David Ortiz got the Red Sox off on the right foot four batters into the game as he launched a mammoth three-run homer off Rays starter Matt Moore, who came into the game 6-0, to quickly put the Sox up 3-0.

May 14, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) hits a 3-run home run during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

John Lackey started this one for the Red Sox and, after a clean first two innings he got into a bases loaded jam in the third.  But he got out of it unscathed as he got Desmond Jennings and Ben Zobrist to ground out around two hits and a walk in the inning.

But Lackey could not escape the disaster that was the fourth inning.  After three straight hits to start the inning, Lackey ended up giving up five runs total as Luke Scott had an RBI double followed by a Jose Molina two-run single.  What followed represents the abomination that is Tropicana Field.

With two out in the inning Lackey seemingly got out of it with only the three runs by popping up Matt Joyce.  One problem though:  the ball was hit so high it hit the catwalk overhead and dropped to the field between an annoyed Mike Napoli and Dustin Pedroia.  That’s a fair ball by the ridiculous stadium ground rules in Tampa so two additional runs scored for a five run inning and a 5-3 Rays lead.

From there, Moore mowed down the Sox after the first inning trouble and showed why he and Clay Buchholz have been the top two pitchers in the AL so far this season.

May 14, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore (55) throws a pitch during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Moore worked the first six giving up just the three runs on three hits with two walks and eight strikeouts on 100 pitches as he improved to  7-0.  The Rays pen finished up with a spotless three innings of work as the Sox bats again went quietly after the first inning outburst.  If they’re going to start winning some games they have to start getting some hits.  One hit after the first inning isn’t going to cut it.

Lackey (1-4) did not have a good start as he only lasted 4.1 innings with the following line: 9H, 5ER, 1BB and 3K as his ERA rose from 2.82 to 4.05.

For sure it was a disappointing start to this trip for the Sox.  Boston will send Jon Lester to the mound tomorrow night to try to stop the losing streak as he opposes Sox nemesis David Price.

I respectfully disagree.  I think the Globe article was uncalled for and unnecessary because there really isn’t a whole lot of new news value to it.  It’s simply trying to sell newspapers.

Consider the source here.  Shaughnessy has a history as a negative hack in the Boston media who doesn’t put a whole lot of imagination into his columns.  Go back and look at his Globe archive about the Red Sox or any of the Boston sports teams.  I think you will find an overall theme of negativity in his writing.  In my opinion, this latest escapade is classic Shaughnessy and both Ortiz and the fans have a right to be annoyed.

May 5, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) follows through on his home run swing against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

The question that I think gives them that right centers on what evidence is there that Ortiz is enhancing his performance during his hot start since coming off the DL?  Is there a particular source saying this?  I believe the answer is no because Shaughnessy didn’t name anyone in the piece, not even an anonymous.  And how about Ortiz’ 0-14 that followed the hot start?  Is he now cycling off?

Shaughnessy simply rehashes the ol’ PED accusation column and then claims he’s just doing his job by asking the questions fans and media everywhere are supposedly asking about Ortiz.

Look, I know bad news sells newspapers more than good news.  I get that.  But for Shaughnessy to back Ortiz into a corner and start asking him about supposed rumors that are going around baseball about his PED use is a joke.  Show me where these rumors are and attribute them to somebody.

And don’t give me the alleged Ortiz positive test in 2003 and the steroid list with 103 names on it. That has already been dealt with and reported on.  It’s ancient history.  We all know Ortiz has probably done something in the past.  I’m not trying to defend him.  After all, I’m not blind to the ugliness of baseball’s steroid era.

But, if you want a good story go find the list, release it, find Ortiz on it and then you have a reason to bring all of this up in the present day.  Until then, give it a rest, please.

Ortiz is right about one thing:  with the Boston media you really are damned if you do and damned if you don’t produce the numbers on the field.

Shaughnessy has the First Amendment right to publish anything he’d like as long as he is prepared to deal with any consequences that may come along.  But that’s not the issue here.

My problem is that there’s nothing new here to discuss.  Again, we’ve been down the PED road for years with Ortiz and it’s time to move on to another topic unless and until this one becomes relevant again.

Throwing out baseless accusations in Ortiz’ face is unprofessional and lazy on Shaughnessy’s part.  He should know better.

After closer Andrew Bailey (bicep strain) was placed on the 15-day disabled list yesterday afternoon, former closer Joel Hanrahan joined him there today after leaving last night’s game with a forearm strain that the Red Sox say will simply require rest and rehab, at least for now.

April 28, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Andrew Bailey (40) pitches during the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The result is that manager John Farrell and pitching coach Juan Nieves have had to shuffle things around by moving Junichi Tazawa into the closer role, adding lefty Craig Breslow to the mix after a DL stint of his own and, surprisingly, promoting rookie Allen Webster to the rotation to replace Felix Doubront, who will move to the pen to try to work on some things as a reliever.

Got all that?  That’s a lot of movement but it’s to be expected when a team loses not one, but two closers to injury in two days.

