I'm back. After a little hiatus to celebrate the Super Bowl victory with the rest of New England, it is time to talk about what really matters...The Boston Red Sox.

I'm ready for baseball season to begin. I love this time of year. And I love the Sox. In fact, that love has cost me a couple of fantasy baseball titles. You see, I never draft Yankees. Yeah, I'm that devoted and perhaps a little stupid.

Lots happens over the course of the spring training, most of it is of no consequence. I watch the games and enjoy the action. However, some questions always seem to come up.

A few people are expressing concern over Pedro Martinez. Is his velocity where it should be? Is he healthy? What is up with his hair? The Boston Globe is asking its readers if the Red Sox should give Pedro a multi-year deal?

I'm not concerned about Pedro at all. I think that he should be the first priority and definitely deserves a multi-year deal. He is such a smart pitcher that even if his velocity is lacking (which I doubt) he can adjust and mix-up his pitches to stay very effective. Greg Maddux never had a fastball, to speak of, and he is headed to the Hall of Fame with ease. Pedro is even better. So I fully expect fans to show Pedro a lot of support.

The Globe's website is also asking fans for better names for a movie about the 2003 Red Sox. Has anyone seen the movie "Cowboy Up" starring Daryl Hannah and Keifer Sutherland? The name may be fitting.

For all you fans of Jerry Remy and I'm sure there are a lot of you. The Remy Report is now offering electronic messages for you answering machine from the "RemDawg." A little pricey at $15 but it is Remy afterall. Also, according to The Remy Report, Mainers say, "Curse This." The site is keeping track of e-mailers from all over New England and how they feel about the Curse of the Bambino. I, too, say "Curse This!"

I like seeing young players making every attempt to be the next Nomar Garciaparra. However, it was certainly a strange site seeing Tony Schrager wearing Nomar's No. 5. With all the talk that occurred over the winter, I hope this is not a sign of things to come.

This sighting leads to another big question: Who is going to be on the roster at the end of spring training?

Now, we can establish 18 players easily (player links go to the Boston Red Sox official site): Varitek, Ortiz, Millar, Reese, Mueller, Nomar, Ramirez, Damon, Marabelli (offense). And a pitching staff that will include Pedro, Schilling, Lowe, Wakefield, Kim, Foulke, Timlin, Embree and Williamson. Trot Nixon will begin the season on the DL, thus not on the 25-man roster at the beginning of the year.

That leaves seven positions open - two pitchers and five hitters.

Let's take the pitching first. The first spot has to go to Bronson Arroyo. I think he earned the right last year and has huge potential. I think the team needs one more lefty in the bullpen.I do not truly trust Alan Embree. So, Timothy Hamulack or Mark Malaska? I would pick Hamulack who is having a pretty impressive spring - eight innings, seven strikouts and an ERA of 2.16, not too shabby. That completes our pitching staff (a total of eleven). Although the LHP Frank Brooks was claimed off waivers, which may mean a slight shift.

Now hitters are a bit more challenging to sort. Boston has to keep Ellis Burks (right-handed DH), besides he is a former Red Sox and signed for cheap money. Gabe Kapler has been having one great spring both defensively and offensively. He has even played some third base. We'll keep him around, especially since Kevin Youkilis hasn't shown much. Kapler also plays the outfield which gives the team more depth. You have to keep David McCarty who is having a tremendous spring (batting .350 with 6 homers). He plays first, DH and outfield and could pitch if a game got particularly rough, real rough.

Two to go. We need an infielder (much needed with Nomar a little banged up) and some speed. All three of the middle-infielders vying for a job (Mark Bellhorn, Carlos Febles, and Cesar Crespo) have exhibited some speed. Mark Bellhorn was my first choice until seeing his batting average at a paltry .207. Carlos Febles has been hanging around, but my roster spot goes to Cesar Crespo. He has played some pretty good defense and has shown both power and speed.

My last spot goes to Brian Daubach. I'm not a big fan, but I have to like a guy that knocks A-Rod out of a game. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy A-Rod was not seriously hurt. But it shows Sox fans that anything can happen. Yes, even a World Series ring is possible.

I'm a believer again!

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