Red Sox Spring Training

OK - I'll say it! Even the most die-hard Red Sox fan is having trouble getting excited about spring training this year. Sure we counted down to the day pitchers and catchers reported but once things started it has been one big yawn.

With almost the entire team returning this season and really no positions up for grab or new faces and personalities to learn - its been pretty boring. Not that that's a bad thing. What team wouldn't love to have this sort of stability?

Sure there's been Curt Schilling's injured shoulder and Josh Beckett's back spasms. In the scheme of things, however, those issues are just tempests in a teacup no matter how big a deal the Boston media or ESPN tries to make of them. I mean I heard faux GM Phillips talking about the Red Sox season being in jeapordy. The first pitch of the season hasn't been thrown and chicken little Phillips has the sky falling in on the Red Sox heads. Good thing Red Sox fans aren't buying it.

Last spring training we had the arrival of Dice K and JD Drew. We had questions about second base and whether Coco Crisp was better after playing the end of 2006 with an injured hand. This spring we just wonder if there are any future catchers worth watching in the minor league system and who will get that last spot in the bullpen. Supposedly there is a contest going on for centerfield but come on - everyone knows that job now belongs to Jacoby Ellsbury. How are Red Sox fans supposed to get excited about a contest for the last bullpen spot?

I can't wait for Opening Day but pardon me if I can't get excited for spring training this year.