I'm sure he was very frustrated tonight. The ball didn't come out of his hand like it did last night. |
I'm surprised it went out. I didn't think anybody could hit a ball out tonight. |
I'm thrilled. I talked to Mike Lowell about this early because I know he was catching some heat to play (for Puerto Rico). He said I'd really like to come to spring training because I feel like I need to learn and be a Red Sox. And now that he's back, I think Alex is fine being back and we're thrilled. |
I'm very appreciative. I didn't ever want this to be the story of spring training and it wasn't. |
I've actually been happy with our spring. Our workouts have been good. Guys have done exactly what we've asked them to do. |
I've known J.T. for a long time. He's about as good defensively as you're ever going to see in the game. That's how good he is. |
I've seen him for a long time and he should be confident. But last year he wasn't healthy. |
I've talked about it before. That's what he's done so many times, and it's a pleasure to revisit it. He doesn't have to do anything out of the ordinary. |
I've talked to him two or three times. I know he's really enjoying himself, [so] whatever those guys need. If they feel the need to get right back in there, we'll do it. If they feel like maybe they need a day or two to separate themselves and take a little blow with all the travel and excitement ... whatever they need. |
If [Huckaby] shows up [Friday] and feels OK, maybe we'll let him catch on Saturday. We'll see. |
If he comes in and gets one hitter out, that might be enough. This guy's not going to come in and pitch the ninth for us. |
If he hits at all, he's got a chance to be an everyday player. Defensively, he can catch and throw with anybody in baseball. |
If he's going to throw like that, it's a huge weapon. |
If he's healthy, to me, against right-handers, he's the perfect No. 5 hitter because you can't throw the ball past him. |
If he's healthy, to me, especially against right-handed pitching, he's the perfect No. 5 hitter in our batting order, because you can't throw it past him. You got David [Ortiz] and Manny [Ramirez] in front of him. He's a big guy in the batting order and he knows it. |