Welcome to Fenway Park, where the grace is green, the atmosphere light, and batting practice is going on right now. The Red Sox are working out here, before Monday's season-opener.

Among the players interviewed in the clubhouse before practice was veteran pitcher John Smoltz. He talked about his tentative schedule for rehab starts before joining the major league team.

Smoltz mentioned Red Sox minor league affiliates in Greenville, S.C.; Salem, Va.; and Pawtucket, R.I.

"What about Portland?" asked the one reporter who would have the most to gain from a John Smoltz rehab start at Hadlock (guess who?).

"They have a team in Portland?" Smoltz asked.

Yes, the objective reporter said, quickly making reference to the many great restaurants in Portland (and a slight exaggeration about the comfortable weather).

Smoltz said he may pitch at every minor league level, but that is not necessarily the goal.

"The plan is whatever is best suited, weather-wise and city-wise," Smoltz said. "It doesn't really matter what the organizational level is. It's really just about getting my work in."

So, John, let me tell you about those restaurants again ...

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