Bradford Files: Red Sox spring training storylines to watch with Rob Bradford and Alex Speier

It's true -- Bradford finals right now poem WEEI darker. Welcome to another addition the Bradford files I am lucky once again I don't know how I got. But -- down the hall threw us off. It would normally podcast for second straight day in contractual obligations said. Was that hockey does not out of it out -- Alex thanks for joining us. Grateful to be with the Bradford files. -- series. Yeah history well especially when he warmth of spring training just around. And -- like talking about the physical warmth.

But the emotional warmth as well which WEEI dot com will be bringing you every step of the way. Home for showed that siren dot truck day didn't you know I actually denial -- joke about that what I have I have sets. Such hatred for truck day total -- no emotional warmth there. I know there's no no -- it's a war at all I am completely jaded and I have no apologies. So was there it was was there are a truck day trauma in the past now it's it's -- become. Farewell to a truck is stupid enough by the but when you make poor kids wearing red sweaters throw we'll soon to five cents a reduced to the crowd traded jacked up for the season. Doesn't really do it formed some like Marty Brodeur made -- definitely -- an hour's top Kitna -- if you if you are more truck day into something completely different would be great if you see rob Bradford of spring training and remember the throw ability to set up a a of this spring training. We are gonna talk a little bit about spring training in there's plenty of questions in and probably you more things to actually watch. Regarding spring training and a couple years which is an interesting dynamic himself. But Alex I know that you have a couple questions that we you wanna brooch and I im happy to have them broached here on the --

That's how this -- method roles on the yes so as we as we embrace such a such forms of inquiry. I'm I'm -- you know for starters I think the overarching thing that we're looking at is. There's it's a different spring training this is you know this is not. Tito and mills the anymore this is this is Bobby Valentine and in Tim Bogart. Bobby Indian bogey as it worked. The last time you faced in spring training -- the right -- it ended up with. With Tim regardless it's not being a friend Bobby -- with Todd -- defense. Basically gathering the media crew around him to defend his good friend to Bogut against Bobby Valentine knew I was like fifteen years ago or something testing golf time heals all wounds on an offer that Alex yes time and done time in professional relationships and you know reporting structures -- sort of thing. But yeah I guess do you anticipate this being well for starters we haven't we've we've we're just talking about this a little bit. There is a difference in that there are a lot of unsettled roles whereas last year the roster was completely set this year that's not the case we don't know. How the shortstop division of labor is going to work we don't know how necessarily the outfield division of labor is going to work. We don't know we've the numbers four and five starters are we don't know with -- set -- guys are going to be leading up to mark Milan sin in two into Andrew Bailey. What what does that --

I think it does matter and not I'm might be completely wrong but I do think it matters because if you just base it off one -- in the last couple spring training he slow starts they got off to. How. You know people ask you -- did you see what happened coming beforehand. And the only thing I would say about last year and I date back this going back to spring training is said it didn't seem like you're entitled team. And hired through a certain extent I don't blame a man who is you've done Beckett showed up and they were going to win we we were we were talking about winning a hundred runs a hundred games because everyone had kinda why life settled they knew where they're gonna play. They knew what type of play they had been in the past they expected that to continue and the march to the World Series. Well obviously that's not the case right now in in I think that. You mentioned all the positional battles but also besides the position battles I think that even the guys who have settled positions. -- a lot of cases if the things to prove which was -- the case last. You -- Josh Beckett is something to prove he went out and proved it. But Kevin Youkilis -- important year for him contractually. Especially coming off an entry proving he can stay healthy why staying productive. Jacoby Ellsbury. Was it just a one year thing or are -- going to be able to beat that player going forward. They're Dustin Pedroia showing again -- what he can do without that screwed before it David Ortiz obviously always motivated by a multitude of things. Adrian Gonzales injury Gonzales having a bad month and a half. Power wise because a while -- people perceive as a worn down shall all of these along with the positional battle shortstop outfield I think --

I do think that it's it's an interesting change in dynamic I will admit that last year I didn't think it was a problem that there was that entitled mentality. Because we had seen the Red Sox really coast through spring training before so I don't wanna present that is necessarily departure. Promoted had been in very successful years.

Two straight years ago I mean this is the one of the things is in May -- time site. But two straight years. That -- do whatever sprinkling structure that they had the lead to that kind of that feeling of and at the beginning of the year.

Sure although I think that they've wasn't really that different than the spring training search of a hadn't 2009 when they have generally involve my friend's pet. But I think there is not that that might well be fair but I'm just saying that I didn't necessarily see it coming like I thought it was okay that they were on cruise control. -- suspension that said. I do think that the dynamic content are. Is just going to be different in spring training this year both because. There are those competitions that exist there is the self motivation that exists in a way that it didn't before and because they're different guys were just organizing this thing. And it's going to be as we said Bobby V in bogey -- not Todd Hundley has pesticide.

