The 2011 Spring Training Grapefruit League is underway and the Sox have won more games than they've lost. That is, they've won 2 and lost 1, all against their Mayor's Cup rivals the Minnesota Twins. Today's 5-0 win featured strong performances from Lester, Papelbon and new acquisition Alfredo Aceves, as well as Mike Cameron (2 for 3) and Juan Carlos Linares (2 for 2, 1 RBI). The other 4 runs were driven in by Jed Lowrie, Josh Reddick (he of the .750 average in 3 games), Paul Hoover, and Nate Spears. Yesterday, the Sox trailed for most of the game and played some sloppy defense, but came back to win, thanks to Mr .750's game-winning dinger. Sunday night, things didn't go the Sox' way and they fell to the Twins 8-4.
Two players in particular have taken their lumps in the early days of Grapefruit League play: Josh Beckett and non-roster invitee Brent Dlugach. Beckett got beaned by batting practice instructor Ino Guererro while shagging balls hit off a fungo bat yesterday and suffered a mild concussion. Dlugach had a comically bad game yesterday, making 2 errors and grounding into 2 double plays and today, while redeeming himself with a diving catch, he dislocated his shoulder.
The prognosis for Beckett looks good. He's very lucky the injury wasn't more serious. I'm not sure yet how long Dlugach will be sidelined, but it's hard to make the team if you can't play.
Tomorrow, it's Lackey's turn to make his 2011 debut as the Sox play the Atlanta Braves at City of Palms Park.
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