I walked into Fenway Park and was reminded by my buddy John Carter, the director of Red Sox productions, that I haven't been here in about five years. I didn't think it was that long, but I also don't remember the park having three video boards now. So maybe it has been awhile.
Since the Twins and Red Sox both train in Fort Myers, Fla., you end up running into club personnel from both teams for six weeks every spring. I probably know the Red Sox staff better than any other opposing club's. Carter, who attended the University of Minnesota and is a friend of some dude named Doogie, is at the top of the list.
Should be an interesting series. The Red Sox are getting great pitching but scored just four runs in their series against Texas over the weekend. And their lubricating pitcher, Clay Buchholz, is on the mound tonight. Buchholz, in his last start, was accused by Toronto broadcasters of having some kind of substance on his forearm that he rubbed on between pitches. Buchholz denied it, but it will be interesting to see him pitch tonight.
One of the accusers was former Twins hero Jack Morris, who is on the Toronto broadcasting team this year.
The Twins are still waiting for their offense to click but get Mr. Buchholz, who is out to prove that his talents are inside his arm, not on it.
``This is not a guy you want to come in struggling against," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. ``The guy has great stuff. He has a sinker and throws in the mid-90's."
Gardy joked that he hopes his starter tonight, righthander Vance Worley, pitches well enough tonight to have his baseball checked. Worley still seeks his first win as a Twin. Gardy also joked about Morris being one of the two people accusing Buchholz of doctoring the ball.
Just then, Gardy's chair broke, and he almost tumbled backwards. ``That's Jack." Gardy said. ``He knows we're talking about him. Sorry, Lipper!"