Understood well you know in in regards to that and -- to give. Different group organizing splintering taken different approach -- the thing specifically. That I I'll be anxious to see is. What Bob McCord you mention our previous podcast that you think Bob McClure is going to be one of the more fascinating things that are or underrated things in regards to the addition they had. -- just hope that he can do like Troy and it's like they'll be so. Yeah what you ask him that this is where -- Rezko Hartman first question. Though. Yes you've made Doby for certificate of ourselves yet so -- prison that gives us that Colorado Rockies minor leagues -- at the end of that. But will be a -- big game. Regress to they've always done a certain way last few years anyway and -- their starting pitchers and the starting pitchers to get used to that. And it's really eased into things. What they approach it differently because of one of the most important things in my mind in regards to the the starting pitching of the rotation is will the ability to pitch deep into games. And some of that obviously starts in spring training. Will they do anything different heading into the new year. I don't maybe not maybe every team -- Not -- babies their pitchers right by it takes easy -- their pitchers coming in. By world they'd make a conscious effort to say hey guys you know we want you pitching deeper in the game sooner in the season.

It will be interesting I think there are couple a couple of fascinating precedence. I know the Bob McClure has referred to. Tell how he handled Kyle Farnsworth when he was with the Royals and he really got. Kyle Farnsworth career back on track to the point where he became. An outstanding closer last year for the rays. In that was in part because McClure how to get stretched out in spring training. With the Royals a few years ago and -- doled out to get it to throwing five innings and just. Did something different with his routine you did the same thing at times with Joaquin Soria. And I think to the impact of doing so ended up being pretty significant for for both those guys careers. So I do think they were going to see structurally perhaps on some different things in slightly less settled roles. The Red Sox used to do that with guys like Papelbon Papelbon I used to stretch out to it and a couple innings a few innings even when he was building up for a season as a reliever. On the button the last couple of years there had been somewhat less of that last year. The guy who may have been the greatest beneficiary if that was Alfredo service who ended up being treated as a starter in spring training. He opened the -- Pawtucket is a reliever as a starter rather. You know throwing five innings at a time whatever he only made a few starts there but he was his you know as a starter and then he ended up being this. Force unlike anything we've seen since the days of -- Sammy Stewart or something where it was just that's the most of the so called multi pitch they've -- that his service referred to himself as. In kind of fascinating fashion. Where he was able to be the guy who would give you one really good inning or four innings at a time to really build up the pitching staff and ends. You know that there could be some interesting things that results in the way that their handling. All of these guys getting stretched out this year.

And I think there's some value in -- have to keep reminding ourselves of this. -- goes along with some value over remembering what happened in last spring training. Because people have selective memory. And one of the things that happened was John Lackey had the best spring training of any of the starters he was great. And almost as good as he was in 2010. Yet yet -- that's exactly. And that led to these. These things which you know scouts take you know. All the scouts say you know who the guy I think he's gonna have a brilliant use John Lackey you'll. Because he's he -- giving up any runs in spring training that's why you're saying that right and because we thought that his arm is still attached to a -- yes thank you exactly. And conversely. Josh Beckett. Josh Beckett the panic that ensued with -- Josh Beckett. Was incredible and in terms of threw out spring training it was. Be -- it whether it's it was that he it was a five inning start in in Bradenton. Or. There or I remember this I gave me big game against the Blue Jays where he give of this monstrous home runs out low and it all is that people panic and that's what led them to hey you know what motives slot you wouldn't number four guy heading into the season and I think the team also they were a little concern kids. Listen is curve ball wasn't quite there his velocity was better by. There was some concern. So. As we go through spring training and we are handy king about --

Things we should remember about what transpires that the caveat is that this podcast is functionally irrelevant. Yes but we'll do it just to watch in -- playing well but I think our children by the right now I think yeah I think with this podcast does this -- like the bridge to be relevant podcast. Well week in it's it's comparing contrasting. We've we've entered the world of -- podcast which probably turn out half of the people who are still listening off. But I think that you know you've you've once again rob you proving that your an elegant segue -- By by putting us in position to consider the rotation battle right now yeah right I come I consider my -- to be delicious and okay are they -- yes them this this sensitive the simple -- right now. I'm very comfortable with it does is going so let's instead talk about pitchers. I think that we talked about this a little bit in the last hour podcast thinking through. Things that happened this offseason and just. The importance of Clay Buchholz because I think that as much as there's going to be eyes on the numbers four and five starters it's going to be really huge to look at -- and how Buchholz. Is side is doing in spring training and whether or not he looks like the guy who frankly he looked like he was ready to be last year in spring training yeah I -- Well forestalled. By all accounts he's had a really get offseason he worked out at the same place Dustin Pedroia worked out. Hum and and the people out there said yet you went to his workouts he left little earlier than the other guys but he looked really -- start throwing. No problems. And let's not forget that he actually finished last year more or less healthy like he had thrown. In the instructional league which I think with significance and by most accounts you know he had thrown pretty well showing you know showing good velocity. While it was down there are so you know that that he also has that.

