Ellsbury had this to say:

“Yeah, I would say so, but you never know.” “I’m pretty optimistic. I’m never going to say no on anything. [It's] just kind of what I told you before. I can’t really predict.”

In other Red Sox news, Dice-K has pushed Tim Wakefield out of the rotation as the fifth starter. Wakefield will go to the bullpen for the first time since 2004. Wakefield is 43 years old and struggling a bit to start the season.

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Also ailing for the Red Sox is Mike Cameron who passed a kidney stone earlier this week and is not still in a lot of pain. He was not in the line-up today against the Rays, and is uncertain for their next game.

Cameron had this to say:

“I’ve been knocked out.” “And this was worse than that. I’ve never been shot, but if getting shot is worse than this, I hope I never get shot.”

The Sox just wrapped up a three-game series with the Rays in which they were swept. They are 4-8 to start the year.

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Manager Joe Maddon had this to say:

“That’s great.” “He’s been swinging the bat better. We’ve been talking about it. To touch one off like that under these circumstances has got to help his confidence, I would have to believe. That was big for us.”

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The home-run in the 12th inning came after the Rays were stuck in a bases loaded, no out jam in the 11th inning. They were on the road and facing defeat, and possibly a suspended game with the rain pouring down, when Joe Maddon made some very interesting moves to keep the game alive.

Maddon moved outfielder (and every other position player) Ben Zobrist in as a fifth infielder. David Ortiz grounded out where a force out was recorded at home-plate, and then Adrian Beltre hit into an inning ending double play to keep the Rays alive in a 1-1 tie.

Pitcher Lance Cormier got himself in and out of this trouble, and had this to say:

“I watched Carlos and I’m like, ‘Throw it! Throw it!’ and then I’m like, ‘Oh, no.” “Great play by Navvy. He picked it and made sure he stayed on the plate. He almost had to chest it up to pick it, and you know you’ve got a guy coming in who is going to take him out. … He stayed in there, kept his body in there, and he made a big play.”

The Rays are tied for first place with an 8-3 record in the American League East, and are looking strong on all ends. Their offense, defense, and pitching has all looked strong thus far, and the team is trying to make an early stand that they are the type of team that 2008 showed us.

Manager Terry Francona had this to say:

“(It’s) a little more centrally isolated which is good.” “But he’s having trouble rotating. As much as we love having him in there, it’s not a good thing to get him back quick.”

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The Injury happened after colliding with outfielder Adrian Beltre to which Ellsbury said: “I’m just grateful it wasn’t worse.” Beltre mentioned that the play was conducted in text-book fashion and that unfortunately they didn’t see each other until it was too late.

The Red Sox are 3-4 and have another matchup at the new Target Field today in Minnesota. The red-hot Twins will put up K. Slowey against newly acquired Red Sox pitcher John Lackey.

In the coming weeks we will find out if the Rays are yet again for real, or if their pitching will fade away much like it did in 2009. The bats will stay hot, and the clock is ticking on Tampa keeping a legitimate shot at playoff contention. I say this because stars like Carl Crawford and Tony Pena may or may not be with the relatively small market team next season.

In another AL East showdown, the Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays are already underway. Vernon Wells is looking to his his 5th home-run in four games, and the Orioles look to keep their bats hot depspite some poor relief pitching performances thus far. Baltimore is sitting at 1-2, while Toronto is at a cool 2-1 with a great offensive start to the year.

The Red Sox aren’t in a division showdown like the other four teams, they will be taking on the Kansas City Royals at 8:10 PM Eastern. Tim Wakefield is still in the starting rotation throwing his knuckleballs as wicked as ever. Lucky for the Sox, they won’t have to take on Greinke today, but he should get the start tomorrow against Josh Beckett. Beckett did officially get his contract extension for four more years. The Red Sox now have their core rotation locked up through 2014 at least.

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After two games when David Ortiz was still hitless, the media in Boston was ruthless in their criticisms of the Dominican star. I’m not sure if that market is worried that he is not the same since the allegations of steroid use came into the light, or whether they really feel that his production will never be the same. It almost seems like they want him to fail.

