Thursday, February 06

BOSTON -- Excitement is building within the Red Sox as they get set to gather under the warm sun of Fort Myers, Fla., next week.

While chief baseball officer Craig Breslow still could have another move or two coming given how many free agents remain on the market, it will be hard to top the December trade with the White Sox for emerging lefty ace Garrett Crochet.

The offense, led by Jarren Duran and Rafael Devers, should also be bolstered by the return to health of Triston Casas and Trevor Story.

“We knew going into the offseason, the pitching part of it, we needed to get better,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “For how much we talk about the progress of the kids last year, what they did, the 30 starts and all that, we fell short. And the deeper, the better. We added some capable guys with stuff that can help us, and in the bullpen, too.”

Without further ado, here is a primer for Spring Training.

When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?

Feb. 12.

What is the date of the first full-squad workout? 

Feb. 17

Where is the team’s facility?

The Red Sox train in Fort Myers at the sprawling Fenway South complex, which includes JetBlue Park, the team’s venue for Grapefruit League home games since 2012. Fenway South is located on Daniels Parkway, and is in close proximity to the airport and a variety of shops and restaurants.

Can fans attend workouts?

Workouts are open to all fans at no cost.

Who are some new faces fans should know? 

Crochet, backed by a classic pitcher’s build and electric stuff, will be the focus of camp. Walker Buehler, last seen overpowering the Yankees in clinching Game 5 of the World Series, will bring his championship pedigree over from the Dodgers. Lefty reliever Aroldis Chapman is also the owner of two World Series rings, and he will give the bullpen some much-needed velocity.

Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?

The Big 3 of outfielder Roman Anthony, infielder/outfielder Kristian Campbell and shortstop Marcelo Mayer were all invited to big league camp for the first time. Anthony is MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 prospect while Campbell (No. 7) and Mayer (No. 12) also have prominent spots.

When is the team’s first Grapefruit League game?

The Sox open on the road in Port Charlotte against the Rays on Feb. 22. The day before, they play their annual exhibition game against Northeastern University. The first Grapefruit League game at JetBlue Park is Feb. 23 against the Blue Jays.

What are a few other notable spring games?

The second home game of Spring Training is a rivalry contest against the Yankees on Feb. 24. The Mets visit Fenway South on March 2, but it remains to be seen if their newly acquired megastar Juan Soto will be on that trip. The Sox travel to Tampa to face the Yankees on March 18.

What is Spring Breakout and when is the game?

MLB Spring Breakout is a four-day event showcasing the current stars of Minor League Baseball. This year, games will be played across the Grapefruit and Cactus League from March 13-16. Boston’s top prospects will face the Rays’ top prospects under the lights in Port Charlotte at 7 p.m. ET on March 13.  

Will the team’s games be televised?

Though the schedule hasn’t been announced yet, the Red Sox will televise many games on NESN and the network’s streaming app.

When is the club’s last game in Florida?

Boston will complete its Grapefruit League schedule with a home game against the Twins on March 23.

Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?

For the second consecutive Spring Training, the Red Sox will get their passports stamped. Last year, they played the Rays for a pair of games in the Dominican Republic. Boston will wrap up this Spring Training by going to Monterrey, Mexico, to play the Sultanes, a team that competes in the Mexican League, on March 24-25.

What are the details for Opening Day?

The Sox will take a short flight from Monterrey to Arlington to open their season against the Rangers on March 27. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. in the opener of a four-game series. The season-opening road trip will continue with a three-game series in Baltimore from March 31-April 3. The home opener will be against the Cardinals on April 4 at 2:10 p.m.

In recognition of Black History Month, the Red Sox Foundation is partnering with the Museum of African American History in Boston to provide free admission and tours for all visitors from Feb. 21-23, which is during school vacation week. The free admission is extended to all visitors of the museum, including self-guided tours and educational group tours. Additional information about current museum exhibits and hours can be found by visiting maah.org.

While Lansford, who will celebrate a birthday Friday, is mostly remembered as the starting third baseman for the loaded Athletics team that played in the World Series three consecutive years (1988-90), he first made a name for himself in Boston, winning the 1981 batting title with a .336 average. With eventual Hall of Famer Wade Boggs making his impressive debut with Boston in ’82, Lansford became expendable and was dealt to the Athletics following that season for outfielder Tony Armas.

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