Lucchino Not A Boras Fan

Lucchino was speaking to a Washington based paper today. He touched on many subjects, but one I found interesting was Scott Boras...

"Certainly you can see how the pre-draft hype and hyperbole are quite similar," said Larry Lucchino, Baltimore's team president in 1989, who now holds a similar position with the Red Sox. "And if anything that hype has probably increased in intensity. The team is similarly situated, with external pressure. And then [Scott] Boras as the player's agent." Lucchino sighed, then added, "I'm sure it will be a long and protracted negotiation at the detriment of the player's development (Extra Bases)."

Lucchino and Boras have gone head to head many times. Most recently was over Mark Teixeira. Needless to say neither think much of the other, but you wonder if this bad blood will lead to more problem since Boras has a lot of the most high profile players under his belt. Anyways, just thought it was interesting...

Daily Sox Spring Training Update

- The Red Sox Owners did their yearly State of the "Nation" address today. Not really a lot of good stuff here, but they covered everything from A-Rod to Mike Lowell's hurt feelings. All they said about A-Rod is they would like to put steroids behind them and move on. Here is what they said about Mike Lowell...

Lucchino: "We said today, baseball is both a business and a sport. The business part is now behind us, the offseason and negotiations. Now it's time to recognize it's a competitive sport, to join arms. We have a bunch of very experienced players that do understand that distinction and whole are very loyal to the franchise, to their teammates, to the whole organization. We don't anticipate any sort of hangover or carry over (Boston.com)."

- Today is the Red Sox first full team workout. David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, J.D. Drew and Jason Bay all spent time in the batting cages before the team meeting, which precedes their first workout.

- The economy is already showing it's effect as the Red Sox are reporting the smallest crowds they have seen in a long time. We won't really see it affect the Sox at Fenway Park (because of their small park), but I think you'll see even less people when the Sox hit the road.

- Josh was Bard catching the Wake during his bullpen session today. Reports are he looked good doing so, but as we have seen before that means nothing compared to catching him during an actual game.