I guess when you’ve been in the Intenational League as long as I have (12 years), you know a lot of people.  The other day I told you about my encounters with former Pawtucket players like Bobby Scales and Fernando Cabrera.  Here in Rochester, ex-Red Sox first baseman and PawSox standout, Aaron Bates is playing for the Red Wings.  Bates was released by the Sox on March 31, 2011 and was subsequently scooped up by the Twins.  He was pleased.  “It’s a great organization.  It’s been a pleasure.  I’ve been fortunate to be with two first class organizations, Boston and the Minnesota Twins.  Spring Training went well and I’m just looking to get the season underway.”

     Bates took his release from Boston in stride.  He’s a smart guy and he understands how things work.  “It was just one of those things.  I’m still close with everyone over there.  I had had my best Spring Training ever that year, but I didn’t have that good of a year in 2010.  I knew coming in that the odds were stacked against me a little bit.  I’m still close with (assistant General Manager) Mike Hazen.  I got a lot of opportunities with Boston.  They gave me my Big League debut.  The biggest thing is that I have so many friends over there.  As far as the business end of it, I know how baseball goes and I appreciated the opportunity I had.”

     It may be a little strange for Bates to be sitting in the Rochester dugout, with a former mentor of his across the field.  “Arnie Beyeler is, if not THE, definitely one of the best managers i ever played for.  I played for him a long time.  I remember when I got called up to Double A (Portland) in 2007, I really didn’t know what to expect from Arnie.  You get your work done with him.  He gets you going.  He makes you earn your stripes a little bit.  As a younger guy, you don’t know what to expect from him, but once you show him that you play hard every day and go about your business the right way, he’ll do anything for you.  He’ll break his back for you.  I was so fortunate to have him coming up in the system.  He taught me so much about baseball.  How to play and how to prepare.”

     Aaron is certain that his time in the Red Sox chain hasd helped him with the Twins.  “Both teams are really big on preparation.  The Sox helped me develop from a very young age and when you come over to this organization, you’re ready to play.  I’m just fortunate that Boston does such a good job developing players.  When I got here, I wasn’t like a fish out of water.  I know how to play the game.”

     After a long Spring in Fort Myers, facing the PawSox at least once a week, Bates is re-acquainted with his former teammates, but it’s still fun to see the guys in this setting.  “It’s a lot of fun.  I remember last year the first time we played the PawSox at McCoy, it was great. Lars (Anderson) and I were drafted the same year.  (Ryan) Kalish is rehabbing.  I know he’ll be back soon.  I’m real close with him.  It’s like seeing old friends.  It’s like a reunion.  You see all your buddies and it’s just fun to compete agsinst them.”

      Bates took on as new “teammate” this offseason, the former Miss Massachusetts, Lacy Wilson.  “I got married December 17th.  It was a lot of fun.  We’ve been together for a really long time and she’s been great.  It was a fun offseason.”  Bates is a player with some power in his bat, but he knows that this may be the biggest home run he’s evr hit.  “We met right before I transferred to N.C. State and she’s been there all along, supporting me.  It’s a good team, we’re a good team.  She makes it really easy on me.  It was a no- brainer.  I’m just really fortunate to have her in my life.”

     First let me say that I have never been a fan of Ozzie Guillen.  From his days as a loudmouth player with the White Sox, all the way through to today as a loudmouth manager of the Marlins.  He is one of those guys who just doesn’t have a filter.  He says whatever pops into his head, a trait that most of us shed at about age 8.  By now you’ve heard of the flap he caused by extolling the virtues of Cuban dictator, Fidel Castro.  Something compelled Guillen to say, among other things that he “loved” Castro.  Dan Lebatard, a successful columnist and ESPN host, happens to be a Cuban- American and likened Castro to Hitler.  Imagine how youi’d feel if someone came out and expressed their love for Adolph.

     The Marlins have acted swiftly.  They had to because it’s a P.R. nightmare.  Guillen was hired to be the face of the franchise, in a new ballpark in an area that is heavily Hispanic, and predominantly Cuban.  Really Ozzie?  Are you thast stupid or just careless and a little stupid?  Guillen was quick with the “mea culpas”, but raise your hand if you believe the guy.  Another P.R. move to try for damage control.  The Marlins can ill-afford to lose such a vast portion of their audience.  The crocodile tears and all were a nice touch, but Ozzie, you’ve got to wear this one.   A five game suspension seems about right.