In all honesty, Papi looks like he’s hitting the ball quite well aside from his usual flailing whiffs against good lefty sliders. With the amount of strength that he has and the way he swings the bat, he’s going to strike out a lot. Aside from striking out, hitting into the shift in short right field reduces a lot of hot smashes going through for base hits. It’s been this way for his whole career.

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To criticize a guy for not getting a hit in two games, and then not responding publicly after he drives in your teams first and only run in the 3-1 loss against New York Wednesday night, is a little ridiculous. Clearly the Boston fanbase feels a lot differently about Ortiz than they once did.

Ortiz had every reason to be upset before the game on Tuesday. I originally had thought that he would be more upset and the extremely unprofessional behavior of the umpires not granting the players time when they ask for it. SIDE NOTE. Yankees/Red Sox games too long for you? Too bad, they rack up more viewers and overall television ratings than any other match in the league.

He has moved out of the cleanup spot into the five-hole, which is a good move by Francona. I have to say though, if you aren’t comfortable with him hitting cleanup, what reasoning do you have for designating him to protect your cleanup hitter?

The big upcoming question will be whether the Red Sox pick up his humongous option in 2011. At this point in the season, I would have to say no, simply because he only plays the DH position.

I don’t think that Ortiz is ever going to be as dominant as he once was, but cut the guy a little slack. After a horrible start last year he ended up hitting 28 home-runs and 99 RBI’s. The power is still there, but criticizing a guy after two games for not getting a hit where he hit the ball hard into the shift several times is no way to keep a players confidence.

I would be more willing to believe the 40 home-runs than the 40 stolen bases as Girardi has him 8th in the lineup. He has been a career lead-off hitter to this point. With that potent Yankee lineup, I would imagine he will get 30/30 this year. 40/40 is a long shot, but Granderson is off to a great start. There’s a lot of pressure when you suit up as a Yankee for the first time, and he’s responding beautifully.

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BH- Mike, As a kid, I’m sure you imagined yourself as a Major League Player. But, realistically, did you ever see this happening? Did you see your dream coming true like this?

MB– All I ever wanted to do growing up was play baseball, I remember writing papers about being a professional baseball player all throughout school. I did everything I could when I was a kid and in High School to make that a reality, so I knew that I was putting myself in the best possible position to make my dream a reality. Playing professional baseball has been an unbelievable experience, I have learned so much about the game and life. It has been much more challenging than I thought it was going to be, it is a very long season with a lot of ups and downs but I could not imagine doing anything else.

BH-Who was your sports idol growing up? What made this person someone you looked up to?

MB- Growing up one of my role models was Michael Jordan, although he did not play baseball, well I guess he actually did, but just watching him when I was growing up was awesome. He was the leader of one of the greatest teams ever, he could take a game into his own hands and win a game while being a team player. He played the game very hard, and it was very easy to respect that even at such a young age.

BH-Who has been your biggest supporter in pursuing your dream? How has this support benefited you?

MB- My biggest supporter without a doubt has been my mother, growing up she would do whatever it would take to get me to the baseball field even though she worked all the time she still found a way. My mom worked extremely hard, and still does. I have a very good work ethic and I owe a lot of that to her. I grew up with my mother and two older sisters, and they have all done everything they can to help me accomplish my dream, and have supported every decision I have made.

My fiance has also supported me, it takes a very strong woman to be with a baseball player, especially at long distances and she has been nothing but supportive even when she has to deal with me after a bad game.

BH-Are you a little disappointed that you missed out on college, or is that something you intend to go back to achieve?

MB- I have money set a side in my contract to pay for my college if I choose to go back. Right now I am doing everything in my power to accomplish my dream and play in the Major Leagues so right now school is not an option. Depending on how my career goes I plan on someday going back to school.

I am not disappointed I did not go to college. When my fiance was in college I got to visit her quite a bit and that was enough of the college experience I needed.

BH- Being at your draft party was unreal experience. It was an honor to be a part of you accomplishing what you set out to do, but if you can… take me all the way back to draft day in 2005. Put me in your head, what were you thinking that morning?

