Bobby V's Alright To Me

I know it's mid-Spring Training and sample sizes are on the level of a protozoa, but count me as a fan of Bobby Valentine's work so far. While his outspokenness may rub some people the wrong way, including those who wish Terry Francona were still at the helm, he has shaken up a team that had grown complacent over the years. I've heard his coaching methods criticized as micromanaging, but after the way the team performed at the beginning and end of last season, a little more supervision couldn't hurt. It's a complete 180 from Tito's hands-off management style and a necessary change in direction for the Red Sox.

Aggressive baserunning, bunting, squeeze plays, and the like have long been associated with the National League style of baseball, but now, more American League teams getting in on the act too. We've seen what teams like the Angels, Rays, and Rangers have done against the Red Sox on the base paths, especially when the recently-retired Tek was on the mound.

So far this Spring Training, the Red Sox have been doing a lot of running as well, stealing bases and going from first to third. They've run into some outs along the way, but they've also manufactured some runs and put pressure on the opposing team's defense. Take last night's 1-0 win over the Yankees for example. Pedro Ciriaco made it all the way around the bases on what was ruled a single. The ball got by the Yankees' right fielder and Ciriaco's blazing speed had the Yankees rushing throws, allowing the ball to get away and Ciriaco to cross the plate for the game's only run. Ciriaco, incidentally was the hero in Monday's game as well, blasting a 2-run shot above the extra-high Jet Blue Park Green Monster.

Bobby V has worked with the team extensively on fundamentals, both on the offensive and defensive side of the game. So far in Spring Training, his methods have been paying off, with the Red Sox near the top of the Grapefruit League with a 7-2 record. These games may not count toward the regular season, but it would be nice to keep up the good baseball in Spring Training and have it carry over once the games really do count.