Wednesday Links: The gang’s all here

Photo credit: Kelly O’Connor

With all heads accounted for, the Red Sox ran through their first full-squad workout of the spring on Wednesday.

• Between some light work in the cage, Red Sox slugger David Ortiz spent his first full day in Fort Myers making the rounds with the Boston media. Perhaps Big Papi’s most unique comments came after he was asked about the MLB’s newly instated €œpace-of-play€ rules. Ortiz, who is known for his long routine between pitches, didn’t pull any punches while lambasting the new rules. (David Ortiz rants at pace of play rules)

• Despite adding another quality youngster to the system, the Red Sox acquisition of Yoan Moncada doesn’t bring them closer to a trade for Phillies ace Cole Hamels. While a deal is logical on the surface, the rarity of such prospects like Mookie Betts and Blake Swihart make Boston unwilling to ship them out of town. (Despite Yoan Moncada, Red Sox trade for Cole Hamels unlikely)

• While Yoan Moncada will probably spend the first two seasons of his life as a professional baseball player in the minors, the 19-year old got an early taste of The Show on Wednesday. The infielder agreed to a $31.5 million minor-league pact with Boston and took his physical to finalize the transaction. (Yoan Moncada spends day in Fort Myers before heading to Boston)

• With the Phillies asking price for Cole Hamels remaining at a high level, Boston could shift their focus to another Philadelphia left-hander. 36-year old Cliff Lee spent almost the entire season on the disabled list in 2014 with various injuries, but early season reports say the southpaw is looking healthy. Boston has long admired Lee, and could pry him from Philly by offering expendable minor league and major league talent. (With Hamels talks stalled, would Red Sox consider Lee, who looks strong?)

• Tweet of the day: This would stick right in Manfred’s craw