Veteran and so going on the assumption that he's healthy and he's the guy you was going to last regular season. Then. As you said he becomes a hugely important part of this team and the thing that he has to prove that we talked about all these guys have to prove something different. I think yes to prove as a guest of come close to being a two -- he could when he pitches he's good right. Absolutely yeah I mean he's you know he was he was on a league pitcher who finished second in the American League in ERA. In 2010. And so he's one of these guys who am anxious to see we've seen time last year. -- eighth inning eighty mean PT -- wasn't last year certainly but the potential be in a inning pitcher in previous he would receive Josh Beckett be potentially inning pitcher. Will Clay Buchholz be that guy and he did he evolve then to come close to that guy because the two seamer got more ground balls. Less strikeouts and he was going down that road it's okay he ticket to the next level and give them the type innings that they really need.

Yeah he talked about that a lot last spring how much it would mean to him to be known as a 200 innings a year guy well. Now we get to see if there was you know for a stress fractures in the backer and you know are a thing of the past then. He's going he's his arm is you know as was going to is that of anyone else on the Red Sox. May be a seven as you've put in that mix as well but his arm is the type of arm that can throw a bunch of innings. You know the rest of his body we'll see whether or not they can do it it can survive that kind of tool. So will be watching -- to obviously just for signs of health especially with his back because if he has a sore back at some point in spring training people may freak out. Our whole week they should streak yeah it can be difficult when we're identifying him as one of the most important if not the most important part of the team. If you -- back problems are absolutely. Still the freaking Erika de La super freak as an -- yes. So then we get to the numbers four and five spots in the rotation because I think that there isn't going to be that much scrutiny. On net what Jon Leicester or just back into while they're on the hill at least. This coming spring then you know bear bay detention for them as well related to others and actually. Yes position step back like you know as as I mentioned them in passing. Well it's not just pass on them there are going to be 101000 questions about. That are related to beer and chicken in the clubhouse in over the course of -- how we go over the courses I don't know ball over the course of the spring.

Because people might not be happy with the answers it Josh Beckett is alligator Jon Lester gives out the gate. Hum by this is go this is the answers they're gonna get. And and there's still going to be some rumbling and grumbling throughout spring training because of what happened last year it's gonna take awhile. Awhile being good performances by these guys for people to forgive him for a lack of a better word -- by. The -- we have to touch on them but still the -- this is the fact -- Jon Lester and Josh Beckett. They have to pitch well for the Red Sox to do well they have pitched well at times last year long stretches for each of them. And numb and they have the capability doing it they aren't they aren't so much of an unknown is the other so I guess that's. No matter what they do in spring training I don't know how the discussion really evolved too much.

Mean the one thing that is worth considering from a psychological standpoint is whether or not there is going to be an attitude forged in the first couple weeks of spring training even. Whenever I'm sitting at those picnic tables and listening to the beer and chicken questions. Is this going to end up being a pissed off team and if so is that a good thing.

Yeah Iowa I think it last year Josh Beckett was a pissed off pitcher. I mean he -- he heard throughout spring training everyone saying. You know what school what to make him coming off a bad year and having a bad spring training in him how many times can you say it's no big deal I feel good feel good. And and say hey you know listen you know the fact is when I pitched. -- nights when I am healthy I pitch well. Him and to this state that's still hard to argue. Because yeah he gain weight last fuel that's part of health right and so when he's healthy he pitches well. And Jon Lester I think that he pitched -- with a chip on his shoulder a lot of times so I think that that will continue in -- isn't a bad thing.