We’ve talked all season about how much flexibility and depth the Sox pen has provided and now that depth will be asked to produce quality innings.  Simply put, guys will be pitching in roles they are not normally accustomed to because of all the shuffling.

The good news is Farrell and Nieves, both former pitchers, are piloting the ship and seem supremely confident they can get through this rough patch because they believe they have quality arms available to fill in, particularly Webster, a young pitching luxury not many teams have.

It’s going to take a team wide effort to get through this until Bailey, hopefully, returns on his scheduled day of May 14.  But even that is a question right now because Bailey has never been an especially good healer throughout his injury plagued career.

April 13, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Joel Hanrahan (52) pitches during the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

It means that not only is Tazawa going to need to pitch effectively and Breslow is going to have to step in as a co-setup man along with Koji Uehara, but the starting rotation is going to have to provide that extra inning or two per start until things clear up.

Doubront and his power arm pitching shorter stints out of the pen should also help as maybe less will be more for him in terms of effectiveness.

What’s happened to the bullpen in the last few days just speaks to how fast perceived pitching depth can dry up.  The way baseball is played today, a team really needs a total of 16-18 dependable arms to get through a season unscathed.

Whether the Red Sox have that kind of depth or not is going to be determined over the next week or two and could determine what kind of season this becomes for them down the road.  So, do they survive this?

If you know anything about the history between these two teams you know that nothing good ever seems to happen when the Sox visit the Rangers.

According to Baseball-Reference.com the Red Sox may have a winning record all-time against the Rangers but that’s mostly due to their 125-90 mark vs Texas at Fenway Park since 1972.  But at Texas it’s a far different story.

June 29, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; United States Air Force F-16

No matter what the teams’ records are or how well either is playing during the course of a season, it seems when it’s Boston at Texas on the schedule, the Sox just don’t win that often.  That is reflected in their hideous 86-129 record in the city of Arlington  since ’72, when the old Washington Senators became the Rangers.

It’s not that I can remember any specific miserable moments during the Sox’ visits, it’s just that they seem to forget how to play crisp baseball when they head to the great southwest.  Whether it’s bad pitching or lack of hitting, something bad always seems to happen to the Sox.

It used to be that the Sox had the same types of issues in Minnesota and Kansas City as well.  But they’ve been much better in those cities in recent years mostly due to facing bad ball clubs.  But the Rangers are good and it shows in the results.

It’s gotten a bit better since the Rangers moved to the Ball Park in Arlington in 1994.  The Sox are 36-49 there for a .423 winning percentage as opposed to 50-80 and .385 at old Arlington Stadium.

But Boston has not had a winning record in Texas since 2008 and even that was merely one series that they won two games to one.

With the season going along swimmingly so far I think it would be another confidence builder for the Sox to at least play well in the upcoming series.  The problem is they will not have Clay Buchholz going in the series so they will need Jon Lester, who will pitch the series finale on Sunday, to bounce back from his bad previous start in Toronto.  John Lackey and Felix Doubront are the other two starters in the series so it could get ugly with a guy just making his way back from injury (Lackey) and a guy who is generous with the walks (Doubront).

If the Sox manage one win in this series it will pretty much be par for the course for them.  Just don’t get swept or embarrassed with bad play, which the Sox seem to find when they call on Arlington.

Bard made two appearances after being called up this past Wednesday.  The first one was a fairly clean inning on Thursday.  But yesterday, Bard entered an 8-3 game and walked the only two batters he faced before being quickly pulled by John Farrell. He only managed to throw one of his nine pitches for a strike in an ugly performance.

May 29, 2012; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Daniel Bard (51) throws a pitch in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

I think at this point, we have to say the Red Sox have no idea what to do next with Bard.  Farrell and others say all the right things about getting his arm slot and mechanics corrected, but the bottom line is the Red Sox may have just ruined this guy’s career with that asinine experiment last year in trying to make him a starter.

I, and many in Red Sox Nation, still do not understand the purpose of that fiasco besides it being a way to find a cheap fifth starter.  As much of a lightning rod as Bobby Valentine was when he was here last year, he was right about keeping Bard as a reliever.

The Red Sox should have known Bard was strictly a relief pitcher.  When he was drafted it was clear that he had control issues in his college career at North Carolina.

It was only when Bard was made into a full time relief pitcher, where he could concentrate on repeating his delivery over a max of two innings, that Bard really thrived.  Asking him to go back and be a starter again last season obviously messed with his mechanics and psyche and now he can’t get it back.

I am openly rooting for Daniel Bard to succeed and return to his 2011 form in Boston’s bullpen.  But that bullpen is pitching very well right now and with Hanrahan and Craig Breslow due to return soon, Bard may just be the permanent odd man out.

Dempster worked six innings and allowed four hits and two runs with a season high 10 strikeouts.  Dempster is now averaging 12.9 strikeouts per nine innings this season as he continues to pitch at a surprisingly high level even though his 1-2 record may not reflect it.