     Jose Iglesias is a Cuban.  In fact, the 22 year old defected from his country and the Castro regime to pursue his dreams of Major League baseball in the United States.  Iglesias was diplomatic in his assessment of Guillens’ comments.  “It’s his decision.  I don’t really care what he says.  We’re here to play baseball, or manage, not for politics.  Thaat’s not our business.  Playing the game.  That’s what I’m here for.  I’m not here because I hate Fidel.  I’m here because I love baseball.”

     Iglesias thinks there could be an impact at the ballpark in South Florida.  Maybe a Cuban boycott?  “Probably.  There are a lot of Cuban people in Miami.  If they hear that (Guillens’ comments), they’re going to be sad.  A lot of bad has happened in the last 50 years. ”  Iglesias feels fortunate, but he knows the people of previous generations, like his father and grandfather didn’t have it so easy.  “I had a normal time in Cuba.  Back in the old days, it waws more difficult for everybody.”.  

     I think Joses’ comments were on the mild side and that Guillen has created a furor, not only with the Cubans, but also with anyone that cares a whiff about humanity.

     As I have stated so many times before, the best thing about my job is the friends that I make.  It’s always fun to check an opposing roster and see if there are any former members of the PawSox still in action.  This Spring I ran into shortstop Chris Woodward, back in the Blue Jays organization.  He was with Boston for a short time a couple of seasons ago.  I go back to the late ’90s with Woody, when we were together with the Syracuse Chiefs.  Really, it doesn’t matter how long ago it was, if there was ever a bond, it should always be there.

     In the first couple of series this season, the PawSox have faced Buffalo and Lehigh Valley.  Former luminaries like Joe Thurston (2008), Hector Luna (2011) and Kevin Frandsen (2010) are all on the IronPigs roster.  For Buffalo, Fernando Cabrera (2009,10) earned a save in the series finale and I spoke to him for the post game, on field interview.  Certainly not the first time he earned a save at McCoy.  The biggest kick for me, so far (besides chatting with “American Idol” finalist, Erika Van Pelt) was catching up with my old friend Bobby Scales, of the Bisons.  Bobby played for the PawSox, under manager Ron Johnson, in 2007.  Hard to imagine that it was that long ago.  With his ever-present smile, Scales reflected.   “It’s been a while, Steve.  It’s fantastic.  Pulling up here to the ballpark yesterday on the bus, even though it was late, it was a nice feeling.  I really enjoyed the 2007 season here in Pawtucket R.I.  Obviously, you want to be in the Big Leagues.  That’s the goal.  But I’ve told many people, if you’ve got to be in Triple A, Pawtucket is a great place to be.” 

     Scales finally realized his goal of playing Major League Baseball, with the Chicago Cubs.  “Getting called up is why I play.  It’s why everybody on this team plays.  To get the call and for it to be real…It is a special day.”  Scales says he was warmly received.  “It was great, walking into the clubhouse and seeing all those guys.  They all knew how long I had waited.  I was 31 years old at the time.  They were as happy for me as I was for myself.  When I think about it, I still get the ‘warm and fuzzies’.”

     Scales quest to return to the Majors has taken him to the Mets organization, where admittedly, he feels he’s fairly deep on their bench.  It reminded me of 2007.  Scales began the season in Pawtucket as the 24th man on the roster and wound up being one of the most important men on the club that year.  He takes it all in stride.  “It’s been a common theme throughout my career.  It’s funny.  It’s no different than any other time in my career.  I’m just hoping that the opportunity comes, where ever it may be.  Second, third, outfield.  It doesn’t matter.  I know I still have a lot to offer.” 

     After being the Cubs’ last cut in 2011, Scales began the season at triple A, Iowa, where he did what he always does, play well.  His fate changed one day, when he was spotted by a Japanese scout.  “There were these Japanese scouts in the stands and their second baseman had broken his leg.  I happened to be the right guy at the right time.  I was hot so they extended me an offer.  The Cubs allowed me to be purchased, so I went to Sapporo, Japan and became a member of the Nippon Ham Fighters.”

     While in Japan, Scales was teammates with Yu Darvish, the acclaimed pitcher signed by Texas this offseason.  Scales says the 25 year old right hander is the real thing.  “Stufff-wise, he’s got ‘plus’ stuff.  Great fastball.  Several kinds of breaking pitches.  A cutter.  It was devastating as he worked on it last year.  He’s got the correct mindset, too.  He’s a great guy and once he learns more about the culture here, he will be fantastic.  Once he adapts, he’ll be dominant.”

