It is beginning to look a lot like baseball season. The Sea Dogs roster is in place, Opening Day ceremonies have been finalized, and all the snow has melted from Hadlock Field. The home opener is just five days away and the team arrives on Monday. Are you ready? Do you have your Opening Day tickets? If not, you are in luck; tickets are still available, call the Hadlock Field Box Office at 207-879-9500 or order online at www.seadogs.com

Highlighting the roster is Jacoby Ellsbury, Clay Buchholz, and Bryce Cox, three of Boston’s top ten prospects according to Baseball America.

Jacoby Ellsbury returns to Portland after appearing in 50 games with the Sea Dogs in 2006. Ellsbury is ranked by Baseball America as the number two prospect in the Red Sox organization behind Daisuke Matsuzaka. Baseball America also rates Ellsbury as the “Best Hitter for Average,” “Fastest Baserunner,” “Best Athlete,” and “Best Defensive Outfielder” in the Red Sox organization. In 2006, he hit .303 between Single-A Wilmington and Double-A Portland and led the Red Sox organization with 41 stolen bases.

Clay Buchholz, who is scheduled to be the Sea Dogs’ Opening Day starter, is the third ranked prospect in the Red Sox organization according to Baseball America. Last season he was named the Red Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Year posting an 11-4 record with a 2.42 ERA between Single-A Greenville and Single-A Wilmington. He led all Red Sox farmhands with 140 strikeouts.

Bryce Cox is ranked by Baseball America as the number eight prospect in the organization. Baseball America also rates Cox as having the “Best Slider” in the organization. Cox was drafted by the Red Sox in the third round of the June 2006 draft. In his first season of professional ball, he posted a 2-1 record with a 0.90 ERA between Single-A Lowell and Single-A Wilmington.

Due to the depth of Boston’s pitching, the trickle down effect brings Chris Smith and Charlie Zink to Portland, both of whom ended the 2006 season at Triple-A Pawtucket. Smith who had served as a starter will pitch out of the bullpen for the Sea Dogs in 2007.

Click Here for a Complete Roster

OPENING CEREMONIES
Highlighting the Opening Ceremonies will be the Eastern League Championship Ring Ceremony.

Chris Durbin, who recorded the final out in the Eastern League Championship Series, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Durbin, who played for the Sea Dogs in 2005 and 2006, retired from baseball in March. Durbin retires after four professional seasons, all in the Red Sox organization. His best season came in 2005 when he was selected to the Eastern League All-Star Game, which was held in Portland.

Presenting the colors for the game will be members of the VFW Post 3335 in Jay, Maine. City Councilor Jill Duson will perform the National Anthem. Team introductions will also be part of the Opening Ceremonies. Slugger will be joined by his special friend, Wally the Green Monster.

Schedule of Events:
4:00 PM Gates Open
5:50 PM Team Introductions
5:58 PM Honor Guard
5:59 PM National Anthem
6:03 PM Ring Ceremony
6:19 PM Ceremonial First-Pitch
6:20 PM Game Starts

WHAT’S NEW AT HADLOCK?:
• A new brick surface has been installed in the Picnic Area replacing the mulch.
• The Portland Room has a new tile floor and has been repainted.
• In June a second Grill Shack, the Shipyard Brew Pen, will open along the third base line.
• On April 9th The American Baseball Family Group, a bronze monument will be unveiled on the front plaza at Hadlock Field.

RADIO & TV COVERAGE:
For the third season, AM 1400 & AM 1490 WBAE “The Bay” will serve as the flagship stations for the U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network. “The Voice of the Portland Sea Dogs” Mike Antonellis returns for his 3rd season with the Sea Dogs and his 11th season as a play-by-play broadcaster in minor league baseball. Mike Snow hosts the pre and post-game shows. All 142 games, home and road will be broadcast. Network coverage begins 20 minutes prior to first pitch on all affiliates

WBAE 1490 AM Portland (Flagship)
WVAE 1400 AM York County (Flagship)
WEZR 1240 AM Lewiston/ Auburn
WKTQ 1450 AM South Paris
WTME 780 AM Rumford
WMEX 106.5 FM Rochester, NH

Listen World Wide on the Internet at: www.seadogs.com and www.milb.com

The New England Sports Network (NESN) will televise three Portland Sea Dogs games in 2007:

May 28 1:00 PM vs. Reading Phillies
August 11 TBA vs. Harrisburg Senators from Fenway Park
August 27 7:00 PM vs. Trenton Thunder

See you on April 5th at Hadlock!