April 26, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Ryan Dempster (46) pitches during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Dempster’s contributions in the third starter’s slot have been huge as the team awaits the return of John Lackey to the rotation.  He has really stepped up as that solid, veteran presence in the middle of the rotation.  It is something the Red Sox needed this year if they hoped to get off to a good start.

April 26, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross (3) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Ross led the way in the Sox 17-hit attack by going 4-4 and hitting a solo homer onto the parking garage behind the Green Monster in the second inning and later teaming up with Will Middlebrooks for back to back shots in the fourth.

If Ross continues to show this kind of pop it is likely he will further cut in to Jarrod Saltalamacchia‘s playing time.  Right now he is doing everything GM Ben Cherington hoped for when he signed Ross over the winter.  Pitchers already love Ross’ ability to call a game, handle a staff and throw out runners. If he hits, he will force his way into more playing time.

David Ortiz also went deep in this one and Jonny Gomes finally picked up his first RBI of the season with a ninth inning single as the Red Sox battered starter Erik Bedard and a trio of relievers and did what good teams must do-  beat the bad teams.  The Astros are certainly that.  One more win this weekend and the Sox will have done their job by winning yet another series and continuing to prove that they are in this for the long haul.

The series continues tonight at 7:10 as Felix Doubront matches up against Brad Peacock.

Webster, acquired at the trade deadline last year in the huge deal with the Dodgers showed a lot of poise in his debut and really looks like he will be a major piece to the Red Sox near future puzzle.

Feb 17, 2013; Fort Myers FL, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Allen Webster (64) poses during photo day at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

His night got off to an eventful start as Alex Gordon hit Webster’s first major league pitch for a double off the Green Monster.  That was followed by an airmailed throw to first by Pedro Ciriaco on an Alcides Escobar infield grounder, allowing Gordon to score.

But Webster minimized the damage by striking out two in the inning and then getting a spectacular diving stab on a grounder up the middle from Dustin Pedroia.

He then proceeded to settle down with a 1-2-3 second inning and went on to pitch well with a line of 6 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K and 84 pitches.  Despite allowing  fifth inning home runs to George Kottaras and Gordon, Webster mixed his pitches well with a fastball around 94-95 to go along with a very good change-up and curve ball.

Offensively, Mike Napoli homered to lead off the second followed by Mike Carp, who is making the most of his limited playing time, hitting a towering double off the Monster that scored Jarrod Saltalamacchia all the way from first to give the Sox a 2-1 lead off Jeremy Guthrie.

Napoli (3-5, 2B, HR) struck again in the fifth as he singled home Daniel Nava to put Boston ahead 4-3 but they left two men on as Salty and Will Middlebrooks could not extend the inning.

They held that lead until the bottom of the eighth when Koji Uehara gave up his first run of the season on a titanic home run into the Monster seats by the Royals Billy Butler to tie it 4-4.

After a squander by the Sox in the ninth in which Jacoby Ellsbury was stranded after singling with one out and stealing second,  lefty Andrew Miller proceeded to walk Sox killer Lorenzo Cain with the bases loaded to put the Royals ahead for good. The Sox went quietly in the tenth vs Greg Holland.

Losing two games in one day after the emotion of Saturday’s win is disappointing but the bottom line is Webster’s performance was the story of this game.  If this is the kind of work Webster can give the Sox in his debut, the sky looks to be the limit for his future.

Next up for the Sox:  the Oakland A’s come to Fenway tomorrow night for the opener of a three game series at 6:35.  It will be Felix Doubront vs A.J. Griffin.

Today was one of those days because it marked the return of the Red Sox to Fenway Park for the first time since the tragedy of the Boston Marathon bombings on Patriot’s Day.

April 20, 2013; Boston, MA USA; The Kansas City Royals and the Boston Red Sox lineup for the national anthem before the game at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

After sweeping the Indians in Cleveland during the week, the Red Sox players were chomping at the bit to get back and play in front of their fans.  After being postponed on Friday because of the law enforcement manhunt, it was finally time to play baseball.  And what a show it was.

From the Red Sox appearing in home white uniforms with BOSTON across the chest rather than the traditional RED SOX, to the video tribute to the runners and victims, to the introduction of the marathon volunteers, to the on field parade and line up of law enforcement officials, to the season debut of David Ortiz, the Red Sox, as usual, led the way for their community.

There could not have been a dry eye in the place during the video tribute as images from that terrible day were shown on the center field scoreboard.

It was immediately followed by the Red Sox and Royals lining up along the baselines to be joined by law enforcement in front of the dugouts and near the pitchers mound.

Then it was time for the individual first responder and survivor introductions which simply brought the house down.

And of course, the cherry on top was a singing of the National Anthem in unison by all those in the park- something first started a few nights earlier at the Bruins game by anthem singer Rene Rancourt.

