I wasn’t worried by anything I saw from Papelbon today but his outing was slightly disappointing. He worked on all his pitches but had trouble locating his fastball from the start. His location with it appeared to get a little better as the game went on but at no point did Papelbon exhibit his usual great control. His fastball also appeared to lack it’s usual bite and was sitting at only about 89 mph, at times reaching the low 90’s. He was hit fairly hard when the batters put the ball in play and allowed 5 hits and 2 runs in only 3 2/3 innings of work. His breaking stuff was pretty good however and allowed him to rack up 5 strikeouts. For what it’s worth, it was Kevin Cash behind the plate today, not the usual Varitek.
Pineiro was effective following Papelbon. He’s quietly compiled 6 1/3 consecutive innings of scoreless pitching with 6 strikeouts. The velocity on his fastball was only around 90. Still, he’s struck out 8 batters this spring in 10 innings of work compared to the 3 he struck out last spring in 11 innings. The rest of the bullpen was effective as well, pitching 5 1/3 scoreless innings all together. Both Okajima and my boy Hansack continued what have been rather successful springs to this point. Okajima now has an ERA of 2.35 in 7 2/3 innings of work. Over that span he’s allowed 6 hits while walking 2 and striking out 7. I was excited to see Hansack pitch for the first time this spring. He was good to me, continueing where he left off last season locating his fastball with great control and throwing an unhittable slider. He now has an ERA of 3.18 through 5 2/3 innings of work. Over than span Hansack’s walked 2 and struck out 5.
The offense didn’t do anything all that interesting. They compiled 7 innings and managed only one run. Perhaps the biggest story on this side of the ball involves Pedroia being taken out after he was hit on the hand by a pitch. He has a bruise which will need rest for a couple days but the Red Sox don’t have a game tomorrow anyways. Hopefully the bruise won’t develop into anything more serious or hinder his ability to get ready for the season.
Speaking of injuries, Mike Timlin has been cleared to throw. He may not be 100% by the time the season begins but barring any more setbacks (not all that unlikely) he shouldn’t miss the start of the regular season. I’m eager to see how he looks in spring as a healthy, rested Timlin may be something to be excited out.
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