So - how are we looking - on the field...

[blandman]

A note on number of pitches - if Sale is to ever make the jump to 250 inning super stud ace, he's going to need more than three pitches. A couple of times through a rotation without your best stuff is fine for a guy with 2-3 really good pitches. But if one's not working for you, or it's late in a game and you're tired, the more items in your repertoire, the better.

On pitches from different slots - you'd have to think if Sale ends up tearing a ligament in his elbow, step one of his rehabilitation is going to be learning an arm slot that won't end his career. So I wouldn't take learning any pitch off the table.

[Foulke You]

Originally Posted by Tragg

Any surprises for roster spots?

Not really a surprise after the trade but I really like what I've seen from Conor Gillaspie this Spring. He is pretty much a lock to make the roster as the backup corner infielder. Every game I've seen him in he has done something positive at the plate. The swing is very short and quick and he seems to be a gap hitter. This *could* be one of those "under the radar" moves we will talk about a few months from now. Gillaspie is a quality young player who had his path to the big leagues blocked by a Giants organization that had a lot of depth at the corners. Perhaps the Sox will be his chance to show he can play at this level.

On a more fun note, Conor's first MLB HR was an inside the park variety last season. Not too many players get their first HR by hauling their butt around the basepaths at top speed. Here is a link to see Conor's inside the park dinger:
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/n...f&vkey=news_sf

[Lip Man 1]

So was Brian Downing's...in fact it was his first hit.

Lip