David Ortiz was then handed the microphone for one final charge of words and inspiration and even though he dropped an f-bomb for emphasis that NESN didn’t get to edit out, it didn’t matter.  The point was taken.  These terrorists messed with the wrong city and that city will go on and always look forward.

The Red Sox understand their importance and meaning to their city and community.  Led by Dr. Charles Steinberg, senior advisor to team president Larry Lucchino and former executive vice president/public affairs for the Red Sox from 2002-2007, they always seem to do these productions right.

The outpouring of love and emotion was overwhelming and these ceremonies captured things beautifully.  I’ve never seen anything quite like it.  The Red Sox truly are Boston.

This was one time where watching something on TV was better than being there because you got the chance to see the emotion up close and personal.

It is a day that the city of Boston and Red Sox Nation will never forget as they recover, move forward and stay strong.  Boston Strong.

He proved it the very first moment he stepped into a major league batters box on June 12, 2010 when he hit the first major league pitch he ever saw for a grand slam home run off Joe Blantonof the Philadelphia Phillies.

Apr 8, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Daniel Nava (29) rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Nava is probably a member of the Red Sox today because he simply hasn’t stopped hitting since.  Even though it’s been a bit of a bumpy ride for him along the way.

Nava hasn’t always been a member of the major league club.  In fact, he was designated for assignment in May of 2011 and no other major league team claimed him.  This allowed him to return to Triple-A Pawtucket to resume his minor league career in the Boston system.

Despite not being invited to major league camp last year, he continued to hit in the minors and when a need arose with the big club last season due to injuries to Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford, Nava got the call and was ready.

Why am I telling you all of this?  Because Nava is simply the most under appreciated player on the Red Sox.  The official numbers may not show it in his .251 lifetime average but every time you turn around and watch Nava all he does is hit.

Case in point?  Opening day this season at Fenway.  The first time in his professional career Nava ever opened a season on a major league roster.

He came up in the seventh inning of a scoreless game, a game in which Clay Buchholz was outstanding, and jacks a three run bomb into the Monster seats to propel the Sox to their only runs in a 3-1 victory on opening day, giving Clay a much deserved win.

Apr 8, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) and first baseman Mike Napoli (12) congratulate left fielder Daniel Nava (29) after hitting a three run home run during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Considering what he’s been through in his baseball career it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.

After never playing Division I college baseball and going undrafted by every major league team,  The Sox found this guy back in 2007 in the Independent League playing for the Chico Outlaws.  They paid $1 for his services with the stipulation that they would pay the Outlaws another $1499 if he was kept by Boston after spring training.  It turned out to be $1500 well spent.

There are more glamorous players on this Red Sox team than Nava, but nobody has a story quite like his. Not only is the story great, he can play too.

I just wanted to point out that Red Sox Nation should give this kid a tip of the cap whenever they can and appreciate the path he’s taken.  If you understand his story you can’t help but cheer for him.

After all, every time you turn around the guy is getting a hit and giving you a reason to do so anyway.

There’s very little I haven’t seen or experienced at the ol’ ball yard on Yawkey Way.  I’ve been there over 70 times since my first game in 1978, but had never experienced the two “bucket list” games on the schedule-  Opening Day and Patriot’s Day.

Apr 8, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Daniel Nava (29) is congratulated by his teammates after hitting a three run home run during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

This year the opportunity to attend the opener arose and I took it.  I’m so glad I did because it was everything I expected.

The fact that it came against the Orioles was ironic because the O’s were also the opponent back in June of  ’78 at my very first game, a 4-1 complete game win for Mike Torrez!

Opening Day is the one game on the schedule where it’s a bonus if the Red Sox win but the game result is really secondary to everything else.  For one thing, it marks, for me, the official start of spring.

The Sox often open on the road first but the season (both baseball’s and the weather) doesn’t really start until the team and fans see the Green Monster for the first time.

Watching the fans milling around the outside of the park just before the game and feeling the buzz they give off let’s you know that the special relationship between team and fans is about to be cultivated for yet another season.

For me, the home opener is about celebrating the pageantry and majesty of both the Red Sox franchise and the game of baseball itself.   When you see the red, white and blue bunting you know the day is special.

It’s a time for renewal-  a time to wash away the stench of a bad season like the disappointment of 2012 and remember the overwhelming  joy of seasons like 2004 and 2007.

It’s a time to welcome new players like Shane Victorino, Jonny Gomes and Mike Napoli as well as established mainstays such as Will Middlebrooks, Dustin Pedroia and Jon Lester.

It’s a time to speculate how good an exciting rookie like Jackie Bradley, Jr. can be for the team.

Watching the player introductions reminds everyone of the possibilities the fresh start to a new season brings.  For it is on this day that fans give all the players a big reset in hopes that this will be the year their favorite player has that career year.

On opening day, everyone in the stands and on the field is happy.  Everyone shows their appreciation for each other.  The fans gave the loudest cheers on Monday for Pedroia, Middlebrooks, Lester, Bradley and new manager John Farrell.