     Scales’ familiarity with Darvish helped him land another gig this offseason.  With The MLB Network.  “I had become friendly with Harold Reynolds.  He called me to ask me about Darvish, if I had ever faced him, etc.  I told him I hadn’t because we were teammates.  That intrigued ‘HR’.  Reynolds soon called him back and invited Scales to appear on the Network.  They flew him up to Seacaucus, New Jersey, and for one night, Bobby Scales was on national television.  “It was awesome.  I really enjoyed the opportunity.  They do a great job there.  In front of the camera and behind the scenes.  It was really fun.”

     I reminded Bobby about where his ”on air” career began.  Back in 2007, Scales confided that he might like to try broadcasting when his playing days were over.  He began “Weighing in with Bobby Scales”, a weekly pregame interview with one of his teammates.  That spawned a cottage industry at McCoy.  Since then, Jeff Natale (At Bat with Nat), Chad Paronto (Hanging with Chad) , Josh Reddick (The Chronicles of Reddick) and Tommy Hottovy (The Hott Corner) have followed in Scales’ footsteps.  “ It’s good.  I think it’s good that the listeners see that we are not just these baseball playing machines.  We don’t just sit around all day watching TV.  Guys have some depth to them.  We’re funny, we’re insightful.  Besides being fortunate enough to play this game, it’s nice for people to know we can think.  The fans who work hard and spend their money to come to the park, get to know us on a personal level.”  

     Anyone who gets to know Bobby Scales on a personal level should consider themselves fortunate.

     PawSox alum Kevin Youkilis has turned himself into one of the best all-around players in the game.  A far cry from the days of Youk riding the “Lou Merloni Highway” up and down route 95 between McCoy Stadium and Fenway Park.  To his credit, every time he was sent back to the PawSox, Kevin put his nose to the grind stone   and produced.  I caught up with the All Star in Fort Myers and he is excited about the prospects for the 2012  season.  “I feel good.  The change of venue, this whole new Spring Training facility has been great.  Guys have adapted well to it and really enjoyed it.  I think we’re real excited to start the year here.  We’ve got some things to work on, but we’re excited to put all 25 guys together, and go out there and play Detroit.”

     Youk felt that one of the biggest differences at camp this year as opposed to the past, was the number of roster spots up for grabs.  “It’s definitely a little different this year.  There are new guys in here and new coaches.  You kind of get used to it.  You have to adapt.  This year it is all about whatever 25 guys are out there trying to win a championship and that is our goal.”

     Kevin says the bitter taste of last September has been washed away, as far as he’s concerned.  “The players don’t think about that anymore.  People keep bringing it up, but we’re focused on what we have to do every day to win.  That’s ancient history to all the players and hopefully, everyone else can get over it and move on.  Taste winning, and finish in first place this year.”

     Youkilis is enjoying his role as one of the “elder statesmen” on this club.  It seems like only yesterday he was fighting for a Major League spot.  “It’s a long way from 2004.  There’s still a lot of ball to be played, and for me, I enjoy playing for the Red Sox, taking the field with these guys.  For me, it’s such a luxury to be playing this game, and for so long.  Most guys don’t get to enjoy it as long as I have.  I look at it as a blessing every day I get to play in the Major Leagues and for the Boston Red Sox.”

     Youkilis grew up in Cincinnati and still has a home there.  He is a University of Cincy alum and has spent many enjoyable hours listening to my former braodcast partner, Dan Hoard.  This past Winter, Dan added Cincinnati Bengals games to his duties in addition to his job as voice of the BearCats. “Dan’s a great guy.  It’s exciting to see what he’s doing.  I usually watch on TV, but I did get to listen one time.  To hear him and (Dave) Lapham do the games is fun.   He’s definitely a great guy ad a great announcer and I’ve heard him for years doing the BearCats.  It’s cool to have him there and I wish him a lot of success.”  I know a lot of people who are wishing for that same continued success for Kevin Youkilis.

