Theo Checks In From Red Sox Spring Training
BOSTON (CBS) - Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein checked in from Fort Myers, Florida on Thursday.
"We're excited, it's great to be down here," Epstein told reporters. "Brutal winter up North, and all around the country so we see a lot of early arrivals. I know we say this every year, but everyone I've seen looks to be in great shape."
Pitchers Josh Beckett, John Lackey and Daisuke Matsuzaka all arrived Thursday. Epstein said they all look "very fit and strong," especially Matsuzaka.
"The ball was coming out of his hand really well, and his body looks improved compared to this time last year," Epstein said of the Japanese pitcher. "He looks leaner and a little bit stronger."
Matsuzaka pitched well in spurts, but overall went 9-6 with a 4.69 ERA in 2010.
The Red Sox are coming off a season derailed by injuries. Stars Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis and Jacoby Ellsbury each missed significant stretches with injuries. Beckett battled injuries at the beginning of the season and was never able to get on track.
"Health has to be the biggest question, it usually is," Theo said of his season outlook. "In our case, we have so many players coming off surgery or coming off injury, we're going to keep an eye on all of them. We're really looking forward to having a healthy squad of players playing together."
Ellsbury missed all but 18 games in 2010 while battling with broken ribs. Epstein said the outfielder will not have any limitations during the spring.
Even one of the newest Red Sox is started the year on the mend. Newly acquired first baseman Adrian Gonzalez underwent offseason shoulder surgery, and will need a few weeks before he is ready to swing a bat. He arrived at camp on Wednesday and participated in fielding drills. The team will have their medical meetings over the weekend, but does not sound worried about Gonzalez' recovery.
"He has been on or ahead of schedule with his rehab, as measured with range of motion and strength in the shoulder," Epstein said of his prized offseason acquisition. "He's projected to swing a bat March 1st, and get into games maybe the third week of March."
WBZ's Dan Roche will begin live reports from Florida starting February 15th on WBZ-TV, 98.5 The Sports Hub, and WBZ NewsRadio 1030.
