During the first few weeks of spring training, Red Sox players go through every variety of baseball, strength and conditioning drills.
Stretching, batting practice, sprints, sliding practice, shagging, pitchers fielding practice, bunting, light tossing, defensive positioning, bullpen sessions, weightlifting — if you can picture it, it’s happening.
Not to be overlooked, however, is mental conditioning.
Given the mind-body connection that we understand as essential to living a fulfilling and productive life, the Red Sox’ efforts to alleviate stress and anxiety and also tune up, open up, sharpen and toughen their players’ minds are as important to the team’s fate as is all the effort expended to maximize their physical talents.