The fans know.  They can feel the history of the game and of Fenway on opening day.  They cheer because they know how lucky they are to be there and that they may just see a small piece of history.

And that’s how I felt standing there during the introductions as the Sox celebrated their 60-year relationship with the Jimmy Fund and during the game itself.

Not everyone gets to attend an opener.  I did and I’ll always remember it fondly.

Oh, and I got the bonus too.

Apr 8, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) and first baseman Mike Napoli (12) congratulate left fielder Daniel Nava (29) after hitting a three run home run during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

After a quiet game for six innings by the Red Sox bats, journeyman Daniel Nava changed everything with one swing of the bat in the seventh.  His three-run homer made a winner of a dominant Clay Buchholz as the Sox prevailed 3-1.

This was the first time Nava ever started a season on a major league opening day roster and he’s already made it one he’ll never forget.

See, that’s what it’s about on opening day-  the possibility of seeing something that you’ve never seen before.  It was fitting Nava won the game.  And I can say I was there for his unique piece of Red Sox opening day history.

Sep 25, 2011; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey (41) pitches during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

I feel bad for Lackey.  I’ve been one of his biggest supporters during his comeback and felt he was primed for a big season.  He can still have one if he is not out too long.

In the meantime, different guys must step it up in Lackey’s absence.

Alfredo Aceves is expected to replace Lackey in the rotation for the time being, but the guy I’m focusing on for a big increase in performance is Ryan Dempster.

Dempster is a guy that didn’t get a lot of notice when he was signed in the off season.  Frankly, he’s a guy that I didn’t personally consider a huge difference maker this season.  He is a serviceable guy.  A professional pitcher who can give a team innings but isn’t going to wow you.

But all that’s changed with this Lackey injury.

I’ve talked a lot about how the Red Sox need the trio of starters at the top of their rotation, namely Lester, Buchholz and Lackey, to carry them this year.  Despite his injury history, I felt Lackey was capable of being that third guy.

He has the maturity, experience and bulldog mentality to be a leader on this staff and to give the Red Sox quality innings so they can stay in games.

Apr. 4, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Ryan Dempster (46) pitches against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Dempster has to be that guy now because I don’t have a lot of confidence in Aceves to do it directly.

Aceves’ attitude is questionable at best and, in his first two appearances in relief this season, he has allowed home runs in each.  That doesn’t make me feel confident.

Despite what I might think about Dempster, his history indicates he is more than capable of being a mid-rotation starter.  He’s a veteran and can pile up innings (more good than bad) and keep you in games. He can even throw in an occasional gem.

Although I think Lackey is better, Dempster is a similar pitcher and needs to give the Sox what Lackey was expected to give for as long as Lackey is out.

If he does, the Sox will be OK.  If he doesn’t, John Farrell and Juan Nieves will need to find a long term answer for the rotation.  Maybe Aceves is the answer or possibly Franklin Morales or Allen Webster.  We’ll find out soon enough.  But for now the spotlight will be on Dempster to improve the most.

For more on this story, check out my web show here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DdyQgU807s

Apr. 4, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Ryan Dempster (46) pitches against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

But, as usually happens when Dempster sees pinstripes, it didn’t work out for him or the Sox.  He came in 0-4 with a 7.62 ERA in five starts lifetime vs New York and it was more of the same as the Yankees defeated the Red Sox 4-2.

Former Sox spring training invite Lyle Overbay started the damage with a two out, two run single in the second inning after a Travis Hafner single and Eduardo Nunez  ground rule double.

Brett Gardner then hit a solo home run to right to lead off the third and from there it was lights out for Dempster.  He ended up going 5 innings and allowing 5 hits, 3 earned runs, 4 walks and 8 strikeouts.  Not exactly awe inspiring.

Offensively, the Sox got off to a weird start as Shane Victorino, who singled in the first inning and advanced to second on another single by Mike Napoli, was thrown out at home while attempting to take two bases on an Andy Pettitte wild pitch.

From there the bats were quiet vs Pettitte, who went eight strong, until the 7th inning when, with two out, Will Middlebrooks (2 for 4, RBI) singled and was immediately doubled home by Jackie Bradley, Jr. to break up the shutout.

But Clayton Mortensen gave it right back in the bottom of the inning as Sox killer Francisco Cervelli led off with a homer to left center.

The Sox tried to rally in the 9th inning in Mariano Rivera‘s first appearance since last May.  They put two on and scored one run on a Middlebrooks ground out but Rivera then struck out Bradley looking to end the game.

Despite the loss, Jose Iglesias had another multi-hit (2 for 3) night as he tries to fight off the looming return of Stephen Drew from the DL.

As far as Dempster?  He is what he is, a 36-year old veteran who will probably be a work in progress all season.  He will not be the difference between the Sox having a big year or not.  His job is to give them innings.  Hopefully there will be more good than bad.

But make no mistake, this was a very good series for the Red Sox.  It was important for them to win at least two against an undermanned Yankees team and they got it done.  And, as a bonus, their two young aces pitched well and kept the Yanks down.  The team looks confident and back to normal after the chaos of 2012.

