…but doesn’t really tell us anything new.
One of the best parts of Spring training, particularly in the first few weeks, is seeing all the old Red Sox legends hanging out with the kids. Luis Tiant always seemed to be the chair of the Sox veterans committee, holding court from the comfort of a golf cart. But with El Tiante gone, maybe it’s David Ortiz who will assume the mantle. He’s already made a big impression on Roman Anthony. (Alex Speier, Boston Globe)
Maybe Papi could spend some time talking about DHing with Masataka Yoshida, too. Yoshida’s swing is rounding back into shape after offseason surgery, but it’s still not clear whether he has a spot on the team. (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
It wouldn’t hurt for Papi to hang with Kristian Campbell, either, though the super prospect already has a big league mentor. Campbell and his family have been close with Dee Strange-Gordon since Campbell was just a little kid, when Campbell’s dirty little league uniform caught Strange-Gordon’s eye in a Wal-Mart. (Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic)
Unfortunately, neither Papi, nor Strange-Gordon have much advice to offer about catcher defense. That’s going to be a focus of the Red Sox coaching staff with Connor Wong this year. (Christopher Smith, MassLive)
Wong’s receiving is going to need to be top notch this year. For the past two seasons, the Red Sox have been the only team in Major League Baseball that failed to throw a single 100 MPH pitch. But with the addition of Aroldis Chapman along with increased velocity from a few returning arms, that could change this year. (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
Garrett Crochet can bring the heat, but how long is he going to be doing that in a Red Sox uniform? He spoke to Rob Bradford about previous demands for a contract extension and his goals going forward. (Rob Bradford WEEI)