MB- Looking back, it was one of the most special days of my life. While the draft was going on, I was inside listening to the draft and waiting for the phone call. Once I heard my name I just started hugging my mom and agent and sisters, then I walked outside and told everyone and a buddy of mine was wearing a Red Sox hat so he gave it to me to wear. The rest of the day we all just hung out ate a bunch of food, it was a great day.

BH- It was an outstanding experience for me, and let me tell you…the food was glorious as I’m sure most would agree!

MB- (Laughs)

BH- What is the coolest, most exciting moment you’ve experience so far in professional baseball?

MB- The most exciting moment I have experienced so far is without a doubt the first relief appearance I made in the Major Leagues. It was a Sunday night game against the Yankees and it was a 3-1 ballgame I believe in the 7th inning. I heard the phone ring in the bullpen and my heart skipped a beat, and then the bullpen coach told me to get ready. I pitched 2 clean innings with 2 strikeouts (one of the victims was future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter). At the end of that game I felt like I was on the top of the world, it was one of the greatest feelings I have ever experienced.

BH- You were a good hitter in high school. Do you miss hitting now? Does it somewhat discourage you that you won’t be able to hit in the Majors unless you get traded to the NL or play in an interleague game?

MB- I was a good hitter in High School, and when I first signed I thought I was going to really miss it. But after I realized everything that being a pitcher entailed I am glad that was the only thing that I had to concentrate on. I do sometimes think about getting an at bat in inter-league play and hitting a home run, I think that day will come.

BH- For all the people that wonder daily, can you tell us about a typical day in your life playing pro ball.

MB- We usually play at night, so when we wake up we make breakfast and run some errands or just hang out at our house. Then we get to the park around 2 o’clock for a 7 o’clock game. Depending on the day we will have to workout and throw and do conditioning, maybe throw a bullpen, do some shoulder strengthening exercises, shag batting practice, then go back into the clubhouse and get some food and get ready to play in the game. We get done around 11 0′clock every night so we then go home and do it again the next day.

BH-How do you deal with all the travel and odd hours that you experience?

MB- It is very tough to deal with the travel, especially in the lower levels of professional baseball. There could be days where we are on a bus for 10 hours and then we have to play that night. Or you have to wake up at 4 in the morning to catch a 6AM flight then have to play that night. Also we hardly ever sleep in our own beds and staying in a bunch of different hotels its hard but is a ton of fun at the same time.

BH- What kinds of things do you and your teammates do to pass the time when you travel?

MB- We play a lot of cards, and card games. We watch movies. We talk a lot of baseball. We make fun of each other and give everyone a hard time. A professional season is very long so you have to have as much fun as you can. The guys are truly your family for 9 months out of the year, and its fun going to the park everyday and hanging out with a bunch of guys and having fun.

BH- Who has helped you most on the baseball field in your life? Why?

MB- My first pitching coach was Bob Kipper, who is actually from where I grew up so we had a lot in common. But he helped me out a lot in my first professional season. He taught me so much about the game and about pitching that I did not know, he helped set the foundation for the pitcher that I am now.

A bunch of teammates have helped me on the field just because they are able to see a lot of things you don’t, not only physically but mentally, and they are not afraid to confront you about it.

BH- I remember hearing that you were going to make that start against the White Sox a good 24 hours in advance. Can you describe your ML debut. What emotions were you feeling? What thoughts were running through your head? How did you combat your nervousness or any pressure you felt?

MB- My debut was awesome. I was very nervous but extremely excited at the same time. When I got out on the mound for the first time I took a second and looked all around just to take it in. It is an amazing feeling when you have accomplished something you have worked your whole life for. I was nervous with the first batter that I faced and walked him, but after that I told myself it was just baseball and something I have done my whole life and just relaxed. I ended up getting the win in that game. It was a great feeling.

BH- Everyone knows that you’ve been involved in trade rumors for players like Roy Halladay, Johan Santana, Andrew Jones, and Adrian Gonzalez. How do you react to those?

