Dooley's Diary 2

Dooley's Diary - March 17, 2011

I covered the Red Sox-Mets game on Thursday... Sat down with former Rock Cats All-Star RHP Matt Fox in the Sox clubhouse... Fox is trying to win a bullpen job in Boston and says he's thrown the ball well.  He was a great story last year when he got called up from Triple-A and won an important game for the Twins to help them get to the playoffs.  Minnesota tried to pass him through wavers but he was claimed by the Red Sox and finished last year in Boston.  

FRANCONA SETS RED SOX ROTATION

Red Sox manager Terry Francona announced his 5-man rotation on Thursday morning. 

Jon Lester will pitch opening day followed by John Lackey, Clay Buchholz, Josh Beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka. 

THREE SOX PROSPECTS SENT PACKING TO MINORS

INF Jose Iglesias, OF Yamacio Navarro and C Luis Exposito were optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket.  All three spent time at Portland last year and played against the Rock Cats.  Francona mentioned that Iglesias has all the tools but just needs to go out there and play.  He will get a chance to do that more in the minor league games.

 

ST. PATRICK'S GAME PACKED

The Red Sox wore their traditional green shirts and hats for the annual St. Patrick's Day game at City of Palms Park.  The game was played in front of the 9^th sellout this spring.  Many of the Red Sox regulars were in the starting lineup including Jacoby Ellsbury, Carl Crawford, Mike Cameron, Jed Lowrie and J.D. Drew.  Former Sea Dogs star Lars Anderson started at first base for Boston.    

 

ROCK CATS BATTLE THE SEA DOGS...

The Rock Cats played the Sea Dogs for the first of many games this season... Although the players turn over each year, New Britain and Portland get a chance to know each other very well with both clubs spring training facilities located in Ft. Myers... From the days of Francisco Liriano against Jon Lester to more recently when Felix Doubront matched up against Kyle Gibson, the Rock Cats and Sea Dogs always play each other.  

 

ROCHESTER WINS TRIPLE-A GAME WITH ROCK CATS STAFF

Jeff Smith and his coaching staff led Triple-A Rochester for a second straight game with Tom Nieto going to Lakeland with the Twins.  The Red Wings beat Pawtucket 5-1.  Kyle Gibson, Mike McCardell and Tyler Robertson all pitched well in the victory.    

More to come tomorrow!

Thanks!

The Voice of the Rock Cats

-Jeff Dooley