March 1, 2011 at 4:24 PM
Fort Report: March 1
Today’s minor league notes:
▪ Over the first three Grapefruit League games, no minor league campers have appeared in game action. Of the prospects, Lars Anderson and Josh Reddick have each homered, but nothing much else to take away in small statistical samples.
▪ According to Brian MacPherson, infielder Drew Sutton is looking to catch on with the big club in a utility role and then perhaps prove he’s capable of bigger and better things, much like his friend Ben Zobrist has done over the past few years in the Tampa Bay organization.
▪ Alex Speier of WEEI.com recently unearthed the news that Hideki Okajima has three option years remaining - and no contractual provision prohibiting an option - meaning the left-hander could open the season in Pawtucket if the team determines that where’s he’s best served.
▪ Paul Jarvey of Telegram.com chronicles the return of Alfredo Aceves from an off-season biking accident that left him with a broken collarbone.
▪ MacPherson talked with Michael Bowden about his off-season tribulations in Venezuela, including experiencing “The Wave … with Beer” and some bottle throwing.
▪ According to Roanoke.com, the Red Sox extended their lease with Salem Memorial Ballpark through 2014, further firming up the team’s commitment with High-A Salem for the next three seasons.
▪ More from the ProJo’s Brian MacPherson - who has done a phenomenal job covering the minors this spring - pitching prospect Andrew Miller is taking a long-term look at his career, and hopes to stick with the Sox for the long haul.
▪ Kevin Thomas of the Portland Press-Herald raises the question - what if Reddick and Lars break out?
▪ According to Joe McDonald of ESPNBoston, infielder Brent Dlugach suffered a dislocated shoulder in today’s game against the Twins. He’ll be reevaluated later today and tomorrow.