     It’s no secret that Dustin Pedroia has been one of my all-time favorites since he first joined the PawSox  The 2007 American League rookie of the year and the Leagues’ MVP in 2008, Pedroias’ heart is as big as all outdoors.  We’ve had a very nice relationship for a while and I was proud to be featured in his biography, “Born to Play.”  He is “The mouth that roared”, and always will be.  When I walked into the clubhouse the other day and he saw me for the first time this Spring, he started right in on me.  “Hey Hyder, you look like a terrorist.”  Mildly funny, but material he has used many times before.  When I asked him “what was up?” he looked me over and answered  ”Apparently, your cholesterol.”  I’ll give him credit for that.

     Hard to believe that Dustin is ready for his sixth season as a member of the Red Sox.  “It goes by quick, that’s why you have to enjoy it and have fun.  It’s a joy, man.”  When asked if he was enjoying himself, he had a quick response. “Yeah, it’s been a good time.  It’s gone by fast.  I wish it would slow down a little bit.  It’s been fun.”  Pedroia says that he and his teammates have a simple way to erase the memory of last years’ epic collapse.  “Just get better.  That’s the past.  Just try to block it out.  That’s not easy.  I think we’re all excited for this year to just get out there and play the game right.”

     Pedroia claims that there’s no difference playing for Terry Francona or Bobby Valentine.  “There’s no difference really.  A little different routine that has taken some time to get used to.  We’re enjoying it.  We’ve just got to go out there and play hard.”  Dustin was loyal to Francona, at one point saying that he would’ve loved to play his entire career for him.  He says they stay in touch.  “I talked to him during the offseason, seeing how he’s doing and stuff like that.  I’ll akways be close to him.  He helped me out so much in my career.  It was great to play for him.”

     Dustin seemed genuinely surprised and somewhat perturbed when I mentioned that the Red Sox are under dogs heading into 2012.  “Who said that?”  He wanted to know, as if he were ready to fight them.  “People.  People who don’t know what they are talking about.  We feel like we’ve got a good team.  A chance to go out there and compete for a championship.  We’ll see what happens.”

     Pedroia also seemed happy with the new additions to his ballclub. “We brought in some good guys.  Nick Punto, Cody Ross, (Ryan) Sweeney, (Andrew) Bailey, (Mark) Melancon.  Those guys are great guys.  Great clubhouse guys.  They do their job professionally ad they’re going to help us out a ton.”

     With Jason Varitek retired the Red Sox do not have a “captain” per se.  Pedroia claims that he has never considered being Teks’ successor. “I haven’t really thought about it.  My job is to come out here and play the game right and help us win games.  It’s great that people say I’m one of the leaders of the team and to put me in the conmversation.  That’s an honor in itself.”  He may not wear the “C” on his chest, but underneath that Sox uniform, there may be a Superman “S”.    

     As usual, Scott Atchison is in demand.  He is having a good Spring, coming out of the bullpen for Boston, battling for one of the final spots on the Red Sox roster.  It’s a position he has become familiar with since joining the organization in 2010.  Since then, he has split his time between Fenway and McCoy.  Atch, who turns 36 on March 29, is pleased with his showing thus far at jetBlue Park.  “I’ve done OK this Spring.  I was taken off the (40 man) roster, but that’s alright.  I just try to come in and show them what I can do.”

     Atchison is philosophical when asked what it’s like to have to grind it out, year after year for a position on a Major League roster.  “You kind of get used to it.  It’s what I expect.  I know I have to come in and perform well and do my thing.  Essentially, show them that I’m the same guy I’ve been the last couple of years.  I don’t think about it too much wearing on me.  Obviously, we all want to walk in knowing we have a job, but that’s not the case.  It’s probably a little late in  my career for that.  Like i said, I just try to go with it, get myself ready for the season and try to make a team.”

     Atchison is competing in front of new sets of eyes this year.  Manager Bobby Valentine and pitching coach Bob McClure are new to the organization this year, but that doesn’t affect Atchison.  “You always want to impress.  Bobby has seen me pitch a little bit in Japan (for the Hanshin Tigers in 2008 and 2009)  I kind of feel he knows me a little from there.  The GM, Ben Cherington has been around, so there are people here who know what I can do,  but anytime there are new people around, you want to impress them.” 

     Scott had a very good 2011 season in both Pawtucket and Boston.  He went 6-2, 2.64 for the PawSox and 1-0 with a 3.26 ERA in 17 appearances for the Red Sox.  He was familiar with the shenanigans that took place in the Sox clubhouse, and says it’s a new day.  “I think everybody pretty much got it off their chest at the start of Spring.  It’s done, it’s over and that’s the last we’re going to talk about it.  Last season is over.  It’s time to move on.  There’s  nothing we can do to fix that.  Let’s move forward and try to get ourselves ready and have a World Series run.”

