It was an interesting day yesterday with the Miami Marlins and Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park.
Josh Beckett struggled with his control early on only to turn in a nice performance on the mound. Andrew Bailey‘s command wasn’t all there in his first spring training game. Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen got ejected. And finally, Pedro Ciriaco hit a two-run walk-off home run in the 10th to give the Red Sox the 5-3 win.
Beckett was all over the place in the first inning as he allowed a hit and plunked two batters. But then he settled down, retiring the next nine batters he faced as he threw 55 pitches in four innings on three days rest. Yes, I said three days rest.
Bobby Valentine and Bob McClure have been having the starters throw on three days rest to build up some arm strength. But as the rotation starts to take shape, they will all start to work on regular rest to get ready for the season.
As for Bailey giving up a run and three hits, I wouldn’t put too much stock in his effort. Coming into a spring training game is not the same as trying to close out a ball game. It’s all about getting the feel and mechanics. While Bailey said he got into his “closers mentality” after giving up a leadoff double, it’s still not the same pressure as trying to close out a one run ballgame at any point during the season.
Ciriaco continues to put together a nice spring as he had two hits yesterday, including the walk-off home run. He’s hitting .545 to lead the Red Sox. Mike Aviles also had two hits while Nick Punto, Cody Ross and Kelly Shoppach each had an RBI in the game.
We’ll be back later with the lineups for tonight’s spring training matchup with the New York Yankees in Tampa, FL. But for now enjoy the overnight links by clicking on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
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Video: Adrian Gonzalez Talks With Doug Glanville [SOX & Dawgs]
Video: Bobby Valentine Talks With His Former ESPN Colleagues [SOX & Dawgs]
In their defense: How ‘The Fielding Bible’ views Red Sox in the field [Alex Speier – WEEI.com]
Rest a changeup for Beckett [Boston Globe]
No pain, and some gain for Bailey [Boston Globe]
Andrew Bailey saves best for later [Boston Herald]
Ozzie Guillen’s proficient in profanity [Boston Herald]
How the Red Sox rate [Boston Herald]
Guillen to Bobby V: “Go (bleep) yourself” [Clubhouse Insider]
Ciriaco’s impressive spring continues [CSN New England]
Bailey satisfied with first Red Sox appearance [CSN New England]
Beckett settles down, throws four innings for Sox [CSN New England]
Takeaways from Fort: Beckett goes wild [ESPN Boston]
Ozzie tossed, Valentine waves [Extra Bases]
Red Sox-Yankees I Tuesday night [Extra Bases]
Red Sox postgame notes: In Sox debut, Andrew Bailey ‘switches gears’ [Full Count]
Walk-Off-A-Palooza! [Full Count]
Cody Ross, Nick Punto Bring World Series Pedigree and ‘Bromance’ to Red Sox [NESN.com]
Andrew Bailey Finds Silver Lining in Shaky Red Sox Debut [NESN.com]
Fielding Bible’s Dewan endorses Aviles for Red Sox shortstop [Projo Sox Blog]
Beckett makes adjustments after ugly first [Projo Sox Blog]
Bailey has rocky first outing for Sox [Projo Sox Blog]
Ohlendorf impresses in first effort [Projo Sox Blog]
Valentine sarcastically excited for Yankees [Projo Sox Blog]
Bailey feels no pressure replacing Papelbon [RedSox.com]
Sweeney exits with strained left quad [RedSox.com]
After rough first, Beckett has nice recovery [RedSox.com]
Ciriaco having an impressive camp with Boston [RedSox.com]
When Does This Guy Get His Own Show? [Surviving Grady]
Springing some Red Sox predictions [Touching All The Bases]
For more slices of Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, CSN New England, ESPN Boston, NESN, Providence Journal, RedSox.com and WEEI websites.
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