Julian Tavarez hurled five strong innings, throwing 75 pitches and allowing one unearned run in Portland's exhibition game against New Britain. The Sea Dogs scored four times in the bottom of the ninth inning to win 5-1. Andrew Pinckney provided a bases loaded single to drive in the winning run but during spring training, they let the teams finish out the game even after a winning-run is scored.

Today was quite a scene at the minor league complex with so many Red Sox players participating in the minor league games. In Pawtucket’s contest, Doug Mirabelli, Jon Lester and Willy Mo Pena all started for the PawSox. Lester left after 45 pitches but I’m not sure if he gave up any runs. Pena blasted an opposite field home run and Doug Mirabelli had an RBI double.

There was also a packed house of Red Sox Personal and Media along with about 75-100 fans taking in both games.

On my walk towards the field, I noticed David Ortiz getting out of his Cadillac Escalade (mighty nice car I must add) with a box of bats for a few of his minor league buddies. Also in attendance, Josh Beckett was rooting on his good friend Jon Lester but no Manny sighting. Ramirez was sent home early from the Major League complex with a sore throat - he probably knew I wanted to interview him.

List of Notable Names at today's games
Theo Epstein
Jed Hoyer
Bill James
Jason McLeod
J.C. Romero
Gary Disarcina
Ben Cherington
Rob Bradford

I had chance to talk with David Pauley who is excited about getting his championship ring. That's one of the first questions I hear from members of last year's team that will probably start the season in Pawtucket.

On Tuesday, the Sea Dogs will travel up I-75 to face the Rock Cats at their complex - I'll be covering that game.

I see its 39 degrees in Portland - What's up with that?

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