So getting back to the to the question of the other starters and because these are guys who were being brought in who are going to be viewed as part of you know as part of the September collapse. Even though you know Daniel Bard actually played a really significant role in the team falling apart in September just because you've been so great up to that point set a record over he was never -- that -- right. We never seen that bad Bard that we saw for a pretty significant stretch not yet nothing like that went in September -- what lost four games he was up part of you know part of five -- you know pretty bad losses for the Red Sox. And -- really -- performance on the stretch and inability to be that dominant guy was ultimately very costly for the Red Sox but. Now that's not going to be part of the narrative really that we talked about with Daniel Bard. We're ready to -- is if it is we talk about buckles that if it is they're in trouble right. So we're going to be looking at Bard were going to be looking at a service. Who I think is very much as much in the mix for a rotation spot is -- I think that as much as there's a prevailing assumption that the service ends up back in the rotation. Or rather in the bullpen and he's still a guy who has four pitches you know who has experience is a starting pitcher as a professional it's more recent and Bard does. He has the stuff he has the make up he has the desire certainly -- a starting pitcher. And so I do think that it's a little bit I I do think that there is some oversight even though I understand the argument -- has the higher ceiling then they assume he's the more likely starter. But I don't assume that he's necessarily more likely to end up as a starter as a service just because of you know that makes that -- service has new experience that he does but anyway -- The seventh -- watch those guys will be watching the Aaron -- into Padilla who signed a minor league contracts as well as Carlos Silva who were all going to be in camp. By the way what -- like interesting group of ground ball inducing non strike out getting guys in the Red Sox apart. That's another source the Internet Miller who does the ground ball -- that is the ground ball podcast the they've they've spent. If they end up having all those guys on the big league staff demand -- Jose -- but -- Andrew Miller you know -- two bronze. These are you know this is a battle Royale for the last two spots of the rotation. I know that's that's probably going to be the focal area of the team is.

To me it if I'm watching the Red Sox this makes me the most uneasy about this whole scenario this whole situation because. We talked a lot about oh or -- how you you don't wanna have to make the team as this. By your spring training performance but you have so many guys. That you referenced whoever vying for the spot so in some element you have to go by what they're doing in spring training. And some Bobby Valentine is that many times you look at their stuff -- exact I was doing -- who say that you look at their stuff but. Looking into Miller last year and he was the darling of spring training for about a week and a half well. Yeah but in two Terry Francona pearl war on time there. Me you know if I remember for the majority of spring training. Yet he was saying hey this -- separating yourself -- guys separate himself. Which is good for Andrew Miller got it got him back and they had a little nice run there and been in the regular season by. He wasn't. A rotation guy awful what he showed in the regular season and we can site up and down performances in spring training the average trends keep to the regular season. All I'm saying is that. This is kind of late in the part where they have to be careful and it's gonna take some really good talent evaluation. By Valentine by McCourt.

Yeah I mean today there are other models that they can point to that have been successful going with you know find your start your backhand starters in spring training go from there. The obvious example being the 2011 yankees who had Bartolo Cologne and and and Freddy Garcia both emerge out of spring training but. That isn't. An easy model to repeat now so there's there's a lot of unpredictability there. In that's going to go allow it there's going to be a -- a lot of scrutiny and with good reason for all of those guys because the Red Sox are going to need to find two guys to step up through there. Otherwise they may have to you know they may have to make a move in spring training.

Well isn't the challenge the challenge really. Is that define those guys not so much to find them for the first three months of the season -- to find that guy. Who are excluding the top three find that guy who was gonna be beat hit pitching in relying on September could be mentioned Freddy Garcia Bartolo Cologne. Big got the Yankees to a certain point good for them. But they still were left without that guy right and we mentioned Barton. It was things Bard has the biggest potential be that -- is maybe potentially got. Played this is the biggest thing and admit their biggest challenge in my mind justify and that guy who is going to be your number four starter for the entire season.

Yeah and I think that there is probably an idea that the guys who break camp they are going to be able to resolve that question necessarily in spring training. You know and that's why they have financial flexibility that's why they've made such a big deal about it because. They probably -- a position where they're going to need to read and react based on what happens with their team over the course of the year they can't really locked themselves into their roster right now. Because they're too many you know there are questions about what is going to happen at the back of the rotation. What is going to happen with the shortstop position what is going to happen with right fielder you know what if Carl Crawford doesn't bounce back and so they need to be in a position where they can respond to. The market realities I will say that this is probably a good year in which to be doing it because. The changes to the Major League Baseball from the collective bargaining agreement -- mean that I think we're going to be seeing a lot more trading in the middle of the season and we've seen in some time. So why is that because. The the amount of draft pick compensation it's going to be available to guys were leaving his free agents is not going to be the same as it was in past there's specific rules related to. There you used to be able to have this the so called type B free agents they know that you're going to get a draft and if you -- if you didn't trade him in the middle of the season yeah well there are new rules that are in place and the number of guys were going to be offered. These who are going to be made offers retain them. In order to gain our draft pick is going to diminish significantly which means that the teams are the teams that have these. But these guys who are free agents to be are going to have a lot more motivation to deal them in order not to see them walk away for nothing happens.

