stadium, different approach for Marlins http://bit.ly/br7QLQ #MLB #baseball

@sonsofsamhorn:#RedSox Post: Prince Fielder or Adrian Gonzalez http://bit.ly/de99hF To me, this is a no brainer, Gonzo ALL the way!

@MLB_Monster: Furcal feeling good in 2010 (source: CBS News): Feeling better than he has in years, Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal is p… http://bit.ly/aMk8DY

@redsoxstories: Desert Drive: Lou Marson scoring points as Cleveland catcher (Yahoo! Sports) http://bit.ly/aCJoI6

@immortalkid (Fire Brand of the AL & NESN): Red Sox Miss Out on Dominican Prospect Who Signed With Sox, Lied About Age http://bit.ly/9nXOHu , Red Sox, Yankees ‘Continually Ignore Baseball’s Directives,’ Are ‘Arrogant’ http://bit.ly/9tjlRg & RT @espn: Sandy Alderson hired for Dominican http://bit.ly/9Mmm9c

@StatsGuru (Baseball Musings): New post: Albert Backing Down #albertpujols & New post: Probabilistic Model of Steals, Score Difference http://bit.ly/bbQZuU #probabilisticmodelofsteals

@jhamrahi: Ugh RT @dwthegreat: Joe Nathan has a torn ulnar collateral ligament. Will decide whether to have surgery within two weeks.

@HOVG: You, yes, YOU can help bring back the Youk Manchu! http://bit.ly/atVO8T #mlb #redsox #sblog

@Jerry_Remy: It’s John, Jerry’s partner.If u are walking by 1265 BoylstonSt.(behind Fenway) 2day, ask for me, I’ll show you new restaurant b4 it opens.

@sabr: HoF to mark Women’s History Month with special event on March 27 http://tinyurl.com/yfj2jqh

@Akadema: Akadema just completed filming on Yankee Clubhouse segment for Yes network. Look for it on how to make a baseball glove.

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