On Tuesday afternoon, Terry Francona, Boston Red Sox manager, met with the media and discussed a few things. Most of the things he addressed were similar to what he said at the UCONN Baseball Pre-Season Dinner.

Here is an excerpt from Francona’s remarks:

Francona thought it was a “long shot” that Jonathan Papelbon would return to the closer role, though he hasn’t ruled it out completely: “I don’t see that happening. … If I had my druthers he’d be our closer but we have to respect the medical people’s advice. Unless that changes it’s not going to happen … even for it to happen we’d have to have a bullpen that struggles.”

My thoughts are that it does seems like he is not happy with the current situation at closer but is doing the right thing in respecting the health of Papelbon.Here is a link to the video of the press conference or read some tidbits from the Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo.

See who the 18 non-roster invitees were to spring training by the Boston Red Sox after the jump.

Pitchers
Abe Alvarez
Adam Bernero
Mike Burns
Bryan Corey
Runelvys Hernandez
Travis Hughes

Catchers
Dusty Brown
Kevin Cash
Alberto Castillo

Infielders
Jeff Bailey
Luis Jimenez
Joe McEwing
Ed Rogers
Bobby Scales
Chad Spann

Outfielders
Jacoby Ellsbury
Alex Ochoa
Kerry Robinson

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