FORT MYERS, Fla.The Red Sox open their exhibition schedule Saturday with the traditional doubleheader against Northeastern and Boston College.
Left-hander Jon Lester is scheduled to start the first game against Northeastern and pitch two innings, followed by right-handers matt Albers, Michael Bowden, and Justin Germano.
Lefty Felix Doubront is scheduled to start the night cap against BC, going two innings, followed by righties Doug Mathis, Chorye Spoone, and Junichi Tazawa.
The first time out, this is, you know everyone says, Oh, its just a spring training game, said manager Bobby Valentine. But getting their legs underneath them, and being out in the center of the diamond is always a new experience, every year. So I just want them to get the newness out of it. Anybody whos working on a pitch, they might work on a pitch too. But basically the first outing is just to get in and out of the game. Thats really what Im looking for.
Valentine is looking for similar things from his position players.
Position players get in the box with a little adrenaline going, Valentine said. Because you dont usually have a lot of adrenaline in batting practice and standing in in the bullpen. Just get that feeling back. Some guys might be working on a bunt or working on taking a certain pitch that they have been swinging at in the past and you can start off the spring by doing something successfully. Its more just to get your feet underneath your body.
Senior right-hander Sam Berg of Brooklyn, NY, will start for Northeastern. Left-hander Steve Green is starting for BC.