Another lesson I think to be learned from last year as well is. Is that. In years past the Red Sox playoff runs have really been buoyed by guys who they've called up -- on the trade deadline we go through probable on Bard. Masters and those type guys and they were really without that guy last year and the one the one I I agree mostly I'm and I apologize for treating the one person who we should make note of as they did have a real contribution from -- last. Sure yet I don't yeah absolutely yeah Redick was a guy cut in. And I was thinking more along the lines of the pitchers absolutely and and here's the but it's it's a lesson because. Car while -- done much better than he did it. But I in the first half of his triple ACT was they really thought that he was coming so this was the guy who was gonna come up and help. Well. You -- it'll we don't know what's gonna happen with you Miley is they have now but do expect that someone is gonna have the first half that Kyle while and it last year. I don't think -- realistic and because that's the case. It doesn't look right now there's not a guy you can identify. Alex Wilson is a guy you mentioned before maybe he emerges this and the guys ahead you know what this is the guy who we see coming up in. July August and being the guy who helps is just the addition you are about -- remember when -- I -- Bard. Was perceived as that guy. They knew that OK at some point this year he's probably gonna come up and -- is did the exact guy now and that's what I don't think there's that well.

It's a different form of guys say the interesting thing is that and I find myself guilty of this a lot. I did there's a bias towards thinking about is there that guy who's homegrown who's drafted. And developed -- internationally. And developed by the Red Sox the answer may be no on that front but that doesn't mean that in the organization there isn't that guy who's going to be able to help. You know over at some point during the season which is why. All of these signings that they've made of these guys on minor league deals to guys like Aaron Cook. The guys like this into Padilla and I think there's a good chance that one or both of them starts the year in the with the big league club. There's also probably a pretty good chance that one -- both of them doesn't start here with the big league club guys like Felix -- guys like. Offered to a service if he doesn't start the year in the rotation. They -- that's where they may have to find their answers in order to get that upgrade in the middle of the season it may not be the homegrown guys. That we saw on that pretty remarkable run of player development from 2005 to 2000 on us in.

In in I agree with you about that and that's just the guy am -- now and you're right -- you can get from all those different guys that you signed his guys come from more other organizations. But I'm just saying hey you know is the is that guy who has taken the step making -- step make him step and then -- home -- drop in because as you just said. They had quite there for me yeah I mean they had guys who know he came up and did well but came up. And never looks back -- it never never look back and all of a sudden. We were. Their best pitchers in the season. Probable on best pitcher in the post season 2005 right -- you know I'll. -- when he came up you'll get the the biggest outs of the year in that game three against the Angels Masterson. This rode him the entire series the entire playoffs probably to a fault but yeah right into him so. When you win you can't go out get the guys that you want that's a nice thing to drop him but anyway. These are the type of guys to find someone in spring training who might emerge to. Get at least get on our radars another thing to be.

Yeah I think they're very good they have a paucity of starting depth in their sit in their organization. With you know some wild cards in that minor league free agent category so I think they do have the potential to have impact contributors in the bullpen. Particularly with a guy like Wilson and I think that I am more bullish on the brunt of most people 'cause I do think that he was really in a good place in his development through 2010. But we'll see. So. That's the other things that will I but I do think that's an important thing that will be looking for in spring training. You know is -- is Anthony Varnado. And he's not going to be in Major League camp but as someone like him would be putting himself in position to maybe move fast in the system to the point where. Who knows may be at the end of the year they can he could be knocking on the door I don't think so because that's not really the aggression that's normal for them -- be a little bit rushed. To my mind but some that he's a guy who will certainly bear while.

And there's examples going to ball position players and pitchers. Another thing this spring training does is puts guys on their radar not necessarily for this year. But the example I remember clearly did -- Joseph -- when Dustin Pedroia got heart. And the BBC I think also benefited him back I think that was the spring training of 2006.

Who for general with no well I just remember Dustin Pedroia got hurt if the abuse shoulder entry. And this was when the -- the vastly out of shape Dustin Pedroia. And -- he was supposed to get the at bats he was the guy coming up he's gonna get the at bats hurt her shoulder. And they need someone to get those at bats -- was that guy Jed Lowrie was a tick behind Pedroia in terms the progression to Lowrie came up -- play very well. And put himself right on the radar. And you know he has some bumps in the road leaving the rest of going to is probably get to the major leagues because he had to -- injury plagued year the next year. -- 2006 he he had a leg injury that right inhibited him and so so he had a good spring training and -- carry over 'cause the injuries. But what it did wise for the Major League coaching staff to say hey you know what this guy can play right. And yes so there's a couple of guys you the big names -- media and the Al fielder. Burress ankle last year. Oh Juan Carlos -- exactly. Does he does he make him pre made somewhat of oppression last year does he come off the injury make even more repression yeah.

