Every morning we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump...
Left fielder Carl Crawford is still optimistic – if cautiously, so – about being in the Red Sox lineup on Opening Day.
“That’s the goal of mine to try to be in the lineup for Opening Day,” he said after Saturday’s workout. “I’m not sure if that’s going to happen or not but that’s definitely my goal and definitely what I’m working hard to get to.”
Crawford is rehabbing from arthroscopic surgery on his left wrist in January.
“The wrist is coming along fine,” he said. “I’m about to take a few swings right now and see how that feels. But it definitely feels strong. I just have a little soreness in it at times. But it’s coming along well.”
CSNNE: Crawford ahead of schedule, eyes opening day
This is great news for the Red Sox and Carl Crawford. If all remains well for Crawford, we can avoid the "who will fill in" conversations and not have to deal with people throwing out crazy and illogical solutions. Hopefully his recovery stays on track and he is ready to redeem himself because if he is not, we may have another J.D. Drew on our hands. Too harsh?
By the way, Crawford accepted John Henry's apology, now lets can that situation.
Related links: ESPNBoston: Crawford wants to play opening day
On Page 2, The pursuit of perfection includes snack time.
"We're definitely getting our workouts in, for sure," reliever Andrew Bailey said. "He's preaching excellence, and the way you get excellent at something is repetition and doing things the right way, all the way from timing to fielding ground balls right and flipping balls right. Doing all the little things right."
The best part of the day for Youkilis, though? Definitely the team's five-minute snack break.
"It makes you think you're back in camp again. It's a lot of fun," he said. "I'm not going to lie to you. We get applesauce and little granola bars."
Providence Journal: Full-squad workouts include snack time
Does that include a half-pint of milk or a juice box? If they are really good, they get rewarded with nap time, but that might take some time.
All kidding aside, for now, I like what Valentine is doing in camp. Change everything up and make everything about the team. He seems to know the fundamentals about team building and he is using them all out of the gate. I'm looking forward to the results.
The rest of the links:
Globe: Henry's chatter minimal | Owning up after fall of '11 | ESPNBoston: Good morning from the Fort | Herald: Athletics are getting a changed Manny Ramirez | WEEI: Crawford accepts John Henry's apology