The Sox now move on to Toronto for a weekend series with the Blue Jays and it will be Felix Doubront vs former Marlins ace Josh Johnson tomorrow at 7:07pm to get things started.

Hey Sox Fans: Get Hip! Chat It Up in the Bosox Injection Fan Room, free and available right now!

As he stepped into the batters box for his first plate appearance I was particularly eager to see how Yankees fans would react to Kevin Youkilis being on their side now.  Would they cheer? Would they boo?  Would they stay neutral as they look warily upon this new relationship?

Apr 1, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Kevin Youkilis (36) doubles to left during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Predictably, (as I predicted quietly to myself) it was a resounding Yooouuuk cheer.  And I just had to chuckle.

Really, Yankees fans?  You love this guy so much already?  Gimme a break.

Look, I know all fans root for the laundry above all else.  But excuse me for being a little jaded at how quickly Youk was embraced by his new group of fans.  They absolutely hated this guy when he wore red.

I thought this would be a relationship that would take some getting used to, at least from the fan’s perspective.  After all, sleeping with the enemy is not a fun chore.

It just goes to show you, fans are truly fickle.  The guy they hated yesterday is now their new hero now that he wears their uniform. And he did go 1 for 3 with a double today.

I know I’m not breaking any new ground here.  I just thought that it was amusing that I predicted a positive Yooouuuk chant and Yankee fans delivered on cue.  Would Red Sox fans do it differently if the situation were reversed?  No way.  They root for laundry too.

But I still have to wonder:  what does Joba Chamberlain think about all of this?

AL EAST

Tampa Bay 93-69- Excellent young rotation is the difference.

Mar 7, 2013; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz (11) throws in the first inning during a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

*Toronto 91-71-  The chemistry experiment is more success than failure.

Boston 89-73- Starting pitching rebounds, offense so-so.

New York 86-76- Too much age & too many injuries

Baltimore 79-83- They won’t be 29-9 again in 1-run games.

CY YOUNG CANDIDATE: Clay Buchholz, Red Sox

MVP CANDIDATE:  Jose Bautista, Blue Jays

AL CENTRAL

Detroit 94-68- Closer is their only major weakness, Victor Martinez

February 22, 2013; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) at bat against the Atlanta Braves during spring training at Disney Wide World of Sports complex, Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

return is big.

Kansas City 85-77- The kids finally come together and jell.

Chicago 84-78- Not enough pitching behind Chris Sale.

Cleveland 79-83-  Will be better than you think under Francona’s guidance.

Minnesota 65-97- Mike Pelfrey is the veteran rotation presence?

CY YOUNG CANDIDATE: James Shields, Royals

MVP CANDIDATE:  Victor Martinez, Tigers

AL WEST

LA Angels 92-70- Hamilton/Pujols/Trout trifecta is just too much.

Sept 22, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Matt Harrison (54) delivers to the plate against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

*Texas 90-72- Still plenty of talent without Hamilton.

Oakland 88-74- Still don’t know how A’s hit enough last year.

Seattle 77-85- They’re just in the wrong division.

Houston 59-103- The future is all they have and it has to be brighter, right?

CY YOUNG CANDIDATE:  Matt Harrison, Rangers

MVP CANDIDATE:  Mike Trout, Angels

* denotes Wild Card teams

WILD CARD PLAYOFF:  TOR over TEX

ALDS: DET over TOR and LAA over TB

ALCS: LAA over DET

BONUS NATIONAL LEAGUE PICKS:

Division Winners:  Washington, Cincinnati, LA Dodgers

Wild Cards: San Francisco, Atlanta

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Pay no attention to the final score.  This game was all about Jon Lester in his final spring tune up before he takes the hill next Monday at Yankee Stadium for opening day.  He did not disappoint.

Mar 11, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) throws in the fourth inning during a spring training game against the Boston Red Sox at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Numbers?  4 innings, 2 hits, 0 runs, 0BB, 4K, 50 pitches, 38 for strikes.  A performance we all wanted and needed to see prior to the curtain rising on the season.

Before the game, manager John Farrell “officially” named Lester the opening day starter.  But there was never much doubt since the beginning of camp that Lester was going to be the guy barring an unforeseen setback.

That is as it should be because it is now Lester’s time to become the unquestioned leader of this pitching staff.  There’s no more Josh Beckett to lean on. Lester is in his prime and at the point in his career where he should jump at the chance to be the ace.  There are no more excuses to be had and he looks ready for the challenge.

More than anyone in camp, Lester seems to have benefited the most from the return of Farrell to the team and the refreshing approach new pitching coach Juan Nieves brings to the table.  Their presence and instruction have been great for him both mentally and physically.

Farrell and Nieves have commented throughout the spring that Lester once again looks like the pitcher he was during his best seasons.  His command has returned and they think that is because they have straightened out his mechanics, allowing him to produce the performance we saw this spring.  He must continue to pitch like that during the regular season.