     It was an eventful offseason for the former Texas Christian University star.  He rehabbed from a sports hernia surgery and spent quality time with his wife Sarah and their daughter Callie.  “It was a pretty quiet, normal winter.  I spent time with the family.  We got away a little bit.  Pretty normal Winter.”

     No matter where Scott Atchison winds up in 2012, you can count on solid pitching and leadership from a good guy.  

     As I entered the lavish clubhouse at jetBlue Park this morning, I was greeted by a ton of familiar faces and friendly “hellos”.  Clay Buchholz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis were among the first people I saw.  Before much more time passed, I bumped into both Lars Anderson and Jose Iglesias.  Iglesias, the 22 year old Cuban shortstop, greeted me with a hug and his traditional nickname for me, “Stretch”. (Still not sure why he calls me that, but I’m cool with it.) Lars, the big Californian, hugged me and immediately said, “I have to go into the managers’ office.  I’m being sent down.”  Naturally, I felt badly, but Lars quickly assured me that it was OK.

  Anderson knew exactly what he was talking about.  Both he and Iglesias were optioned to Pawtucket, making the PawSox a prohibitive, early season favorite in the North Division.  A few minutes later, manager Bobby Valentine explained the moves to the assembled media.  “Jose had a really emotional meeting with Ben (Cherington), Ben (Crockett) and I.  At this time we decided it was best for him and the organization that he gets some real regular at bats and works on the consistency of his swing and play.”  Valentine continued.  “He’s working on things.  He just needs to develop confidence in his program.”  Valentine characterized the meeting with Iglesias as “emotional”  “He was very professional in his conversation, but we all felt there was emotion in the room.”  With Iglesias returning to Pawtucket, it looks like Mike Aviles will be Bostons’ opening day shortstop.  “It wasn’t a tough decision.  Eventually, things play themselves out.”  Valentine admitted that Aviles’ play made the choice that much easier.  “Mike hasn’t done anything wrong.  He’s pretty much done everything right.”

     Valentine was quick to add that Iglesias is close to being major league-ready.  “He’s not that far off.  We all agreed that it isn’t a question of ‘if’ he’s going to make it.  It’s ’when’.  Jose could be our shortstop if we needed him to, but it’s tougher to sharpen your teeth at the Big League level.”

     Bobby V didn’t hesitate when asked about what type of camp Lars Anderson had.  “Great camp.  he proved our scouting reports correct.  He drove the ball to center, left center.  He also added to his resume by playing some leftfield.  He’s a good guy to have on the team.  He could make a lot of Major League teams.” 

     When he was asked if he sent Iglesias to Pawtucket with any special message, he shared his thoughts.  “I gave Jose the same message I gave Alex Ochoa a hundred years ago.  ‘Just because God delays, it doesn’t mean God denies.’  He won’t be denied.  That’s what I believe and that’s what Ben believes.”  Valentine recalled a day when he suffered the same fate as Jose.  “When I got sent down and I stunk, I thought it was the wrong decision.  He doesn’t stink.”

     The PawSox roster continues to take shape.  As of now, there are still 41 players left in Big League camp, 16 over the limit.  Right handed pitchers Justin Germano and Doug Mathis were also reassigned to minor league camp with outfielder Josh Kroeger.

     My vacation is over and thus begins the non-stop baseball that I will watch and broadcast through Labor Day.  I am in Fort Myers to begin my ninth season as a broadcaster for the PawSox.   There is one major difference this year- jetBlue Park, the new Spring Training home for the entire Red Sox organization.  By now, you’ve seen it on TVor on line.  Those images do ot do it justice.  It is a magnificent structure and should keep the Sox and their affiliates happy for along time.  City of Palms Park was nice.  The girl next door, if you will.  Fenway South will knock your Sox off.  A supermodel.

     The PawSox took center stage on field #6, named after Boston legend, Johnny Pesky.  They squared off with I.L. North Division rival Rochester.  The Red Wings are the Triple A club for Minnesota.  The Twins also make their Spring home here in Lee County.  It makes sense that the PawSox and Wings play often during the Grapefruit League season.   Very little travel cost.