Tuesday was my final day to enjoy the bright sunshine of lovely Fort Myers, Florida. My flight departs early on Wednesday morning and I should arrive back in Portland by three o'clock. After spending nearly eight days away from the cold, you might think I'm not looking forward to coming back - you'd be wrong! I love the warm weather but I enjoy the start of the baseball season more than sipping ice-tea by the pool. Opening Day at Hadlock Field is right around the corner and getting back into the daily routine of broadcasting baseball is the best feeling in the world.

On my final day, I traveled to different complexes, wishing good luck to friends on their start to a new season.

I stopped by the Red Sox game and received the news of a trade made by Boston with the Baltimore Orioles. Former Bowie Baysox outfielder Cory Keylor joins the Red Sox Organization and could be assigned to Portland, we’ll have wait and see. Keylor was traded by the O’s for Catcher Alberto Castillo, who slated for Triple-A Pawtucket. A strange trade made by the Orioles but they are seeking a backup catcher with Major League experience. It doesn't matter how great a player is, if he has big league time, you have to give up prospects (see Jeff Bagwell trade). As much as fans don't like it, that's the way the game has been for years. But!!!! Keylor, who put up outstanding numbers last season (.294, 10 HR, 68 RBI), was the Orioles 2006 Minor League Player of the Year!

I would like to thank MaineToday.com for setting up this blog for the upcoming season. Throughout 2007, I'll be posting updates from the road and Chris Cameron will keep this site looking great when the 'Dogs play at Hadlock.

It's that time of year again, Sox and Sea Dogs about to start. What a great double play combination!

Tuesday will be my final full day of Spring Training in Fort Myers. I plan on watching the Sea Dogs and PawSox working out at the minor league complex and then travel to the Twins site for this afternoon's exhibition games.

The Red Sox are home today and will depart sunny Florida on Thursday to play two exhibition games at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia. With a few roster moves left to be made by Boston, the Sea Dogs roster could become clearer in the next few days.

One quick correction: I've noticed some of my blog updates have ended up on other websites, which is fine, but I'm not an employee of the Portland Press Herald. The Sea Dogs and Mainetoday.com have set up this partnership; myself and Chris Cameron are employees of the Sea Dogs. If any media is using our blogs, please credit our affiliation as - Mike Antonellis from the Portland Sea Dogs or Maine Today.com but not Portland Press Herald.

I’ll check back this afternoon!

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?

The big buzz down at the Minor League complex this afternoon is Jon Lester and Julian Tavarez getting the starting nods for Portland and Pawtucket. At this time, it's unclear if Lester will start for the Sea Dogs or the PawSox. If Lester starts for the Sea Dogs it doesn’t mean he’ll break camp with Portland. The big league team is on the road so they generally have pitchers get their work in during the minor league games. Daisuke Matsuzaka is the only pitcher in the opening day rotation that hasn’t pitched in a minor league game. Doug Mirabelli and Willy Mo Pena will also participate in the minor league games.

Yesterday the Red Sox submitted a traveling media list for those attending today's game in Sarasota against the Reds. With Dice-K making the start for Boston, a list of nearly 75 media will make the trip from Fort Myers. Today’s game will air live in Japan at 2 a.m.

I mentioned yesterday about Aaron Bates having a tremendous spring, he's actually on the travel roster for the big league game...Good luck to him!

I'll have updates from the Minor League complex throughout the day

Boston defeated the Marlins 12-6 on Sunday afternoon at the City of Palms Park. A few former Eastern Leaguers contributed in the game for both sides. David Bacani, Matt Van Der Bosch and Jeremy West saw playing time for the 'Sox. Hanley Ramirez added two hits for the Marlins and former Binghamton Met infielder Mike Jacobs, blasted a two-run home run in the ninth inning off J.C. Romero

Wrapping up the Day: I bumped into Joe Castiglione and Bill James on the elevator after the game.

About 100 fans crowded the player's lot at the end of the game. Jerry Remy received a huge ovation, along with Big Papi and Curt Schilling.

On Monday, I'll spend the day watching the Sea Dogs and PawSox playing their exhibition games, I'm hoping to a few quotes from Portland Manager Arnie Beyeler and Hitting Coach Russ Morman.

Good Night from the Fort!

In the bottom of the eighth inning at the City of Palms Park, Jeremy West pinch-ran for Kevin Youkilis, Matt Van Der Bosch hit for David Ortiz and David Bacani walked. West scored on an RBI single by Willy Mo Pena. Van Der Bosch was plunked with a curve ball and eventually scored on Alex Ochoa's run-scoring single - Bacani drew a walk and scored during Boston’s 9-run eighth inning. It's always nice seeing some familiar names getting a chance to play in a big league game even if it’s only Spring Training.

During my travels in the Red Sox press box, I talked with Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe, who was raving about Jacoby Ellsbury and Clay Bucholtz. Both top prospects could land in Portland to start the season.

The Red Sox have sold out 60 straight games at City of Palms Park

I'll have one more update after the game!

