So then let’s go ahead and do it…
Spring Training officially begins this week. Back in the era when ballplayers spent the offseason drinking hooch and did nothing to keep in shape outside of throwing pianos into suburban Massachusetts ponds, that really meant something. But things are different today, when players workout and hone their craft all year long. In fact, even though pitchers and catchers haven’t reported yet, the fields in Fort Myers are already packed with Red Sox players. (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
If you’re heading down there to catch a workout or game, here’s a handy little guide to some important dates and information. (Ian Browne, MLB.com)
Will those players be joined by any major acquisitions any time soon? CBO (née, GM) Craig Breslow says he is “still very much engaged in trying to bring in a right-handed hitter, obviously one that we think can be a difference-maker.” (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)
YMMV on whether Nolan Arenado counts as a “difference-maker.” He likely still is in the field, but his bat has been making a lot more outs than differences lately. But nevertheless trade talks are ongoing, according to sources, though the major sticking point is how much of his contract the Cardinals will be willing to pay for. (John Denton, MLB.com)
But that sticking point isn’t stopping people from reading into Nolan Arenado’s social media posts like their the Dead Sea Scrolls. (Jason Ounpraseuth, NESN.com)
The post that has everyone all a’twitter was a clip of Manny Ramirez that Arenado put up over the weekend. Never mind the fact that, in the clip, Manny was playing for Cleveland and that the Red Sox legend recently called himself a Yankees fan. (Connor Ryan, Boston.com)