Hello to all the Sawxheads out there -

Thanks for your questions and it was great hearing from all of you.  Although this year didn't have the ending which we were all shooting for, I am looking forward to gearing up for the 2010 season.  I look forward to seeing all of you during Spring Training and, of course, back up in Boston! 

I will be back in town next week to accept an award that I am very honored to be the recipient of this year, The Children's Hospital's "Champion" Award.  Thank you to all of you who have helped me to give back to the kids in the New England Area.  I hope this fan forum will be a great way for me to keep in touch with all of you.  GO SOX!!

Question
I was wondering if you could play another position, what would it be? And why? I've seen you before a game getting some fielding practice in. What do you think about how some pitchers field the ball? Need more practice or should they just move out of the way?
-Pedroia fan15

Answer:  In High School they had me in the outfield from time to time when I was not pitching.  It was a fun experience, however, I definitely like to be part of every pitch.  I enjoy hitting as well, so when I was in the National League it gave me the opportunity to step up to the plate as well every game that I pitched.  Having to field is part of every position, that is why we take part in our own drills and fielding sessions during Spring Training and practice as well.

Question
Hi Josh, I've been a long-time fan. I thought your supportive comments today regarding Clay's pitching performance last night were very nice. So good to hear everyone supporting one another. Josh, was wondering what you do in the off-season besides deer hunting, and if you are married? Ahh, the lucky girl!! Good luck Josh in the post-season!! We love 'ya!!
-soxchk

Answer:  I enjoy relaxing during the offseason and I spend quite a bit of time on my Ranch as well as traveling to some other places to Hunt.  I have Season tickets to the San Antonio Spurs where my home for the off season is located so I try to make a few games as well.
 
Question
What other pitcher do you admire and look up to either now or in the past?
-sandyb

Answer:  Nolan Ryan

Question
What is there to do for fun in Ft.Myers ?
 -fruitgirl

Answer:  Fort Myers is a great city for baseball and golf.  It is a smaller town with plenty of Golf courses that we tend to take advantage of getting tee times on as much as possible.


Question
Now, after reading some of these bone-headed questions from "Fans", how do you feel your relationship is with the fans, and what would you like to see change between the fan/player relationship?
-67Dream

Answer:  I think that everyone has their own opinions on things and everyone has questions that might be different from the other fans.  I enjoy hearing from fans.  I go out there and do my work which is to try to win every start and do well for my team.  Fans have their own way of expressing how they feel and that wont ever change.

Question
Hey Josh. Do you think that Red Sox is the best thing that has happened to you so far in your baseball career? We are sure glad that we got you and keep up the good work for Childrens Hospital my grandson has CF and every dollar donated may help find a cure.
-Gail K

Answer:  Thank you Gail. We will continue to do our best to help out the Children's Hospital Boston as well as our hopes of helping other children in the New England area.  I definitely enjoy playing baseball here in Boston and I look forward to the things to come.

Question
Who has been the most influential teammate that you have ever played with in the MLB?
-Jared Carrabis

Answer:  Mike Lowell, he is a baseball genius.

Question
You're deer hunting & can only take one gun: What do you take? Rifle or shotgun? Remington, Ruger, Browning, NE, Mossberg...?
 -SportsGal

Answer: Rifle, Browning 300 Short Mag

Question
What is it like to play in Boston and how do you feel about the fans?
-redsox15

Answer:  It's a great feeling to be with such a strong organization.  The fans her are great.  It's amazing to know that every time you go out to play, you will be playing in front of a sold out crowd.

Question
What is your favorite pitch to throw and why? Do you think you will sign a new contract with the Sox this winter?
-jadenicola19

Answer:  Fastball, because the game of baseball is predicated on the fastball.  As for my contract, that will be between the Sox and my Agent.

Question
Josh, What was your initial reaction when you found out you were traded to Boston?
-joegill88

Answer:  Excited, anyone would be excited to play for a team like Boston

Question
If you weren't a pitcher, what would be your second choice on a career?
-ToxicSoxFan

Answer:  I would be a hunting guide

Question
When did the fever to pitch hit you and who(if anyone) gave it to you?
-Ms Marci

Answer: Freshman Year of High School, I gave it to myself because it was my best position

Question
Josh - your choice, Pitch in a day game, or night game? And Why?
 -JerseyRip

 Answer:  Night Game, I enjoy the cooler weather.

Question
Hey Josh. I have two non-baseball related questions. First, I happened to be on NY last weekend and at the same hotel as the team. I saw you carrying a guitar case, are you just learning to play or is it something you have been playing. Second, I was at Beckett Bowl and touched by the speech Isabella made. How rewarding is it to you to be able to develop your foundation and help raise money for these kids and develop relationships with them (that obviously mean a lot to them)?
-abs28

Answer:  I started picking up guitar this past season.  I enjoy playing a few hours a day especially when we are on the road.  Thanks for coming out to Beckett Bowl.  It is something that we love doing for the kids at Children's Hospital.  Isabella is great and it has been amazing to see her healthy and helping us support Children's Hospital.

Question
Josh, I know you are good friends with Kevin Millar and he is one of my favorite players along with you. Do you have a story you can share about him as in something funny he did to you or what he is like to hang with?
 -redsox152533

Answer:  Kevin is a great team mate.  He keeps the attitude light in the clubhouse.  There are a lot of great stories about Kevin out there.

Question
How much do you shake-off the catcher's suggested pitch, and how often do you regret it?
-fanofwake

Answer:  Never, when I shake off the catcher it is me going with my instincts as a pitcher.

Question
Do you plan on staying with the Sox for the remainder of you professional career, and how long do you wanna to play?
-brandon

Answer:  I'd like to stay in Boston, I enjoy playing for the fans here.  Boston is a great town and there probably isn't another city with more true, die hard fans.

Question
What is your favorite thing to do in the off season?
 -sandyb
 
Answer:  Relax and spend time down at my Ranch