Leader Holt willing to do whatever it takes

FORT MYERS — Now 30 years old and entering his eighth big league season, Brock Holt is one of the Red Sox veterans.

And without the pressure of having to fight for his roster spot this spring, Holt has looked more relaxed as he enters his final season under contract.

“He was more productive than I was — he hit for the cycle in the playoffs,” manager Alex Cora said. “He’s great in the clubhouse, one of the leaders. He’s always willing to do whatever.

“We were talking about (spring training road games) in Bradenton and Dunedin, there aren’t too many guys raising their hands to go on that trip. But he came in and was like, ‘Whatever you need.’ Forget how good he is in the clubhouse, he’s a good player, a productive player. The last two months of the season and playoffs he was driving the ball out of the park, slugging and played good defense at second.”

Holt will continue to play different positions this season, Cora said, but he will get his at-bats.

“I’ve said many times, you’d like to play, I would like to play every day if possible,” Holt said. “But if (I was on a different team), I wouldn’t be part of this. This team calls for me to move around and play different positions. That’s what’s kind of gotten me to the point I’m at now. It’s gotten me to be in the big leagues, to stay in the big leagues, and to be a part of this team. I’m very thankful for that.”

If Dustin Pedroia can’t rebound from his bad knee, expect to see Holt often at second base.

Holt said he’s just happy to have Pedroia back in uniform.

“That’s going to be huge for us,” Holt said. “Obviously having him around last year was big, even though he wasn’t on the field. He is the Boston Red Sox. To have him back and healthy, smiling, feeling good again, it’s cool to see.

“He went through a tough time last year. We saw it more than y’all did. He wanted to be on the field. When you can’t do what you love to do, it’s tough on you. We’re going to be better with him. He just brings the energy that we need.”

Man at Work

Of those to impress throwing bullpen sessions yesterday, Brandon Workman was one name Cora mentioned.

Workman showed diminished velocity last spring and was sent to the minors to start the season, but finished with a 3.27 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 41⅓ innings for the Sox.

“Work looks a lot better than last year,” Cora said. “Last year he was a lot bigger, stronger. This year he’s more flexible, looks like an athlete.”

Cora was once again surprised by Tyler Thornburg, who is pushing himself to prove he’s worthy of a roster spot and the $1.75 million salary he’ll make if the Sox keep him beyond spring training.

“Today, that was impressive, the best bullpen I’ve seen from him in a year, year and a half,” Cora said.

Owners have say

The Sox conducted their first official full-squad workout of the spring. Every player arrived to camp on time.

Today, principal owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner will address the team in an organizationwide company meeting.

“I’m addressing the team (tomorrow) or Wednesday,” Cora said. “I’ll talk to them and let everybody know that they’re special. From Chris Sale and (the owners) all the way to the people we don’t see on a daily basis, they’re important. We’re family. There’s something special going on here for a few years.

“Actually, I saw that thing we did in MLB Network, and they showed a piece of the meeting we did here last year and that’s pretty cool to take that picture. We’ll take a picture (today) with everybody to remind them how close we are, how important everybody is.”

Name to watch

Right-hander Denyi Reyes, 22, doesn’t throw hard and was never considered a top prospect, but after putting up a 1.89 ERA at Single-A Greenville last year while striking out 122 with just 13 walks, he caught Cora’s attention.

“He can pitch,” Cora said. “Pitchability, he’s probably the best of all the young guys. Everybody talks about his work habits, that’s great. He has poise on the mound. You don’t put up those kind of numbers if you get rattled. He has a good idea of what he wants to do toward the end of his live session.

“Pedro (Martinez) talked to him about a few things and it seems like he gets it quick. Looking forward to seeing him perform. Those numbers are ridiculous. We’ll see how it works here. If he has to make adjustments, push him to the edge, he has to be able to do it.”