E-Rod takes major steps on minor stage
RED SOX NOTEBOOK
FORT MYERS — What a change from a year ago for Eduardo Rodriguez.
In spring training 2016, Rodriguez was the starter whose seemingly minor knee tweak turned into a layoff that lasted until the last day of May.
This year, he’s met and surpassed every weighty expectation that’s been laid at his feet.
“I feel strong, I feel ready to go,” said Rodriguez after he pitched for Single-A Salem in a back field game against the Rays on the Red Sox’ off day.
For 52⁄ innings, Rodriguez and 3 catcher Christian Vazquez more or less toyed with Tampa Bay’s minor league hitters. Rodriguez struck out eight, did not issue a walk and allowed one run on six hits. Of his 85 pitches, 59 were strikes.
The matchup may have been unfair for the hitters but Rodriguez still got a lot out of the experience.
“I felt really good. It’s real different when you’re facing minor leaguers instead of big leaguers because they swing at everything,” Rodriguez said. “In the big leagues, I like to pitch a little bit more but I felt really good, working on all my pitches. Everything was really good.”
Rodriguez has been working hard on the command of his pitches, and he is seeing results.
“That’s what I’ve been working on — every time, throw more strikes,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve been throwing all my pitches in every inning.”
Rodriguez appears much more confident and comfortable in the Red Sox clubhouse, where he is a regular at the ping-pong table. The combination of feeling healthy and seeing results on the mound has been intoxicating.
“Last year I didn’t have any chance to throw anything in spring training, just a little bit of long toss,” Rodriguez said. “This is the first year I can pitch in the games and get ready for the season. I feel really happy with that.”
Vazquez’ cannon of a throwing arm was again on display, as he threw out a pair of runners on stolen base attempts.
Rodriguez laughed at the memory of the futile attempts by the Rays.
“I don’t care too much about the runner because I know if I throw it pretty good to home plate, he’s out,” Rodriguez said. “That’s good when you have catchers like that.”
Manager John Farrell, pitching coach Carl Willis, pitching analyst Brian Bannister, president Dave Dombrowski and a bevy of front office personnel were in attendance for Rodriguez’ game.
Back to work
Yesterday was the sole off day on the Red Sox’ spring schedule. Based on Instagram posts, Mookie Betts went car shopping and Robbie Ross Jr. and his wife went out for brunch.
The Grapefruit League schedule resumes this afternoon when the Pirates make their second visit to JetBlue Park this month. Steven Wright starts for the Sox, and so will shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who is back in camp after Team Netherlands was eliminated from the World Baseball Classic.
Drew Pomeranz will start for the Red Sox tomorrow in Dunedin against the Blue Jays.
Sale loves energy
Here’s more from Chris Sale on what he finds so appealing about his new baseball team.
“Just the energy on a day-today basis,” Sale said after his spectacular start (10 strikeouts) against the Yankees in Tampa on Tuesday night. “I’ve said it a million times, but not only from the players but from the staff, top to bottom really. Our coaches get into it. They get fired up over drills and doing the little things right. That’s important, especially here in spring training. A lot of times people can get lackadaisical and go through the motions. I haven’t seen a whole lot of that here. That’s good. That’s what you want to see.
“Plus it’s a winning tradition here. Winning is at the top of the list. Everybody here in camp, everybody associated with the Boston Red Sox wants to win bad. I love it.”