Boston Red Sox

In most instances, a manager will focus on the opposing team’s starting pitcher when filling out his lineup card prior to a game.

Once among the best young relief pitchers in baseball, Boston Red Sox right-hander Daniel Bard looked lost last year during an attempted conversion to the starting rotation.

Although he has made great strides to reclaim his career this spring, it appears he still has work to do and will likely start the 2013 season in the minors. 

Boston Red Sox prospect Drake Britton got himself into hot water earlier in spring training because of bad decisions and may now have to pay big.

After losing 93 games and making a mockery of themselves in the process last season, the Boston Red Sox have their eyes on smooth sailing and a return to form in 2013.

Center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. may not be in the Boston Red Sox's immediate plans this year. That doesn't mean he isn't ready to make an impact in the big leagues. 

The Boston Red Sox’s top prospects have garnered a lot of attention this spring. However, the team and its fans should be most encouraged by the performance of some of their veteran pitchers who are seeking to rebound from a disappointing 2012 season.

Shane Victorino was one of the lucky players to be selected to play for Team USA in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

The Boston Red Sox got closer to finalizing their regular-season roster on Friday, when they decided the fate of their top-two pitching prospects, sending Allen Webster and Rubby De La Rosa to the minors.

The story was first reported in a tweet by the Providence Journal’s Tim Britton:

Spring training is great. It’s a relaxing, yet entertaining brand of baseball reminiscent of the 1970s and ‘80s. However, spring training obviously has a greater purpose besides the leisurely entertainment we all enjoy.

These six weeks give coaches and fans an idea of the strength of their teams and, in turn, a preview of what the coming season will hold. With the Red Sox just a few short weeks away from heading up north, it’s time to examine just how prepared they are for the upcoming season. 

The Boston Red Sox have not made the playoffs since being swept out of the postseason against the Los Angeles Angels in 2009 and now have a real chance to make it back in the playoffs with a wide open AL East.