so close you can almost taste the hot dogs & beer

just a few last thoughts for Spring Training. you know why? because in roughly nine and a half hours, it will be BASEBALL SEASON!!

1. i am a little bummed that Sean Casey will be unavailable for any playing time in Japan with a stiff neck. i have taken an almost instant liking to The Mayor. how can you not? does the guy *ever* look like he's not having a blast? and it rubs off on everyone around him. =)

(Boston Globe)

(Boston Globe)

(Boston Herald)

2. before one of exhibition games with the two Japanese teams, the players did a hat exchange. i can't help thinking... look at the size difference between Youk's & Hirano's heads! i bet those hats didn't fit too well. and also? we all know how Youk managed to sweat even in the chilliest playing conditions. i love Youk as much as the next Sox fan, but i don't think i would wanna wear his hat.

(Boston Globe)

3. i've said it before. i am sure i will say it again. but there is no way Pedroia 5'9". no. way.

(Yahoo! Sports)

(Boston Herald)

4. this is going to be the year of JD Drew, i can feel it. he's been playing some kickin' defense. and he's had two home runs in two days, one a game-winning grand slam in yesterday's exhibition game. if he keeps up with the way he ended last season, i *might* forgive him for that 7 on his back...

(Yahoo! Sports)

5. no offense to Matsuzaka, but his presence in this photo really spoils the dream for me. ;-)

(Yahoo! Sports)
and this one is missing the hardware... ::sigh:: there's just no pleasing me, is there. =P

(Yahoo! Sports)

6. why is it that i never know what to say about photos of Papelbon...? words just don't do it justice anyway.

(Yahoo! Sports)

7. i want to see the follow up for this photo in which all we see is Julian's feet when he jumps ten feet in the air & Manny is rolling on the ground, laughing.

(Yahoo! Sports)


see ya in the morning for some Sox!!