Was leaning against my family van in a parking lot Saturday morning. Just had breakfast with a friend I was visiting in Palm Harbor, Fla.

A group of bikers motored in and parked. One biker came up to me. He did a quick turnaround so I could see the back of his vest, proclaiming the Maine chapter of some biker club.

He obviously noticed the Maine plates on my wanted to say hello.

"Kennebunk," was all the man said as he extended my hand.

"Standish," I said with a smile. "I go back Sunday night."

"I'll go back when the snow is gone," he said.

"I go back when the baseball begins," I replied, as we parted. Maybe I'll see him again at Hadlock Field.

It's almost time.

The Red Sox are back in the States. The Sea Dogs roster is set. And preparations are underway for the openers.

The folks in Pawtucket are thrilled that Bartolo Colo is their opening day starter.

Now who will be in the outfield? Bobby Kielty has apparently agreed to staying in the Red Sox on his minor league deal (and probably still hoping for Coco Crisp to be traded).

With Kielty in Pawtucket, along with Brandon Moss and Jon Van Every, I don't know what the status of former Sea Dogs outfielder Bryan Pritz is. Hope he sticks.

With Colon showing improvement and Josh Beckett due back (April 6?), is Clay Buchholz's spot in the rotation on shakey ground?

As far as the rotation goes in Portland, it could be the best group the Sea Dogs have had in a long time (check out Sunday's story on our website).

See you in Maine.

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