Red Sox Report; Ruiz to Sox?

The pitchers have been throwing batting practices getting this velocity back and endurance back up from the months off. The Sox haven't had any pitcher casualties yet, but Adrian Beltre missed two days of practice after misplaying a ball and stepping on twisting his ankle. Beltre has been taking BP, but should step out onto the field today. Dice-K is throwing from 150 ft away which is good news.

Casey Kelly has debuted at spring training throwing off the mound. He wasn't fazed by the big league experience impressing manager Terry Francona and pitching coach John Farell. “He has a very professional approach,” Farrell said. “He’s got genuine confidence in himself, and I mean that in the right way. He’s not cocky by any means. He’s very respectful. When you see him go about his work, he’s not in a rush.
He carries himself with a very good air about him, like one who genuinely is comfortable with himself, even being in big league camp for the first time." Kelly didn't have a problem hitting either. Kelly will make his pitching debut in spring training against Northeastern U on March 4th. Boof Bonser will get the nod against BC the next day followed by Beckett, Lester, Wakefield, and Lackey against Minnesota and Buchholz against the O's on Saturday.

Gordon Edes says, "David Ortiz's days could be numbered if he gets off to the start he did in 2009." The Sox have the option to pick him up for 2011, but given the depth at minor league level with Lars Anderson and Anthony Rizzo, Ortiz is definitely in trouble. What could spell more trouble is if the Red Sox sign Cuban defector Jose Julio Ruiz. Ruiz is similar to Ortiz (only and inch shorter) and a lefty bat which the Red Sox love to have. Ruiz could come at a much cheaper price than Ortiz and possibly more effective if he makes the team upon signing. Ruiz has been compared to Carlos Delgado in his prime before and is just twenty-five.

Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe reports if Mike Lowell doesn't wind-up sticking around, the Twins may be very interested. The Sox do want to keep his bat. The Sox would have to pay Lowell's $12M salary before the Twins would bite.

RP Manny Delcarmen is hoping to get back on track after his case of right shoulder fatigue last season. Evidently, when I cringed last season seeing him on the mound, he was cringing on it as well. Delcarmen didn't report any strangeness last season despite seeing his velocity slow down. He has promised to be more open about injuries even if he doesn't know he's suffering from them.

According to WEEI, Mike Cameron cut his workout short on Sunday with a sore leg. Turns out it's a groin. Cameron is doubtful to play in the first two games this week to prevent further injury and let his body catch up with his age.