Grapefruit League Opener, Sox vs. Twins

It took forever to get to today, the spring training opener in which a handful of regulars will play for the first 30 minutes and then get swapped out for seven innings worth of "Name That Prospect" Sudoku, and I couldn't be happier it's here. Tony Massarotti was absolutely right when he wrote a few days ago that the Sox have become ho-hum in their preseason routines. A distinction should be made here: it's not that the thrill is gone per se, but Boston Dirt Dogs doesn't have an hourly update with a goofy picture and absurd player crisis anymore (A-Rod has taken up that standard).

Going into the opener this evening I feel as though the Sox are in a pretty good position. While they didn't break the (now nationalized) bank with major signings, I do believe their depth signings will provide the flexibility they'll need.

I will say, it makes me happy to see that Manny still doesn't have a place to call home because of his schtick last July. He'll almost definitely be a Dodger, but it will be for less money and (I hope) on the team's terms. So much for going beyond the box score with this future Hall of Famer.