     Japanese righty, Junichi Tazawa started for Pawtucket, on his way back from Tommy John surgery.  After giving up a leadoff triple that ticked off the glove of centerfielder Che Hsuan Lin, Tazawa retired the final nine hitters he faced.  Tony Pena pitched the middle three innings and wasn’t quite as sharp, yet managed to pick up the win.  Pawtucket edged Rochester 5-4.  Garret Mock and Will Latimer looked good in relief.  

     Daniel Nava belted a two run homer over the fence in center and Kevin Youkilis went 3-3 for his old club. Youks’ last hit was an rbi double, that pulled the PawSox to within a run, 4-3.  Pawtucket tied it in the fifth and went ahead for good in the sixth as Jonathan Hee drew a bases loaded walk to make it 6-5.

     Got the chance to catch up with some old friends and familiar faces.  Manager Arnie Beyeler feels that the club he brings north will be a “Pretty good one.”  For Arnie, who holds his cards close to the vest, that was about as excited as he’ll get.  He added that there going about 10 pitchers in contention for starting jobs at McCoy.  Great to see J.C. Linares in action after the gruesome looking broken leg he suffered last Spring.  There should be good competition for starting jobs for the PawSox. Lars Anderson and Mauro Gomez figure to duke it out for playing time at first base.  The left side of the infield could feature Jose Iglesias at short and Will Middlebrooks at third.  Catching should be shared by Luis Exposito and Ryan Lavarnway.  Second base is a question mark, but Nate Spears could be the answer if he isn’t in Boston.  In the outfield, Che Hsuan Lin, Linares, Nava, Jason Repko, and Alex Hassan are all in the mix.  Ryan Kalish told me earlier this Spring that he hopes to be back by June.

          Great to see Pawtucket batting coach, Gerald Perry.  The former National League All Star returns to Pawtucket after a year with Oakland.  It was a beautiful day, the PawSox won and things are starting to heat up.

     One of my favorite people in sports is I.L. President, Randy Mobley.  I always enjoy our conversations and Randy is always generous with his time.  As we embark upon another minor league baseball season, we discussed the direction of the I.L. and what we might expect in 2012.

     Several years back, Mobley re-started the I.L. Hall of Fame.  Ben Mondor, Joe Morgan and Jim Rice have already been honored and this season, the Hall opens its’ doors to PawSox President, Mike Tamburro. “This one will be a little bit extra special because Mike was in the league when I joined.  He was certainly well on the way to getting his career going.  Along the way, he’s not only been a guiding force within this league, he’s become a tremendous friend, as well.  I could not be happier for Mike and I’m already looking forward to that night at McCoy, on August 4th.”  Mobley recalled a time before the PawSox were transformed into the iconic franchise that is so well respected now.  “I don’t go back to Ben (Mondor) and Mikes’ earliest days, but my first trip to Pawtucket came back in 1982.  It was, of course, the old ballpark.  Not as nice or “gussied up” as it is today.  Even back then, they were well on their way to winning the community back.  The family orientation, the treatment of the fans was number one back then, exactly like it is today.”

     Mobley was happy to share some of the things he looks forward to for the upcoming campaign.  He felt the thing that would get the most attention was the status of the Scranton Wilkes Barre Yankees.  The Yankees will play all 144 of their games on the road this year, while their ballpark undergoes a massive renovation.  “That team will not play any games at home this year.  Their games will be disbursed throughout the rest of the North Division.  That’s going to be a unique situatiion, one that we would hope not to repeat any time soon.  We are going to make the best of it.  The Rochester club is going to have 109 games played in that ballpark.  There’ll be some tired people in Rochester when the season is over, and all is said and done.  We think the short term pain is going to be worth the long term gain with a totally renovated facility over there in Scranton.”  This season, the club will be known as the “Empire State Yankees.”

     Mobleys’ league is ready to host two major events this season.  The Triple A All Star game will unfold in Buffalo, while the Triple A National Championship contest will be played in Durham, North Carolina.  “In July, Buffalo will host the 25th anniversary All Star game.  That’s hard to imagine.  They played the very first one there and we’ll play this one back there.  It’s going to air on the MLB Network, televised live.  We also expect to have 8-10 regular season games televised on the network.  Then the National Championship game.  We are going to host that this year in September, down in Durham.  I know it’s going to be a great event and hopefully, the Governors’ Cup Champion can win again.  (Columbus is the reigning National Champ).

