If it weren’t for that pesky lockout for which negotiations remain ongoing but slow-moving, spring training would have officially started up last week. As the schedule was originally set out, the Red Sox were supposed to make their spring debut next week in their annual game against Northeastern (who, as an aside, have quite the squad this year) and then start up their regular Grapefruit League schedule the following day on Saturday.
Of course, the league and players still appear miles apart, at least from where we’re sitting on the outside, and we are robbed of that. Granted, there are still some prospects down in Fort Myers as the lockout only affects players on the 40-man roster, but it is clearly not the same and games will not be taking place with replacement players.