What does Hank Steinbrenner think of Boston fandom?

"Red Sox Nation? What a bunch of (expletive) ..."

So we know the Red Sox can hit college pitching ...

After beating Boston College 24-0 and Northeastern 15-0 on Thursday, it was hard to figure out what the Red Sox got out of the two exhibitions.

But there were some highlights from a Sea Dogs/Red Sox point of view

The Red Sox already released their opening day lineups for spring training games. Actually, these are not even major league exhibition games, since the Sox are taking on the college kids, from Boston College and Northeastern.

Looks like everyone is playing one game or the other. The only name I had to double-check was third baseman Keith Ginter, a utility-type player signed to a minor league contract. Ginter, 31, last played in the majors in 2005 (51 games with Oakland).

Here's the Sox press release on the pitching schedules and lineups:

Talked to Sea Dogs manager Arnie Beyeler yesterday. He said it was hot in Fort Myers (I felt his pain).

Actually, Arnie said he was looking forward to getting up here, even if it means indoor workouts while the snow melts. The skipper is ready to go.

But who will he be bringing with him to Portland? Beyeler said the competition for jobs is great.

Sorry for the lack of blogs. Call it techincal difficulty (although many technical items are difficult for me).

Seems the Sox have signed pitcher Bartolo Colon. To that, I give a rousing "why not?" What do the Sox have to lose in signing a non-guaranteed, low-money contract with a once-great pitcher?

Is Theo Epstein the best general manager in baseball?

With the Congressional hearing over, can Roger Clemens just say goodbye now?

No more comebacks at mid-season with the attention-grabbing drama of 'will he pitch again or won't he?' (The answer is always yes, especially when some fool club offers him the money).

Don't know if I will watch the hearings today with Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee. There's shoveling to do and games to play (it being a snow day and all).

Which member of Congress will first express his/her devotion publicly to Clemens, and that they've always been a "fan."

Some thoughts, as the Fort Myers training facility starts to get busy.

When the Sox signed Curt Schilling, it was called a good gamble because the base pay was only $8-million (I can't believe I just wrote ONLY), and Schilling is certainly a gamer in the post-season.

But it still was a gamble, and the Sox lost this one.

With the news that Curt Schilling is not ready to pitch (and may not be in 2008) because of shoulder problems, where does that leave the Red Sox?

Just fine ... if Clay Buchholz comes through.

The Red Sox announced that 15 non-roster players will join the 40-man roster in spring training this year. They include a few players who will likely begin the season in Portland - pitchers Justin Masterson, Michael Bowden and Hunter Jones, and infielder Tony Granadillo.

Barring injury, the only one of the 15 with a solid chance of making the Major League team out of camp is outfielder Bobby Kielty.

Just finished my Sunday story, previewing the start of spring training. In it, I mention the lack of a back-up right fielder. To cover myself, I mentioned that the Sox could still re-sign Bobby Kielty.

Now a little re-write is in order since reports are coming in that Kielty has agreed to a minor league deal with Boston.

Kielty's signing can be viewed in a few ways.

Before I pass on the the latest Red Sox ticket info, let me repond to the comment on the last blog - yes, the Red Sox ticket process features a lot of jumps through hoops. And the tickets are incredibly expensive.

But, despite the complicated/pricey process, the Red Sox continue to set attendance records. I suppose that's a lesson for Economics 101. If the market supports the prices, why not charge them?

The Red Sox announced that there will be random drawings (and limited phone sales) for tickets to Opening Day, Yankees games, Green Monster seats, and right field roof deck seats

You must register for the drawing. Deadline for Opening Day and Yankees games is Monday at noon.

Here's the Red Sox press release:

The Boston Red Sox have signed first-baseman Sean Casey, according to ESPN's Peter Gammons.

The report said that Casey, 33, signed a one-year contract for $700,000,

Casey batted .296 last year with the Tigers, with 4 home runs and 54 RBI, in 143 games (453 at-bats).