As the Portland Sea Dogs played an exhibition game at the Twins Minor League Complex, I enjoyed a fun day in the sun at the Sox Minor League camp, watching Lancaster, Greenville and Lowell play exhibition tilts.

There's so much talk about the top prospects in camp such as Jacoby Ellsbury, Clay Bucholtz and Jeff Natale but there's some excellent talent at the lower levels in the Red Sox system.

The talk of the camp is Aaron Bates, who is slated for High-A Lancaster but see Hadlock Field this season. Today he continued his hot hitting, driving a double to right-center field and driving in a run with a sacrifice fly. Pitchers Tommy Hottovy and Andrew Dobies were raving about Bates. Earlier this week, he blasted four home runs in four games.

I had a chance to chat with former Sea Dogs; Kason Gabbard, Edgar Martinez, Jose Vaquedano and Charlie Zink, who are all looking forward to the start of the season. Vaquedano told me he's been used as a reliever, working 2-inning stints during each appearance. It's possible if he makes the Sea Dogs it will be primarily as a reliever.

Jay Johnson, Chuck Jeroloman and Barry Hertzler traveled with the big league club for their game in Tampa Bay.

On Sunday, I'll have reports from the City of Palms Park as the Red Sox and Marlins play at 1:00 PM. The minor league facility is holding a camp day.

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