We arrived over the Red Sox are speaking highly were Linares was by the way in his rehab in the Arizona Fall League and they they do human being a pretty good player. Let's see so I think did Linares kind of you know let's let's do the -- thing again health I guess is one thing that you always need to monitor in spring training. In that can be both positive and negative I think to the two biggest acquisitions of last offseason. -- three really are a good indication of that because I think there's going to be a lot to watch with Adrian Gonzales Carl Crawford and Bobby Jenks.

Yeah it and it's not always going to be what people wanna hear I don't think. Gave because -- all of those guys are you talking about you gonna take it slow because you know the value that they can if they come back healthy. Crawford is Crawford is the wild card because I'm not really clear. On what we should expect. In regards to when he's going to be back. He we we hero cape potentially opening day more realistically maybe a few weeks and -- this wrist thing. If you -- the people who around them. He's he's this -- thing for awhile. And and wrists are tricky to where we've seen it time and time again. To me. If this is the thing the spring training goes that we could say you know what it's not coming along as quickly as we thought it might.

Yeah it really messes with you know it messes with your mechanics management end of -- messes with your mind it David Ortiz talked about that a lot your wrists are your livelihood. When you are a Major League hitter. And you know you need to have -- you need to feel right obviously Crawford has spent a number of years of his career not feeling right and dealing with this wrist condition. That ultimately required offseason surgery but. Yeah I mean I think that this was. That this could be significant because I thought that this was a big spring training for Crawford in order to get that comfort zone you know finally like. Okay I know the lay of the Lance kind of in Fort Myers even though it's a new. It's a new ballpark which could you know which I think will be a good thing for most of the for these players even though it's a slightly different routine than the one that they had last year but. I thought this was the year for Crawford to get his legs under him and maybe he can get his legs under now but it will be interesting to see whether or not he can get you know he can get that feel in the batter's box. When I'm not sure what he's going to be swinging in spring training I do think that. As we saw with Gonzales last year. The degree to which are able to performance -- in spring training and and to have the spring training that you used to get to have an impact on the ball trajectory of your season well.

If we saw you also have to be Smart about it and you have to be. Okay I'm not jump right into -- I -- be the player right off the bat in when -- see so with Gonzales take it slow. There's always only in singles well you know you have to ease back into a little bit and entrusting. They need to look at with Crawford is that. How his mindset was when he came back many -- figures in 2008. Yeah 2008 so he comes back post season against the rest guys so I mean -- there was a different sense of urgency urgency nonetheless. There was this is the urgency of I wanna get back into the seasoning -- going that was a year since the of I wanted to contribute to our pennant run. And and did you learn anything from so write that down.

one of things to do okay. Yeah but I think they've done I think that Gonzales seeing whether or not he's able to be a different hitter this year especially for the you know seeing how different it is for him to have a normal spring training room because. He was exceptional times in the Red Sox certainly can have no quibble about his production last year when he was finishing with you know amid nine hundreds OP asked. -- that sort of thing but he didn't hit thirty bombs which I think everyone was kind of expecting you know I know I was expecting Jacoby Ellsbury to leave the Red Sox in home runs last.

We want and -- in laws when he was going through that power owners to stand up and from the locker and say my shoulders wearing down. And every week with a -- that that's what we wanted to say because I wanted a real world confessional then yes speaks ethnically. In the -- the future yes but the hot tub sitting at 55 Touche and but we've. I think we know now that this sort of the problem right there that makes all the sense in the world absolutely. And it would make sense. To us and I think if you're questions were probably what was and acting you know the neck problems and changing his swing and buy it. They were clearly factors that relieving to him not hitting home runs besides just say well you know you struggling its first year in the American League. And it will be fascinating to see. How much I used an entire offseason of training with a shoulder hitting that shoulder hitting in spring training. Really translates into another year numerically.

Right people talk about it like filling up gas tank using the offseason to -- the gas -- and then you've you know you steadily depleted as the games start and with Adrian Gonzales who didn't quite get to fill the tank because he wasn't able to have. That normal offseason work out I'm the one other guy and we'll talk about in terms of health. Is Kevin Youkilis because they need to see a healthy Youkilis in order to have that solid one through five in the lineup and they need to see a pretty defensively sprawl you can listen because. You know if if you're talking about Youkilis and Mike Kabila's on the left side of the infield. Youkilis didn't have good range lesser he was obviously inhibited by you know by the -- he has really good hands and so he was.