MB- They are rumors for a reason, most likely they are not true, just like all the ones you mentioned. I don’t worry about things I cannot control. It is actually flattering being named in trades for great players like that, and just knowing that other teams would like you in their organization.

BH- What advice would you give a young pitcher going through the recruiting/draft processes? What advice would you give a young player who has the dream of playing in the big leagues?

MB- Just be yourself. Do everything you can to maximize your opportunity. Also make good decisions and surround yourself with people that will bring the best out in you. It is a long and stressful process but if you work hard and do your best, that dream has a much better chance of becoming a reality.

BH- Mike, thanks again for your honesty and time with this interview. It’s been truly awesome watching you fly up the ranks of the Red Sox organization, and I know that you’ll continue to put yourself in the best position for success. We’re all pulling for you back home and here at Bringingheat.com. Keep working hard, stay healthy and hopefully we’ll be able to catch up next winter.

MB- Your welcome Brett and it was a pleasure. Thanks and best of luck to you as well

The Yankees started the offseason off by trading for Curtis Granderson and signing Nick Johnson, letting Hideki Mastui and Johnny Damon walk in an effort to get younger. With those departures goes quite a bit of offensive production (Matsui: .274/.367/.509; Damon: .282/.365/.489), which likely won’t be matched by Granderson and Johnson. Their offense will still be fantastic, but not quite as potent as it was in 2009. They also traded Melky Cabrera to Atlanta, leaving the center field job to Brett Gardner, who will likely help the team defensively, but not much offensively. The Yankees outfield will likely be a better defensive unit in 2010.

The Red Sox let Alex Gonzales walk and signed Marco Scutaro, who should add some value offensively despite being a lesser defensive SS. They also signed Mike Cameron, who is a defensive wizard in center field, which allows the Red Sox to move Ellsbury to left field where he is likely better suited after a poor defensive year in center. Cameron brings some pop and a little bit of on base skill, but it’s a far cry from the offensive production Jason Bay had in 2009. Luckily, Bay’s defense was terrible which leaves the very real possibility that the defensive boost of Cameron in CF offsets the lack of offense. Another move (that I love, by the way) was to sign Adrian Beltre to a one year deal and move Mike Lowell and his expensive contract to the bench. Beltre is a top flight defensive 3B and just might have a heck of a year beating balls off the Green Monster in an effort to get paid next year.

Now for the pitching.

The Yankees traded Melky Cabrera for Javier Vazquez from the Braves and immediately improved their starting rotation by a good amount. Vazquez likely won’t be as good as he was last year, moving to the AL East, but do not let his first stint in New York fool you: the guy can pitch. He’ll likely end up being the second best starter in the rotation behind Sabathia and will make for a deadly rotation in the playoffs. He’s also good insurance for the very fragile A.J. Burnett. There is a battle for the 5th spot still ongoing, but I think Joba Chamberlain is going to end up in the bullpen with Hughes starting. A rotation of Sabathia, Vazquez, Burnett, Pettitte, and Hughes is about as good as it comes for a starting 5.

The Red Sox added the biggest free agent pitcher this season in John Lackey. Coming from the pitcher friendly AL West, his numbers are a bit inflated, but he’s still a very good starting pitcher. A rotation of Beckett, Lackey, Lester, Dice-K, Bucholtz, and Wakefield has the potential to be pretty nasty with a good balance of experience and youth. This lineup has the potential to outproduce the one in New York, and I think it will.

The final verdict:

I think the Yankees have a slight edge, still, offensively, but that edge got smaller over the offseason. I think the Red Sox starting pitching is better, but the bullpens are very tight. Rivera is the best in the biz, but Papelbon is no slouch. I’m going to give the edge to the Yankees, as of now. Then, the final piece that, in my opinion, decides the division: defense. I have to give the defensive edge to the Red Sox. Both teams have improved on this front, but the Red Sox more so. Cameron and Beltre put them over the top.

My prediction:

Red Sox: 99-63

Yankees: 97-65

Yankees fans: feel free to send me your hate.