Drew, Sox Driving Toward Spring Redemption

Through two exhibition games in Japan, J.D. Drew has hit two massive home runs. Realistically, that should tell us one of two different things: 1) Senor Drew is on his way toward justifying some of his massive, $14 million per annum contract or 2) The air in the Tokyo Dome is imported from Coors Field.


Don't discount the second option. Big Papi might sign on to that notion as well.

Still, Drew's surge is an incredibly optimistic sign for the Red Sox heading into their "season-opener" Tuesday night in Tokyo. While the A's racked up similar results against the Hanshin Tigers and Yomiuri Giants, the offensive explosion from Boston's lineup proves that - Miguel Cabrera extension with the Tigers aside - Boston can bat with just about anyone up and down the standings.

Will that continue on Tuesday? Naturally, that's anyone's guess. Still, the continued dominance of the bullpen - plus another terrific outing from Tim Wakefield - have to be more than just encouraging for Tito Francona and the boys. So does Josh Beckett's two innings of work back in Ft. Myer's this morning, where AA batters were reportedly leaving the batter's box "shaking their heads" at the movement on his 93 mph heaters.

Of course, if the Sox DO keep their current form and start the season with a flurry, it will just go to show that spring training really doesn't matter after all. Then again, we all did know that already, right? Just stay healthy and play the damn games?


And maybe that IS the trick. If Beckett's back is over its balky spots, and Coco Crisp is as healthy as he's looked in the exhibitions, there are few health concerns to even report. Clearly, that could be the key to the team's season, even as some of its bullpen depth was snatched up today (not to mention some of the bullpen intelligence. You don't find too many Yale degrees banging pots and pans for good luck).

Now there's only one thing left to do: Sit back, wait for Tuesday night, and hope for more of the best.

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