Red Sox Spring Training: Gonzalez Talks Hitting
FORT MYERS, FL (CBS) - Monday is day three of full squad workouts for the Red Sox. Bullpen pitchers will throw live batting practice for the first time this spring. Closer Jonathan Papelbon is back with the team after missing Sunday to tend to a family matter.
Updated 11:15 p.m.
Dan Roche checks in from Fort Myers:
6:15 p.m.
Dan Roche discusses the potential 2011 lineup with Terry Francona and others:
Rochie thinks the lineup should look like this on Opening Day:
- Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
- Dustin Pedroia, 2B
- Carl Crawford, LF
- Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
- Kevin Youkilis, 3B
- David Ortiz, DH
- J.D. Drew, RF
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
- Marco Scutaro, SS
5:15 p.m.
Dan Roche talks with Adrian Gonzalez after he was cleared to hit:
1:47 p.m.
Here is Adrian Gonzalez talking about getting cleared to hit courtesy of WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Jonny Miller. Gonzalez said he took 20 "good, healthy" swings off a tee and felt no discomfort. He did not want to think about when he could play in games yet and is just going to take things one day at a time. Gonzalez is confident that he will be ready for opening day April 1st in Texas.
Adrian Gonzalez Talks About Getting Clearance To Swing
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Red Sox manager Terry Francona also said the Red Sox will be more "Belicheck-ian" when it comes to injuries this year, and not give up as much information as they used to. This will benefit Francona the most, who nearly had to get a PhD trying to explain all the injuries throughout the 2010 season.
12:02 p.m.
The Red Sox released a statement saying first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has been cleared to begin hitting. He was examined on Friday for his team physical, and at that time it was found the slugger had full range, no tenderness and excellent strength.
So Gonzo hit the cage Monday, hitting off a tee. Manager Terry Francona said Gonzalez took 20-25 swings and felt no soreness. He will continue to hit off a tee for the next three days.
This is great news for Gonzalez, who is recovering from off-season shoulder surgery. He did not expect to begin hitting until March 1st, but had said he was ahead of schedule when he arrived in Fort Myers. Gonzalez was scheduled to meet with Dr. David Altchek, who performed the surgery in October, at some point this week to receive clearance but that appointment has been canceled.
9:58 a.m.
In case you missed it Sunday night on WBZ-TV's Sports Final, Dan Roche got to sit down with new left fielder Carl Crawford. He opened up and talked about why he chose Boston, and who would win a race between him and Jacoby Ellsbury.
Dan Roche's 1-on-1 with Carl Crawford From Sports Final
Also on Sports Final Sunday night, Rochie got a chance to talk to new pitching coach Curt Young. He talked about getting acquainted with his new pitching staff, what he sees from Josh Beckett this season, and even some hockey.
Pitching Coach Curt Young Joins Dan Roche On Sports Final
Rochie also called in to WBZ NewsRadio 1030 Monday morning to chat with Mark Katic. He explained why hitters hate to take live batting practice against the pitchers so early in camp, along with Jonathan Papelbon's excused absence on Sunday and Pap's 2011 season.
Dan Roche with WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mark Katic
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Stay tuned for more updates throughout the day.