I don't admit that he was and I think Michigan's hands were elected last year beyond Syria and -- believe me I I was on the Kevin Youkilis can play third base bandwagon has. As the might could get -- you close and gold gloves Torre's spring training my test. But I Gretzky you have value -- scooter I actually had all for it but it didn't called globe staff right. Yeah yes so close yet so far away and -- I just think that he had a set just like you do -- for the year before but I just thought he had a sub par. Defense of the year -- offensive year was still like a world of difference knew he had the day I think you're right I think that. We knew he carry Youkilis right now is that if he does have good hands in. And you -- you where you would hope that the rains. Is solid enough to make up because you you raise a very good point I mean we talked about Avila has the potential of realists and but even the best Mike Avila says -- gonna have great great teams.

And the Red Sox have talked about this that last year they were hampered by their defense on the left side of the infield especially you know especially either because of you causes injury or -- wasn't available when they had. You know -- was was limited in his range at times and you know his shoulder limited him as well. And then you know you had a you you didn't have good left side infield defense ends that really contributed more than people realize who the horror show that was their pitching staff. In September.

Came in and just a slightly off topic Youkilis on topic when the shortstop position. I said before -- previous -- that you might reveals one of the things and we look forward to seeing in spring training him playing shortstop is throwing in particular. Because one of the knocks on him from the Kansas City point of view was his throwing a mean and -- they feel they it's he had Tommy John third a couple of years ago. That he's gotten better and better and better we remember I think it was a -- to ask you where he had some problems for -- So he has a strong arm but is -- gonna be inaccurate arm is active is that can be when the prompted im playing shortstop.

It was insisting Pedroia on one of his appearances on WEEI this offseason I guess you may have heard of laser show -- have whatever they ended up calling it at the end of by the end of its campaign. He was raving that -- has a cannon of an arms so. Arm strength isn't an issue for many more but yet they need him to be you know they need him to be a precise. Of a precise or is as a shortstop that will be really interesting to see. -- that dynamic take shape so I assume then that shortstop as one of the things that's kind of on your radar to just see how.

Yeah I -- other guys were there yeah I mean I think it Nick Punto is. You is if there is is a better defender than Mike a realist right now. Why he also hasn't been a regular shortstop as much as Mike have you assess. And I think nick -- those value may be moving around a little bit and playing different places and but who knows maybe they get to a point where didn't really really not happy with the defense on the left sided diamond so they say you know what we're gonna sacrifice. Offensively a little bit to move won't go in there on a more regular basis -- toward the Mikell batter.

And in the wild card for down the road and I don't think that they wanna do this. Is Jose Iglesias because they want him to get his time in the minor leagues this year in order to be able -- pits and had successfully. But late in the year. You know it'll be interesting if he's had defeats are -- solid if he's had a solid performance in AAA not a he's hitting you know not if he's hitting you know 200. Not a visiting you know to twenty with no extra base hits. But if he has. A solid performance in triple -- in August. If they're struggling with their left side infield defense would they consider that and I think that that's something you know that's going to be at least tantalizing while they watched him. You know playing the infield in spring well you talked of low this.

During training and what to watch in this is the the Jose Iglesias thing. Is going to be one of the more passing thing I think one of the more frustrating things from I think we're on the same page through this and because. All this is this the media mess in the world one of the things for a couple things tried -- to Liverpool thing drugs yep -- it's because you look at livable situation people Seau is distracted while you know what their payroll has gone up every single year since -- bottler -- That aside. One of the other things as everyone coming not every one but a few people saying Jose Iglesias is going to be opening day shortstop. I might be absolutely wrong maybe he is put all the points that you mentioned. Are reasons why not. I just can't see happening maybe if one of their actual short stops that shot and upon shop over the course of spring training but otherwise no I mean it would take it would take something extraordinary to my mind. They need a glee season as well and you know it's dangerous about it is that we've seen Jose Iglesias in spring training before and he was good do you QBs did he impress people. And remember that first year two years ago. -- he was upset about even being sent down -- he knew he was did well when to your point when you hit. Just above 200 in triple way. And have have haven't played nearly as many games as they want you to play because of injuries. I don't care how you do if he had 415 spring training plays great defense still. As you said before I still think got to think that they're gonna put him back in my.

Yeah they are very much mine was actually talking with -- Arnie Baylor the -- sucks manager about this a couple of days ago I'm ends. You know he said look the guys just had so few professional -- hasn't even had 700 professional at bats at this point. And both of his seasons have been entrusted by injuries. This is the guy who is going to be who has the chance to be special one day. But not if you rush him and if you put him in a position where his confidence is certainly going to be shattered by. You know by competing at a level that he's not ready for which is you know which is almost a position that they put him in last year. He's strong enough and willful enough that it didn't shatter his confidence but. Nevertheless they want him to succeed in the minors before he gets that opportunity in the yet not in spring training but in the minors conferences not built up. By a you know fringe major leaguers pitching starting -- success against those type guys which is what he said before. So the last question that I'll get to is do you think that the Red Sox end up making a significant move I'm not talking about the 25 man on the roster -- running -- forty man roster. Did end up making a significant move over the course of spring training full.

