Truck Day came and went on Tuesday. Pitchers and catchers are reporting this Tuesday. And we have about a week until everyone else heads down. Spring, and by definition baseball, is in the air! So is our potential. We are going to be so good this season, it’s not even funny. It doesn’t matter what the lineup looks like, or who is on the bench, or who starts at short, or which month has the toughest schedule. We’re going to rock. Also of interest is the fact that in 2006, the majority of the club was riddled with injuries for more than half a season, and we came roaring back to win the division, post the best record in the Majors, and sweep the World Series in 2007. Our injury situation was even worse last year. So I can only imagine the kind of ownage and absolute glory awaits us this year. I am extremely psyched, which is obviously an understatement.
We do, unfortunately, have one slight reality check. JD Drew has a sore hamstring. Already, if you can believe that, and the sad part is that it’s all too easy to believe it. He won’t be firing on all cylinders by the time he reports. As long as he’s healthy by the time the season starts, we’ll be fine. Only a minor setback on our path to greatness.
Especially when you consider the fact that Josh Beckett is raring to go. He, Lackey, and Dice-K all reported early on Thursday. Beckett has lost weight, and his mobility appears to have increased. This is good. He appears to be poised to make significant improvements. This is great. If he actually returns to form this year, that would pretty much clinch the World Series before the season even starts. And that’s fantastic.
In other news, we beat the Habs. It was fantastic. The final score was 6-4; between the two teams, eight goals were scored in the second period alone. I would have preferred something closer to 6-0, but it’s a win, so I’ll take it. Especially since we lost to the Red Wings on Friday and this afternoon.
Boston Globe Staff/Sopan Deb
Wow. You’re a professional.