Mar 11, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) throws agaisnt the Miami Marlins during a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Lester will lead a rotation that will consist of Clay Buchholz and Ryan Dempster, who will pitch the other two games in New York next week, as well as Felix Doubront and John Lackey, who will pitch games four and five next weekend in Toronto.

The Red Sox are going to go as far as their starting pitching will take them this season.  The fact that the Sox will rely on Lester to lead the way is a good thing because he certainly looks like he has returned to the form that has made him so beloved in Boston for so long.  Or at least until chicken and beer-gate.

Lester knows there is pressure on him to win back many of the fans.  He can set the bar for excellence and work ethic in this rotation.  I believe he knows it is his time to take center stage.

We’ve seen in past seasons that he is capable of being a work horse who can bear down and win games.  If the other rotation members follow his lead it will make for an interesting summer in Beantown.  It will mean the Sox are right in the thick of things and, as fans, that is all we can ask for from this team.

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The avalanche of injuries experienced by both teams is the culprit.  Each team will have to play with a very different group of players.  The names missing from the lineups are immense.

March 10, 2013; Dunedin, FL, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Kevin Youkilis (right) slides safely into home plate as Toronto Blue Jays catcher Josh Thole (left) is late with the tag during the fifth inning at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Red Sox will likely be without their heart and soul, David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis will now be at third base for the other side!  The Yankees will be missing Curtis Granderson, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira and possibly Derek Jeter.

Suddenly, the greatest rivalry in sports has a bunch of no-name and journeymen players representing it.

Melky Mesa, Juan Rivera, Ben Francisco and Chris Stewart are just some of the new Yankee names.  The Red Sox will counter with David Ross, Jonny Gomes, and Ryan Dempster.  Not exactly a laundry list of All-Stars.

The managers, Joe Girardi and John Farrell, are prepared to play with what they have and the players want to win the game no matter who is out there.  But will the fans care as much?

I believe the answer is still yes.  The bottom line is fans still root for the laundry over everything else.  It doesn’t matter who plays, fans will always find a way to love their team and hate their team’s rival.

You think Yankee fans weren’t bothered last year when Yankee pitching couldn’t get Pedro Ciriaco out all season?  Were Red Sox fans disappointed that Brett Gardner was hurt most of last year and not able to run wild on the base paths?

It will be fascinating to see if the rivalry loses any of its edge early in the season.  These will be the only three games the teams will play with each other before July so I think the answer is likely no. There’s just not enough inventory of games between the clubs in their current state.

If you’re a fan, the players you love to hate on each side won’t be on the field right now.  But later in the season, when things really heat up, the regulars should be back out there.

So, even though this isn’t Red Sox vs Yankees of 2003-2008 will it still be as much fun for the fans come opening day?

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Lester threw 79 pitches, 53 for strikes and has a 0.90 ERA this spring. Will Middlebrooks also chipped in with a nice 2-3 day with a pair of doubles.  It was all, hopefully, a preview of things to come.

Mar 11, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) throws agaisnt the Miami Marlins during a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Just as my colleague Aidan Flynn writes a column indicating spring training stats mean nothing, the Sox proceed to go out and deliver a performance that has to give them a lot of confidence going into the season.

I disagree with Aidan that spring training performance is meaningless. Especially with a Red Sox club that has had a fragile psyche since the end of 2011.

Anything the Sox can do to get themselves in a good frame of mind for the start of the season is important. Boston cannot afford to get off to another bad start. They must start well for both their own sanity and that of the fans.

Although there is still a lot of spring training left, having Lester perform this way is huge. He is a guy that is going to set the tone this year.

For him to be this crisp this soon is a big deal and I don’t think you can just dismiss his good spring and say let’s see what he does when the bell rings.

Pitching is all about building blocks and Lester has had several this spring. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t bode well for him in April.

Fans have been waiting to see the good Lester return to a Red Sox uniform. He most certainly has appeared in Fort Myers. It now looks like he’s back and this can only be good news.

The Red Sox are now 13-9 this spring and will travel to Bradeton to face the Pirates today at 1:05.

The Red Sox have seen a lot of that this spring and it continued today as they beat the Minnesota Twins 7-3.  They are now about halfway through the exhibition schedule and the name players on this team continue to make good progress.

Ryan Dempster, Daniel Bard, Will Middlebrooks and Jacoby Ellsbury were the big names that lead the way today in different ways.

Mar 8, 2012; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Ryan Dempster (46) pitches against the Minnesota Twins during the game at JetBlue Park. The Twins shut out the Red Sox 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Dempster went four innings, 73 pitches, 43 for strikes and continues to look like he will actually be a solid addition to the middle of the rotation.  Dempster’s control has been very good this spring as his two walks today were the first issued in his 12+ innings this spring.

