Spring Training Blog: Red Sox Pitchers, Catchers Take Field For First Workout
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA (CBS) - 3:32 p.m. update: John Farrell had plenty to say after his first workout as Red Sox manager, but nothing held truer than his message to the team about moving on.
It's a new look and new approach for the Red Sox, and Farrell is the man leading the charge as they try to put the 2012 season behind them.
"Certainly we can't wipe away what's taken place. It's important that we acknowledge it, but what we do going forward is where the focus has to be," he said. "Just by virtue of nine new players on a 25-man roster is going to have some naturally tendency to change that, but the most important thing is that we earn the trust of one another inside our clubhouse first."
"We can't just talk about it, we have to go out and do it," said Farrell. "Part of regaining the trust and the faith of the fans, I'm confident that the talent that is here and the people they are, this will be a team people will identify with – the effort and energy they bring every night and the respect of the game they have."
As for a potential ban on beer and alcohol, Farrell said that decision will be made later -- if at all.
"That's something we're still having discussions, internally, and at the appropriate time we'll make that announcement, if it needs to be," said Farrell. "We've got a lot of other things to take care of first before we worry about if a beer's going to be open after the game."
As for his first day of workouts, Farrell said it was all good news minus Clay Buchholz' hamstring injury.
"We got our work in. The guys that threw off the mound today did what we had anticipated, and that's just to begin to develop some rhythm and repeat their delivery," said Farrell. "No one is going to make the team today, but I thought it was a good work day."
11:21am update: We have our first injury scare of Spring Training.
Starting pitcher Clay Buchholz was taken off the field after suffering a hamstring injury during PFP drills. Manager John Farrell said Buchholz will be re-evaluated on Wednesday, so hopefully this isn't too serious.
We have sunny skies and temps around 80-degrees on this fine Tuesday morning as pitchers and catchers take the field for their first official workout of the spring. It's also their first workout under new manager John Farrell and new pitching coach Juan Nieves.
The usual drills, side sessions, stretching and conditioning will take place today, but it's not just the pitchers and catchers getting into the swing of things.
Roche's Breakdown: Red Sox Outfield/DH
Many of the regulars are in camp as well from Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, David Ortiz to Will Middlebrooks. Most of them will take part in batting practice this afternoon -- getting an early jump on their workouts.
Pedroia spoke with reporters this morning while Ortiz is expected to talk later this afternoon. I asked Pedroia what he spent his time doing this off-season, he said, "body-building."
Roche's Breakdown: Red Sox Infield/Catcher
Fans are here, but the crowds aren't as big yet -- probably because school vacation for Massachusetts is next week.
We'll have much more on day one of workouts coming up at 5, 6, and 11p.n. on WBZ-TV Channel 4, and throughout the day on CBSBostonsports.com!
Rochie On Toucher & Rich:
Toucher & Rich: Dan Roche Live From Spring Training
Follow WBZ-TV's Dan Roche on Twitter @RochieWBZ. Tune in to his updates from Red Sox Spring Training in Fort Myers, Florida all week on WBZ-TV, WBZ NewsRadio 1030 and 98.5 The Sports Hub!
