Red Sox Spring Training Blog: David Ortiz Shining Star In Camp
FORT MYERS, Fla. (CBS) - Another day in the books here in Fort Myers, where the Red Sox worked out in their regular season "home white uniforms" because it was photo day. That's the day that all the promotions folks, baseball picture and card people, and team video and creative service members get the players to do what they need. It starts at 7 a.m. and goes until about 9:30. David Ortiz (no surprise) was the last player to file through the ranks.
After photo day it was on to baseball.
Here are some thoughts:
DAVID ORTIZ
Ortiz continues to be even more popular than a rock star or actor down here. Everywhere he goes, the masses flock to him. An autograph, a picture, a hug ... you name it and they want it. A priceless moment came on Sunday, when a 7-year-old girl walked by security and right into the dugout with a baseball. She handed it to David and politely asked for his autograph. Of course he obliged! He also gave her a hug and she politely thanked him and was on her way.
DANIEL NAVA
Sat down with Daniel Nava. Such a great story, and he just continues to get better and better as a player: Finished in the top 10 in the AL in both batting average and OBP. Will be curious to see where he hits and how often he plays this season as John Farrell tries to keep him fresh.
MATT BARNES
Talked a player Sunday who told me the guy to watch out of all the young stud Sox pitchers is Matt Barnes. The player told me Barnes' fastball has that "extra hop" at the end that only a few of the special ones have.
BASEBALL MAN
Brian Butterfield is as good a coach as you'll ever come across. No matter what age he's teaching, he does it with passion, knowledge and enthusiasm. He will make a great manager some day.
SPORTS FINAL
Don't forget to watch Sports Final and Sports Final Overtime Sunday night beginning at 11:45 p.m., right after the WBZ news. We recap the week: some great stuff with Ortiz and a Japanese comedian. And we sit down with Jon Lester. He was as relaxed as I've ever seen him, talking all kinds of things including his contract and the so-called "hometown discount."
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