Today is a beautiful day to watch baseball at the City of Palms Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Earlier this morning at the minor league complex, the Sea Dogs and Pawtucket Red Sox played an intra-squad game. I’m enjoying a bird’s eye view of the Sox and Marlins exhibition game.

It has been nice having company in Spring Training as Sea Dogs Executive/Vice President John Kameisha and his son Dan are enjoying their third day of Fort Myers. Before today's game, I had a chance to chat with former Sea Dog Hanley Ramirez, who blasted many monster shots during batting practice. Ramirez, who covered shortstop for Portland in 2005, was a guest of the Red Sox Pre-Game Show with Glenn Geffner.

John and his son caught up with former Sea Dog managers Carlos Tosca and Fredi Gonzalez. Speaking of former Portland greats, Josh Beckett gets the start for Boston and Ramirez will lead the game off.

Before the game, Dice-K signed about 100 autographs, including 50 at a private tent outside the Red Sox clubhouse.

Few Nuggets: Eric Hinske played in the AAA/AA game earlier today at the Minor League complex...Devern Hansack was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Faces in the Crowd: The University of Southern Maine's softball team is here in Fort Myers.

I'll have updates throughout the day!

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.

The best time to obtain interviews at the Major League complex is when the Red Sox are playing on the road. Every team holds back a few players from traveling but they must workout at their home field. The Red Sox held back four position players from traveling; J.D. Drew, Julio Lugo, Willy Mo Pena and David Ortiz. When batting practice was completed, I conducted one-on-one interviews with Bench Coach Brad Mills, Pitcher Jon Lester and "Big Papi" David Ortiz. Check back later on tonight, I'll have a link for exclusive audio of all three interviews.

For now, I'll be finishing up a few things at the Major League complex and make my way down to watch the Sea Dogs and PawSox play their exhibition games against the Minnesota Twins minor leaguers.

By the way, today's temps are the in mid 80's with hardly any wind and a few clouds in the sky.

Beginning of the Day
It’s a beautiful Saturday morning down in Fort Myers, Florida as I begin my fourth day covering the Red Sox and the Sea Dogs.

I started my day on the right note, having breakfast with Sea Dogs Executive/Vice President John Kameisha and his son Daniel. The three of us are enjoying the sights of the City of Palms Park as the Red Sox prepare for their morning workouts.

The big league club is playing in St. Petersburg against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, a few players left behind include; Josh Beckett, Julio Lugo, David Ortiz and Jonathan Papelbon.

This afternoon the Sea Dogs will host the New Britain Rock Cats at the Minor League complex. For now, I’m heading down to the field to watch batting practice.

I’ll check back with you later!

I wrapped up my third day of Spring Training ’07 by watching Pawtucket and Portland take on the Reds Affiliates at the minor league complex.

The minor league fields are more convenient to get around and catch up with players, coaches and Red Sox personal. I watched Kason Gabbard fire four strong innings for Pawtucket, fanning six batters according to Rob Henkel. Jose Vaquedano worked two effective innings in relief for Portland. I’m not sure who won both games and I’m not sure anybody at the complex had any idea.

During my travels, I talked with Andrew Dobies and Tommy Hottovy, who both could be part of the Portland’s starting rotation. The two lefthanders are very excited to get the season underway and make an impact wherever they pitch. Hottovy’s had a good spring and made one appearance with the Red Sox, pitching in Dice-K’s debut against Boston College.

Dusty Brown’s been in Florida since January 8 and can’t wait for the season to start. There’s a very good chance Brown and John Otness will share the catching duties with the ‘Dogs but even with opening day around the corner, the Red Sox brass has a lot of decisions to make.

Other players I talked with included: Randy Beam, Barry Hertzler, Edgar Martinez, Chris Smith, Chad Spann, and Scott Youngbauer.

Red Sox Director of Player Personal Mike Hazen told me to get some sun; you can always tell the new arrivals in Florida.

On Saturday I’ll be visiting the major league complex in the morning and watching Portland and Pawtucket in the afternoon.

Notables at the Minor League Complex: Ben Cherington, Tommy Harper, Frank Malzone and Carl Yastrzemski.

I’m hanging around at the Major League complex prior to today’s exhibition game at the City of Palms Park.

Guess who from the Baltimore Orioles attracted the most attention during batting practice? Answer: Kevin Millar (former Sea Dog)...he gave Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz an earful during their hitting sessions, of course in good fun. Many Sox players exchanged hugs with Millar and Adam Stern near the batting cage.

As promised I have a few quotes from Jonathan Papelbon. "I'm excited to get the new season started." I asked him about Spring Training this year - "It's been a grind."

