It's here, it's finally here! The grass is green, err, well no. The birds are chirping...albeit the same cardinals I've seen all winter. Regardless, spring has finally arrived, unofficially.

I've been waiting to hear the crack of the bat for months. Today, I'll get that opportunity.

The defending World Champion Boston Red Sox (I love writing that) play their first exhibition game against the Minnesota Twins at 7 p.m. on NESN. Hooray!

News from training camp has been optimistic.

Although Pedro and D-Lowe and Orlando Cabrera are gone and Dave Roberts traded to San Diego; the Sox may have gotten better.

Jay Payton, Ramon Vasquez and pitcher.... for a part-time outfielder (Roberts) was a no-brainer. Not to mention a great thank you to Roberts who may be the best basestealer in the game. He deserves a full-time job if only because of his stolen bases in the playoffs. I wouldn't be surprised if he stole 50 sbs this season.

In place of Pedro and D-Lowe we have revamped the starting rotation adding Matt Clement, Wade Miller and David Wells. All should do well in Fenway, barring injury.

Wade Miller in my mind may be the steal of the offseason. Before his injury last year he was on pace to win the Cy Young. If healthy he could win 18. The Providence Journal reports that Miller is making progress at camp. Not throwing 100%, but that will come.

Matt Clement started 2004 brilliantly but had a bit of a decline after the All Star break. He too could be a wonderful addition. His WHIP was a bit high especially for a National Leaguer, but he has strikeout stuff and facing a new set of batters should be beneficial. He is expected to start tonight's game and is eager for the opportunity, according to MLB.com.

The Sox have improved their already-good bullpen with the addition of Matt Mantei and John Halama. have a quality SS in Edgar Renteria and have a deeper pitching rotation. This will be another fun, interesting year.

The timing of the opener couldn't be better. The New York Times reports, Wednesday, President Bush honored the champions on the White House's South Lawn. Now with most of the championship formalities completed ('cept for the presentation of the rings), the Sox can concentrate on the season ahead.

What makes this even more of a treat - the New York Daily News reports Steinbrenner is staying cool and quiet. That may be even more of a feat than winning the World Series.

I see no reason this new band of idiots can't repeat. So...Play Ball!

Reader comments: How do you think the Red Sox will do in 2005?

E-mail this entry to a friend