Two Red Sox exhibitions in one day, including a contest vs. college kids, meant playing time for minor leaguers on Wednesday.

Shortstop Yamaico Navarro enjoyed a fine day against Boston College, going 2-for-2 with a home run and double, and two RBI.

Navarro, 21, who had a solid 2008 in both Class A leagues, is expected to begin 2009 in advanced Class A ball. But he could push for time in Portland, likely when Sea Dogs shortstop Angel Diaz, is eventually moved to Navarro can play third base.

That felt so good to type those two words. Think I'll do it again:

Today's lineups.

The snow is getting heavier. The power outage lasted 36 hours this time ... but there is hope.

Baseball.

The Red Sox play two exhibition games today - the annual game with Boston College at 1 p.m., and then a cross-town game with the Twins at 7 p.m.

Sorry about the lack of blogs. Been "on assignment," as we like to say. But, really, what has there been to report ... other than the fiasco in Tampa?

While Alex Rodriguez is saying he was young and stupid (hey kids, there's an excuse for you!), he also said he used a substance that was available over the counter in the Dominican Republic (a claim that appears to be false).

But enough of A-Rod (please).

All is quiet in Fort Myers. No controversies. The Red Sox are quietly putting together a contender (obviously, very early for such talk).

Meanwhile, Manny is being Manny, but not in anyone's uniform, yet.

No announcement has come from Boston or Portland, but the Sea Dogs are scheduled to play another game at Fenway Park, on Saturday, Aug. 8, against the Bowie BaySox.

Every year, the Red Sox host a "Futures at Fenway" doubleheader, featuring two of its affiliates. The Sea Dogs and Lowell Spinners played Fenway in 2007; the Spinners and Pawtucket Red Sox played last year.

No word yet on if Lowell or Pawtucket will play at Fenway this year. Neither of their schedules indicate a Fenway game, although both teams are home on that date.

The Portland Sea Dogs lost a valuable member Thursday when Harold "Top Dog" Lucas died at his home in Auburn. He was 80.

When fans entered Hadlock Field, Top Dog was one of the first to greet them, hawking scorecards and giving away Slugger cards to kids.

He was energetic, joyful and an inspiration.

His obituary is full of honors and volunteer service. A truly wonderful man.

No sooner than I write a length piece on a new book on Manny Ramirez (see previous blog), than this news comes in:

Former Portland Sea Dogs catcher John Nathans is suing Jose Offerman for $4.8-million for injuries incurred when Offerman hit Nathans during a brawl on Aug. 14, 2007.

At the time, Natans was catching for an independent league team, the Bridgeport Bluefish. Offerman, who once played for the Red Sox, was playing for the Long Island Ducks. Against the Bluefish, Offerman was hit by a a pitch and went after the pitcher, bat in hand.

Just finished speed reading "Becoming Manny: Inside the Life of Baseball's Most Enigmatic Slugger."

It is an authorized biography of Manny Ramirez.

It is pathetic.

But I will admit by prejudice right away. I appreciate Manny Ramirez's ability and his much-publicized game preparation. He also seems like a nice guy sometimes. But he is selfish, immature and, by the way he plays baseball, he insults his teammates and disrespects the game.

Josh Beckett and Jon Lester both threw bullpen sessions this morning, according to the early-rising Amalie Benjamin of the Boston Globe.

While the focus is on the pitchers, especially Beckett, I noted that Dusty Brown did the catching.

Can we read into that? No. But Brown is worth watching this spring.

My profession tends to become an instant icebreaker for people. Instead of commenting about the weather, I hear questions and opinions on the Red Sox.

Instead of "looks like it could snow today," I get, "So what is Francona going do with Varitek in the late innings against right-handed pitching?"

You can guess what the subject was yesterday and what it will be today.

"What do you think about A-Rod."

Who?

With pitchers and catchers ready to report to Fort Myers, the Red Sox announced their 19 non-roster players invited to camp.

Among the 19 is Jeff Bailey who was taken off the 40-man roster to make room for Jason Varitek.

Here are the 59 players coming to Fort Myers:

When the Red Sox signed back-up first baseman/outfielder Brad Wilkerson to a minor league contract, it drew little attention.

But now that Mark Kotsay has undergone arthroscopic back surgery, the Wilkerson deal looks solid.

Just another insurance policy for Theo Epstein.

Wilkerson, 31, has had some good years (.255, 32 HR with the Expos in 2004) but has been on the downslide. But, as a back-up to the back-up, he will do. Kotsay could be back by May.

When the Red Sox signed back-up first baseman/outfielder Brad Wilkerson to a minor league contract, it drew little attention.

But now that Mark Kotsay has undergone arthroscopic back surgery, the Wilkerson deal looks solid.

Just another insurance policy for Theo Epstein.

Wilkerson, 31, has had some good years (.255, 32 HR with the Expos in 2004) but has been on the downslide. But, as a back-up to the back-up, he will do.

So Manny Ramirez turned down a $25-million, one-year contract from the LA Dodgers.

Who can blame him?

At $25-million, Manny would average only $15,432 a game. But, wait, that is assuming he plays 162 games. Ho ho. There is likely to be hamstring problems and a mysterious knee injury (pick a knee, any knee).

Even at an optimistic 140 games, Ramirez makes only $17,857 per game.

And a one-year contract is no good to Ramirez.

Now that Boston has its catching situation figured out (well, almost; there is still the question of the No. 2 guy - Bard or Kottaras or TBA), can we talk about shortstop?

Jed Lowrie or Julio Lugo?

The common sense seems to go with Lowrie, who proved he is major league capable last year. But Lowrie did have his struggles, especially batting left-handed.

But, could Lugo have a comeback year? Do you really want to pay a guy $9-million to sit the bench?