True Fans Watch Spring Training

(image courtesy of bostondirtblogs.boston.com)

Guess what? At long last, spring training is underway and the Red Sox 2009 season is off to its unofficial start. Today the Boston boys beat Boston College in an exhibition game with a score of 7-1. The real fun starts tonight though against the Twins. Watch it on MLB.TV -- or if you're in the Boston area, catch it on NESN.

-M

I love that dirty water....

(image courtesy of boston.com)

Just as a reminder to everyone. Pitchers and catchers report to Fort Myers, FL today for spring training! Hallejuah. Let the 2009 Red Sox season start!

-M

Red Sox Offseason Checklist

Securing Papelbon for at least this season without going into arbitration? Check.

Signing Youkilis for four more seasons (eliciting cheers of 'YOOOOOOOK!' all over the city of Boston)? Check.

Meeting with Jason Varitek and getting text message verification that he wants to be back in the Hub for this season. Check. (Can we please stop being cheapos and just resign him already?)

A not so subtle note to John Henry and Theo (I-dont-care-if-you-have-a-wife-and-kid-you're-still-hot) Epstein: There's 77 days left before Opening Day. 35 days until the first Spring Training game against BC. Let's get this roster good to go. Okay? Okay.

Varitek, don't break my heart like this...

While reading this article on Boston.com this morning, my heart sank just a little bit. We are under a month away from spring training in Florida. And only 82 days (yes, I just counted in my trusty Coach day planner) away from Opening Day at Fenway Park. Jason Varitek is starting to make me bite my nails. Just a little bit. And we all know that bitten, black nail polished nails are not a good look for anyone. Laugh all you want, but seriously, Varitek is (I refuse to say was, yet) the Red Sox captain. The C. He didn't bat so hot last season, and he's getting older, but for Red Sox fans my age, he's like a Red Sox staple. He didn't bail on us like Damon did for pinstripes and a clean shave. He was with the team in 2004 - one of the few that remain. He's scruffy and the definition of a 'Boston Guy' if I've ever seen one. There doesn't seem to be a market for him anywhere else (otherwise his status as a free agent wouldn't be so prominent still in the Globe) and I can say that he's valued here. We can't enter this 2009 season with three catchers, none of which holds substantial MLB experience.

As if I didn't already dislike Scott Boras (Varitek's agent) after this Texiera debacle, now he could take away the love I have for wearing my green Varitek Red Sox tee. Don't make me hate you more. Please?