Boston had it’s top pitching prospect on display today as the Red Sox finished up the Florida portion of their spring training schedule Clay Buchholz took the hill for the Sox against the Devil Rays on Thursday. For the most part, he looked really good. He allowed 3 runs on 7 hits in 4 2/3 innings pitched. He didn’t allow a walk and struck out 3. Pitching coach John Farrell was also pleased with Buchholz:

“You can see why people are so excited about his potential, largely in part because he was able to get quite a few swings and misses with his fastball,” pitching coach John Farrell said. “To me, if you’re looking at one thing in one game, when a pitcher can get that, they not only have life in the zone, but with a deceptive delivery, hitters aren’t tracking the ball regularly.

“You also look at his four defined pitches to go along with his athleticism. He’s got a very bright future.”

It’s nice to see the Red Sox giving a young guy to make a good first impression. I really hope that they don’t rush him to the major leagues and just allow him to develop on his own. He’s never been above Double-A, where he is projected to start. I can honestly tell you from my experiences of working in the Eastern League, home of the Red Sox’s AA team, Portland Sea Dogs, that pitching in the Eastern League will be a great barometer of how he will fare in the future. A lot of scouts will tell you if you can make it in the Eastern League, you will probably get to the big leagues at some point in your career.

Jonathan Papelbon gave all of the Red Sox staff and higher ups a heart attack on Thursday when he rolled his ankle covering first base in the game against the Devil Rays.

“Basically, I just went over to cover first, and I just got ahead of myself too much and had to kind of just catch the bag behind me,” said Papelbon. “Once I put my weight on it, it just gave on me. But I’m alright. A little bit of pain, but I just rolled my ankle, basically. That was it.”

Papelboner did look good striking out 2 of the 3 batters he faced. Thankfully, he is not injured badly from this. He hopes to get in at least one game while the Sox are in Philadelphia this weekend.

The Red Sox are heading up to Philadelphia to take on the Phillies this weekend. Julian Tavarez will be on the hill for the game on Friday night and Daisuke Matsuzaka will pitch in the afternoon game on Saturday.

Just 3 days until opening day. I don’t know about you but I am wicked excited about the season starting. I think a viewing of ‘Fever Pitch’ is in order this weekend.