     With the success of the league, more and more sponsorship opportunities arise and Randy was happy to talk about a new relationship.  “We are pleased that we just announced and industry-wide arrrangement within Triple A baseball, with a company out of Montreal.  Their headquarters in the United States are in Charleston, South Carolina.  Gildan U.S.A., a major manufacturer of T-shirts, socks and underwear.  They are going to have a major presence in all 30 Triple A ballparks this year.  They’ve actually purchased the title sponsorship to the National championship game.  That game, televised in 2011 on the Versus Network, will be aired live on the NBC Sports Network this fall.  We have a few things going on that are keeping us busy, buit all in all, it looks like it is going to be another great year.”

     Outfielder Ryan Kalish burst onto the scene as the Boston Red Sox rookie of the year in 2010.  The sky was the limit.  J.D. Drew was just keeping the seat warm for the kid with the “Jersey Shore” swagger and the boat load of talent he was carrying around with him.  In just 53 games with the Sox, Kalish hit .252 with 4 homers and 24 RBI.  Kalish announced to the world that he was ready through his actions, that included acrobatic catches and dramatic home runs.  Boston wanted him to play every day, so they sent him to Pawtucket to start the 2011 season.  After just as handful of games, Kalish injured his shoulder making a diving catch at McCoy Stadium on April 21.  It was a lost season.  Ryan is on the road to recovery and is hoping for a return sometime in May or June.  “It was a crazy year in 2011 and I’m hoping for a change in 2012.”

     At the time, no one had any idea of the severity of Kalish’ injury.  It was tough for the 23 year old to watch his teammates and not get to play.  “Yeah, it wasn’t the easiest thing in the world.  It was a season of opportunities.  That being said, I was happy for others who got a chance, especially Josh (Reddick).  It’s frustrating, but everybody goes through injuries.  It’s part of the game.”

     After surgeries to his shoulder and neck, Kalish is chomping at the bit, waiting to get back to action.  “I’m hoping to get back soon, but you never know.  You just keep chugging along, but you never really know.”  Despite being so highly bregarded, Ryan isn’t taking anything for granted.  He knows he’ll have to earn a spot when he is healthy.  “Nothing’s ever guaranteed, especially in this game.  It’s something I just want to go out and get.  You can’t ever expect anything just be given to you.  That’s not the way you’d want it anyway.”

     After getting a taste of life in the Big Leagues, Kalish knows what is in store when he’s ready.  “It’s the ultimate.  Fenway Park is so fun.  It’s the ultimate for a player.  It gives me more incentive.  It’s been frustrating that I haven’t been able to play for so long.  It’s baseball.  It’s life.  If I can get through it, I can look back on it like all the other guys who have ever been hurt, and say ‘That was it? That wasn’t so bad.’ ”

     Kalish isn’t the only one making adjustments under new manager, Bobby Valentine.  His recent ban on alcohol in the Boston clubhouse is not big deal, according to Kalish.  “It’s all good.  Bobby’s got to take care of whatever he’s got to take care of.  He calls the shots and we want to play hard for him.  It was a crazy end to last year and whatever he says is good.”

     Kalish spent ample time rehabbing at the new facility in Fort Myers this winter and was ecstatic to be joined by his friends and teammates at “Fenway South”.  “It got boring.  I’m glad the guys are down here now and we are ready to play some baseball.  The last month of last season was hard to watch.  This is a championship caliber type team.  Everyone is eager to get started.”

     That includes Ryans’ best friend in baseball, Lars Anderson.  The former number one prospect endured a whirlwind 2011.  The first baseman was traded to Oakland for pitcher Rich Harden, only to have the deal negated when Harden failed his physical.  Kalish was there for his friend and was proud of the way he reacted.  “Last year was wild for “Larzy”.  I’ll tell you what. His game is coming around.  Obviously, he’s behind Adrian Gonzalez and that is a tough situation, but he’s just so positive.  He came into camp looking the best I’ve ever seen him.  His swing looks good.  He trained hard during the offseason.  He’s looking really fresh.  I have a good feeling about him this season.  You can mark my words, right here.”  Kalish’ prophecy came true shortly thereafter, when Anderson smacked a grand slam in Fort Myers in an exhibition game against the Twins and pitcher Jason Bulger.

     If Anderson and his friend Ryan Kalish are in the middle of the PawSox lineup in 2012, it’s going to be a great summer at McCoy.