The Portland Sea Dogs continued their exhibition schedule on Monday, taking on the New Britain Rock Cats (Minnesota) at Boston's Minor League complex. Both the Twins and Red Sox facilities are located in Ft. Myers and they even play a lot at the minor league level. In fact, my hotel is closer to the Twins complex, giving the feeling of "Twin Nation" - obviously not to the extent of 'Sox fans.

The Portland Sea Dogs continued their exhibition schedule on Monday, taking on the New Britain Rock Cats (Minnesota) at Boston's Minor League complex. Both the Twins and Red Sox facilities are located in Ft. Myers and they even play a lot at the minor league level. In fact, my hotel is closer to the Twins complex, giving the feeling of "Twin Nation" - obviously not to the extent of 'Sox fans.

The first person I saw at the complex on Monday was Portland trainer Brad Pearson. While eating lunch in the cafeteria, Josh Beckett walked through and headed out towards the fields. He was in street clothes, so I think he was just passing by.

The Sea Dogs clubbed the Rock Cats 8-1 behind five shuout innings from Michael Bowden. Aaron Bates blasted an opposite field, 3-run homer in the first inning. Scott White adding a sky-scraping 2-run shot in the fifth.

Some notable Sea Dogs from 2007 that played on Monday: Bubba Bell, Bates, Andrew Pinckney (played the last three innings at first base), John Otness, Tony Granadillo, Jeff Corsaletti, Daniel Haigwood and Mike James.

Pawtucket played at the Major League complex - I caught up with Jay Johnson, Lincoln Holdzkom, Jeff Natale and Bryan Pritz before they departed the minor league complex in a shuttle van, driven by PawSox Manager Ron Johnson.

I mentioned this yesterday but it's very strange to be here without the Red Sox in town. It's very quiet but for those who like to eat, you now have a choice of any restaurant in town.

By the way, the locals thought today was cold - the high was only 81 but it was windy.

On Tuesday, I'll be at the Twins complex to watch the Sea Dogs play...hopefully I can put a projected roster online.

Good night from the Fort!

E-mail this entry to a friend