Friday Links: Red Sox announce starters for spring

Photo credit: Kelly O’Connor

While the snow is still covering the ground in Boston, just three days separate us from the start of the Red Sox first game of the spring.

The Red Sox can officially put their 2014 last place finish behind them, and rinse the bad taste out of their mouths on Tuesday with their annual split-squad meeting between Northeastern University and Boston College. Manager John Farrell announced on Thursday that Clay Buchholz and Rick Porcello would see action in the bout against Northeastern. While southpaw Wade Miley and knuckleballer Steven Wright are scheduled to throw two innings as well in the game against Boston College. This presents the possibility that right-hander Joe Kelly will start Boston’s first major league spring training game against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday.

• While it may seem like a good idea for the Red Sox to add an ace before the season begins, the team is in no rush to fortify their rotation. Boston, who has been unwilling to meet Philadelphia’s asking price for Cole Hamels, seems content on entering the season with Clay Buchholz and Rick Porcello atop their rotation. (Boston Red Sox showing “€œno urgency”€ to deal, according to report)

• After virtually abandoning switch-hitting during the 2013 playoffs and 2014 season, Shane Victorino wants to return to batting from both sides of the plate. With his health now in full check following an injury-racked 2014 campaign, the 34-year old wants to regain the versatility that comes with switch-hitting. (Shane Victorino on switch-hitting: “I would like to try it again”)

• Following the unfortunate relapse of Josh Hamilton, and the meniscus injury of Michael Saunders, the Red Sox suddenly have two suitors for their outfield surplus. Boston, along with the Dodgers and Padres, have an outfield logjam that will require a trade at one point or another. For the Red Sox, Shane Victorino and Allen Craig are two names that could peak the interest of Anaheim or Toronto. (Trade market already taking shape for spare Dodgers, Red Sox, Padres OF)

• Clay Buchholz failed to capitalize on his successful, yet injury-shortened, 2013 season last year, but the 30-year old seems to have confided with the right people this offseason. The right-hander spent the winter working with former Red Sox John Lackey and Roger Clemens at the University of Texas, and has subsequently garnered high marks this spring from his former catcher Jason Varitek. (Clay Buchholz worked with Roger Clemens this winter)

• Tweet of the day: Impressive to say the least.