Quick Hits

-Former Sea Dogs Jeff Bailey and David Murphy were assigned to Triple-A
-Daisuke Matsuzaka was surrounded by 27 media members before today's game...Yes, I actually counted.

I'm off to the Minor League games; I'll have a complete update later!

Enjoy your afternoon!

Good Morning from sunny Florida! The big news from Red Sox camp is former Sea Dog Jonathan Papelbon, remaining the team's closer for the 2008 season. Hopefully by the end of today I'll have a few quotes from Papelbon about his return to the 'pen.

The Sea Dogs and PawSox will be hosting the Reds Affiliates at the Minor League complex. I'll have a complete report around 4:00 PM.

As my day wrapped up at the City of Palms Park, some notable Red Sox players that didn't travel to Clearwater included: Mike Lowell, Dustin Pedroia, Curt Schilling, Kyle Snyder, Julian Tavarez and Jason Varitek (conducted interviews with many Japanese media outlets).

Don Orsillo, the voice of the Red Sox on NESN, was at the ballpark finishing up the latest addition of “The Red Sox Report.” I had a chance to chat with Don for a few minutes and told him I could fill in for him at anytime...Well maybe I didn't say that last line. Orsillo's brother-in-law is New Britain Rock Cats' radio broadcaster Jeff Dooley.

Tonight I'm having dinner with the entire training staff of the Red Sox. I'm not too sure what I'll be able to add to the conversation.

On Friday, I'll be appearing on many radio stations during their morning shows in Portland and Bangor. My day will start at the Red Sox Complex and conclude at the Minor League Complex where the Sea Dogs host Chattanooga (Reds Affiliate).

Have a great night!

It’s currently 81 degrees in the city of Palms Park – an absolute beautiful day for a ball game. The only problem is, the Red Sox and the Sea Dogs are playing on the road!

I was able to meet up with good friend and last year’s trainer for the Sea Dogs, Masai Takahashi. His new job title is Assistant Trainer for the Red Sox. He was nice enough to introduce me to Daisuke Matsuzaka and the three of us had a nice conversation. I asked him how many interviews he’s done so far and through Masai he told me with a smile “A Lot.” Good sense of humor.

I caught up with Dustin Pedroia and Jon Lester, both are looking forward to the upcoming season. Lester gave me a bit of advice about talking with Dice-K. He said “Don’t be surprised if somebody from the Japanese media interviews you…I guess anybody who talks with Daisuke is instantly interviewed. To my disappointment, members of the Tokyo News wanted nothing to do with a radio guy from Portland, Maine.

During batting practice this morning, Lester had a long conversation with Matsuzaka and then was bombarded by 60 reporters 20 minutes later.

I’ll have more reports during the day!

What a difference 12 hours can make! I drove into Portland this morning with the temperature in my car reading 15 degrees. Currently, I’m sitting in my hotel room in lovely Fort Myers, Florida with the temps a cool 75 degrees. The lady at the front desk said “hopefully it will get warmer in the morning.”

I will be covering the Sea Dogs until March 27, attending games at the Minor League complex and catching up with some former Portland greats at the City of Palms Park.

This Sunday I’ll be attending the Red Sox game as the host the Florida Marlins, I’m hoping to catch up with former Sea Dog Hanley Ramirez.

Good night for now!

Only 16 days until Opening Day! Hadlock Field is still covered by snow due to last weekend's storm but preparations are well underway for the April 5th opener and the Sea Dogs’ first ever Championship Ring Ceremony.

While the Sea Dogs’ staff prepares Hadlock Field for the season opener, the players are in full swing at spring training. Sea Dogs players train at the Red Sox minor league complex in Fort Myers, Florida. There are 21 former Sea Dogs who started spring training in big league camp, including 13 players who were with the Sea Dogs in 2006. Former Sea Dogs who began in big league camp include; Abe Alvarez, Jeff Bailey, Josh Beckett, Dusty Brown, Manny Delcarmen, Jacoby Ellsbury, Kason Gabbard, Devern Hansack, Craig Hansen, Kyle Jackson, Luis Jimenez, George Kottaras, Jon Lester, Edgar Martinez, Brandon Moss, David Murphy, Jonathan Papelbon, David Pauley, Dustin Pedroia, Chad Spann, and Kevin Youkilis.

Mike Antonellis, “the Voice of the Sea Dogs,” will be traveling to Fort Myers on March 21st. At spring training Mike will be catching up with former Sea Dog players and catching a glimpse of the 2007 Portland Sea Dogs. Check back here for Mike’s reports from spring training starting on Thursday, March 22nd.

Important Dates:
April 2: The team arrives from Florida
April 4: Welcome Dinner at the Portland Expo to benefit Youth Alternatives
April 5: Opening Day/ Ring Ceremony vs. Connecticut Defenders (Giants)