You rarely see it right I mean you rarely see in the past that's been betrayed dev he had and then you go back to Billy -- to -- to Theo Epstein. -- weaving into his first spring training said. Don't get carried away with what you see in spring training don't make moves off emotion when the guy regards to that I remember -- day of the -- the move for Tony Womack. Or trading Tony Womack in the in the spring training one year. By each of -- we don't see it. By. I guess I would say this I would be less surprised if they did this year than other years I'm just because. They weren't able to accomplish -- hit the ground running in regards to their roster I think like they would want it to in years past is that makes sense. These are the is that -- the roster -- complete that's why there's competition right in in you know I think they said you know -- really really wish we -- able to address this we really -- able to Wear dresses better than we did. And -- if the opportunity presents itself. Yeah I and I think that the could make -- a drop some CBA knowledge on grass I love the CB you know.

Okay so I do think that there could be a slightly different trade dynamic this year because of the collective bargaining agreement namely. Guys who are going to be worth draft pick compensation. Are not going to be worth draft pick compensation if they're treated in the middle of the season. And so that net effect of that is that a team that has a potential guy who would be worth draft pick compensation. Is going to have a much harder time trading them. In the middle of the season and they will in spring training and so for guys were going to be entering their walk years there could be a different dynamic in play now. Then there has been in the past for this spring training because. Once April once opening day arrives there trade value goes way down then because they're no longer worth two draft picks if you trade a guy in spring training. Who's entering his free agent year. Then you potentially could get two draft picks back forum. With the trading team could potentially get to draft expect more and so. There could be something different going on this year in terms of the dynamics of the of the market that said. The likelihood is that they're still aren't that many moves because there aren't that many guys who are really good who are going to be treatable in entering into their walk here.

Yeah in pain in your roughly right in and I would like to say that I this is my line of thinking when I said there might be trades for training but. You obviously took it to another level which I appreciated here on. The Bradford -- spent time on a cruise I was told I was asked bio -- if it would you like to take it to the next level with cheese it hit it I thought that was just the greatest thing -- the fifth I was just to be clear that was -- I was salad were shredded parmesan and with a salad. Don't want don't confuse anyone about the contents toward a good. That was that was thought that was also the alternative title for the podcast taking it to the next level with cheese. Right well I suppose it could see BA notes is it is evidently akin to cheese but but I think this thing is you rise to give the reluctance despite the the potential for getting draft picks are still the reluctance is not being overreacting to. The quality of player that you have but they you're trading because you do with the middle year. You know way that player is tournament the year he's having and what you gonna get back. So forth and so on there's so much uncertainty. A monster into a Major League exhibition season. It did you really should make you a little bit sheepish about what you're getting so.

Oh -- got -- wildcard is let's say that the White Sox looked just brutal and then they might decide to blow it up in which case a pitcher like Gavin Floyd might end up being. They might end up being you know deciding short now's the time to move -- I think -- be a bad move on their part because I think -- patient keep Floyd until the trade deadline. When it there are more teams that would have payroll and roster flexibility. They would be willing to part with a more significant prospect package for a guy. -- under team control for a couple of years. But they'll be the one wildcard but otherwise it's difficult to imagine. Who would be a big name who could be adults in the middle of five in the middle of this coming season.

Ball -- mean this this probably goes to the trade deadline podcast but it. -- laundry you're committed I would imagine do a lot of positive -- that -- except that the Dodgers could compete. Yeah but right now it I -- Dodgers owner though isn't going to line you know I if if they're out of it then yes they deal on the particular fact that they don't make tackles and a -- don't know -- but if you talk about but potentially guys and we we look at the free agent market for next year or it's not a good free agent market there -- some -- guys who will be available as pitchers as starting pitchers. My butt off for position player Josh Hamilton is a guy obviously by this uncertainty -- that Texas Colombian and anyway. Bottom by each year. It just because -- they have show shown no inclination to talk extension with him like he did with the camp right now so. Yeah Mike.

Napoli I guess is not a guy but yet so I guess that'll do it for this. For this look at this story lines that we're going to be watching. For spring training. It should be a really insisting Red Sox spring training there's going to be no shortage of story lines. And if we will look forward to covering it for you wallet dot WEEI dot com rob thanks for having me on and -- caught a day for the Bradford files.