There is a lot to talk about right now as far as the Sox are concerned.  We have injury updates, pitchers excelling early and underdogs making their comebacks.

First things first.  The "new" site.  Honestly, I haven't noticed much of a difference.  Some of the best breakdowns of the Sox have been made by outsiders.  There was much complaining about people not talking about baseball, so Sawxheads responded with Trufan.com.  I didn't like it at first because of the simple fact that I'm protective over my Sox.  I don't want non-Sox fans raining on our parade.  That won't happen.  I actually think it will invite a lot of positive attention.  Sure, Yankees fans will bash us.  But we will also bash them too.  Trufan.com won't provoke that.  They've already flooded this site a time or two.  Nothing we can do to stop that.  Just stay true to the Sox and nothing will bring us down.  Besides, if you only want to see Sox related material on the new version, you can.  It's your choice.  I say give it a shot.  It's still brand new and needs tweaking (as Rafe pointed out).  Be patient.  Talking baseball is fun.  Isn't that why we're all here?

Anyway.  Onto the Sox.  Looks as though Country will get that call to start against the Rays on the sixth.  He's been solid during ST and seems to have his finesse back.   Lester will get the nod for the second game of the season.  Masterson will be moved to the pen and (if they feel he's ready) Penny may just be ready to fill that 5th spot.  I'm really hoping that he is.  I'm excited to see what he has left in that arm.  I feel that the decision they made with Masterson is a really good call.  As far as development goes, it suits him just fine.  He does well adjusting to pretty much any pitching environment and I think he'll do awesome as a middle reliever.  We need somebody as solid as him backing up our strong starters.  It's good to have a multi-tasking pitcher at your disposal just in case something happens.  If Penny is unable to start,  Buchholz will likely make that debut. 

Speaking of injuries, Lugo seems to be coming along well with his rehab.  I'm excited to see Lowrie start come opening day.  I truly feel that he's the best candidate defensively.  Lugo still has my support, and I do wish him a speedy recovery, but I am leaning more toward Lowrie on this one.  Lugo may be ready to return as early as our second homestand but was reported to miss at least nine games. 

Jason Varitek has been coming along nicely thus far.  Now, I hate to say I told you so but.... I told you so.  Don't lose Faith in Tek.  So far he has come out strong and consistent.  It may just be ST, but it's showing us something promising.  Keep believing that he will carry this into the regular season.  I've seen incredible things thus far.  Speaking of comebacks; how about Chip Ambres?  Gave us a 10th inning win over the Reds with that three-run shot.  That was pretty incredible.   Our depth is shining through time and time again. 

Now onto a little bit of old news.  I haven't been able to get on the internet for long this past week but I wanted to share my excitement about this.  You all know how much I appreciate John Smoltz and encourage his quick recovery, right?  Well that session he had just made me even more eager.  He threw 40 pitches (fastballs) at about 65-70% intensity.  The exciting part?  He wanted to keep throwing.  Which means he's feeling strong.   I read that he felt that he had taken the wrong approach to the session by wanting more.  Whatever, Smoltzie.  You know what you can do.  You've been pitching long enough.

So don't fret about this new site.  The Sox aren't going anywhere.  The site is expanding and trying out something new and more promising.  The answer to your Sawxheads blues is the Boston Red Sox.  Stick by them.  They aren't changing!

GO SOX!!!!
RSM - RLF