Just about all the Red Sox have arrived

February 21, 2012|By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

FORT MYERS, Fla. — With just a few exceptions, nearly all of the Red Sox have arrived in Fort Myers.

No sign of David Ortiz or Jacoby Ellsbury yet. But Dustin Pedroia, Cody Ross, Nick Punto, Darnell McDonald and Jose Iglesias arrived in camp today

Pedroia is in the stadium at the moment filming a commercial.

A few notes:

ߦ Ryan Sweeney, who could well start the season in left field, said he always has been intrigued by the Red Sox and has been told his swing will fit Fenway Park well.

"I had my first hit there," he said, recalling a single off Kason Gabbard in 2006 when he was with the White Sox. "I've always liked playing at Fenway."

ߦ Ross Ohlendorf said his shoulder is fine. He developed a back issue while traveling here and that's what has him behind the other pitchers.

"It should only be a few days, if that," he said.

Ohlendorf said he had several choices, but picked the Red Sox because he saw an opportunity and because he wanted to get back in the AL East. "I love the competition here and the way the fans react," he said.

ߦ Jose Iglesias looked a little stronger, which presumably should help him at the plate. "I feel real good," he said. "It was a great winter."

ߦ Today marks four months since former general manager Theo Epstein quit the Red Sox to join the Cubs. It sounds like Bud Selig is ready to hand down a ruling on compensation any time now. I know, I know, you've heard this before.

Hopefully this tedious tale will soon be concluded.