Bard was able to show his old form as he topped out at 96 mph with good control and he also wiggled out of a sixth inning jam with no runs after allowing the first two batters of the inning to reach.  That is an encouraging sign that Bard may be back to getting in a groove in tight situations.  If he can do that Boston is set up beautifully in the back of the bullpen.

Middlebrooks crushed a three run double and he must be a mid-lineup power threat both to ease the early loss of David Ortiz and to protect Papi post injury.

Mar 7, 2013; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli (right) greets center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (left) on scoring a run in the first inning during a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Ellsbury’s play has kind of gotten lost in the shadow of the electric spring put up by Jackie Bradley, Jr.  Ells came in 5-for-25 this spring but looked better today as he had two hits, a walk, two runs scored and an RBI.  He must produce all-around stats like this all season.  Hopefully this game will turn out to be the first building block in that process.

The Red Sox have accomplished a lot this spring, in my opinion.  Their progress is slow and steady and when you are coming off a terrible season, slow and steady is not such a bad thing as the team looks to rebound.

Next up for the Sox:  a split-squad doubleheader on Friday. One team will go to Sarasota to face the Orioles at 1:05 p.m.  Another will host the Twins at 7:05 p.m.

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For the Red Sox, catcher is suddenly one of those positions.  And it is an unexpected occurrence.

It all stems from the sudden emergence of 22-year old prospect Christian Vazquez during this camp.  He is now seen as a future option at catcher because of his outstanding defensive makeup.

His release time from crouch to throwing has been timed at less than two seconds, which is considered outstanding.  It is because of this, and a few flashes at the plate, that he has now thrust himself into the discussion as a future Fenway catching option.

The Red Sox seem pretty set at the position for this season.  It looks like Jarrod Saltalamacchia and David Ross will share the job out of the gate with Ross playing more than just once or twice a week because of his bat, defense and potential at handling the pitching staff.

Mar 11, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) connects for a two run RBI single in the third inning during a spring training game against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

But John Farrell also needs to find at-bats for Ryan Lavarnway, who has proven all he can in the minor leagues.  I’ve suggested the team make him the full time DH while David Ortiz is sidelined to solve this quandary but it does not appear they will go that route.

The team saw Salty hit 25 homers last year in 448 at-bats so they are intrigued by all the power despite the low on-base percentage.  It is obvious they signed Ross to be a key part of this team and that leaves Lavarnway stuck waiting in the wings.

Now the emergence of Vazquez has suddenly given the team some new options, and they are good ones.  Here’s one way I could see things unfolding:

The Red Sox proceed with the Salty-Ross tandem to start the year and hope Salty hits for power like he did last year.  If he does, and Lavarnway winds up in Pawtucket (which now seems likely) and mashes, the Sox can then move Salty at the July trade deadline for something good and promote Lavarnway.  I think this is likely because I don’t see the Sox bringing back Salty next season, barring a monster season from him.

Mar 7, 2013; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Ryan Lavarnway (20) at bat against the Minnesota Twins during a spring training game at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Then they can finish out the season with a Lavarnway-Ross tandem and go into spring next year with a competition between Lavarnway and Vazquez to pair with Ross and trade the loser of the competition for another piece.

Is this a perfect world scenario?  Yes.  Do these things always work out perfectly?  No.

But right now the Sox have too much supply and limited demand at a position that is important to every major league team, so why not dream?

They also would have two of a very rare commodity in baseball, a power hitting catcher, if Lavarnway develops like the Sox still hope he will.

It is a great problem to have and the Sox must maximize these potential riches to their advantage.  Vazquez’s emergence now gives them that flexibility and opportunity.

So the question is what would you do with four catchers and only two spots if you are Red Sox management?

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The other main takeaways from this one include three strong and spotless innings for Clay Buchholz who, so far this spring, has been a step behind some of the other starting pitchers.  Buchholz threw 38 pitches, 31 for strikes with four K’s and had two tidy eight pitch innings.

Mar 7, 2013; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz (11) throws in the first inning during a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

This is extremely encouraging news as it cannot be stressed enough that Buchholz must be a big time pitcher this year if team success is to follow.

Daniel Bard also had a very good outing with an inning of work featuring him striking out the side in the sixth.  It was his first action this spring versus a major league lineup.  Allen Webster finished up with an impressive final three innings with five K’s.

The one negative was Joel Hanrahan, who got bombed in one-third of an inning as he gave up four hits and four earned runs.  But Hanrahan may have an excuse as, according to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, Joel’s wife is scheduled to deliver their first child on Monday.  So let’s wait before we make any snap judgements.

August 31, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Daniel Bard (51) pitches the ball against the Oakland Athletics during the sixth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

It may seem obvious, but overall the pitching seems to be improving on a daily basis.  Key guys like Bard and Buchholz got themselves on the right track today and that is huge.

If the Sox can pitch this way coming into the start of the season they will gain enormous confidence out of the gate.  The result should be that they will set themselves up for a good season.  With John Farrell and Juan Nieves leading the way with their wealth of pitching knowledge, it has to make everyone feel good at this point in the spring.