It’s been a while since my last post, I apologize, there’s lots of Red Sox news to discuss.  According to ESPN there is now a very good chance that ace Josh Beckett will not make it to Japan for the opening series of the season.  Beckett’s back injury does not appear to be too serious, but this is the guy who was plagued by something as minor as blisters for years, so I won’t feel better until he is back on the mound and at full strength.

The pressure is now on the rest of the pitching staff to start the season off strong, with Dice-K likely getting the opening day start, if he indeed makes the trip to Japan despite the impending birth of his child.  I believe the Japanese star will have a strong game, or will at least be fired up, in his first start back in front of his home fans.  Behind Matsusaka, the rotation is looking a bit shaky, what with the struggles of Buchholz, Snyder, and Tavarez so far this spring.  Another Boston pitcher of note who is struggling, although out of the bullpen, is Craig Hansen.  If Hansen can’t pull it together this year I will have just about given up hope on this highly regarded prospect who has yet to show he can handle Major League hitters.

On the bright side, Tim Wakefield has been solid so far this spring, and John Lester is coming off a good start against hypothetical trade counterpart Johann Santana.  I was very happy to hear that Lester is consistently hitting the mid 90s with his fastball this spring, which should greatly improve his effectiveness (last year he was throwing high 80s and low 90s, coming off his cancer treatment).  If Dice-K and either Wake or Lester start the opening series games against the Athletics in Japan I like their chances of winning at least one of, if not both, contests.

On a side note, congratulations to Papelbon on his new contract.  The one-year, $775,000 deal shows the lights out closer the respect he deserves, while fitting in with the Sox’ need for fiscal responsibility.  As an arbitration-ineligible player it was the best he could have hoped for, and it is a deal that ensures he remain a positive influence in the clubhouse.