Game 4

The Red Sox won 9 to 3 today behind John Lackey. Lackey pitched 2 efficient innings relying mostly on his fastball. Michael Bowden and Manny Delcarmen each had clean innings in the 3rd and the 4th. Delcarmen gave up three loud fly ball outs, which could be a concern. The only blemish was reliever Joe Nelson's shaky 7th inning. Junichi Tazawa pitched two strong innings to close out the game. I'm impressed with his mechanics and should develop into a major league caliber pitcher with some work in Pawtucket this season.

Tug Hulett was today's offensive star with a 3 run homer in the 7th. A much slimmer David Ortiz went 0 for 3, but he is moving and running without pain which is a good sign. Luis Exposito continued to impress me behind the plate and at bat. After watching him at Portland last year, I think he should make the big leagues by 2012.

It was interesting to see the differences between the two organizations during pre-game warmups. The Twins focused on hitting fungoes for both infielders and outfielders throughout batting practice. All of their hitters worked on driving balls into the opposite field gap rather than pulling the ball. At their field all three practice fields were full of players running through defensive drills throughout the game.

The Red Sox players seemed to get most of their work done in the cages prior to the game and didn't hit fungoes to any outfielders. The practice field behind the stadium was empty during the game. Perhaps they were working out down the street at the minor league facility. Then again, it could be the difference between a mid-market team trying to develop enough talent to compete with the big market teams. Ron Gardenhire's teams always have a reputation as fundamentally sound defensive ball clubs.

That's it from Spring Training- tomorrow I head back north.