So pitchers and catchers report at the end of the week, and we know the Boston Red Sox have been planning another run at the championship, and expect to reach that pinnacle again for the third time in six years. 

But, like most seasons, injuries happen, and with the shaky pasts of new signings like Brad Penny and John Smoltz, the Sox will most likely be needing help from the minors. 

So, in hopes that this article never becomes relevant, here are some things to watch for in Spring Training out of the midseason callup hopefuls. 

Pitchers: 

First, be wary of the newest Japanese import, Junichi Tazawa. Though he is young, this may be his first opportunity to see how can perform straight into games against real major leaguers. Be ready to see him work a lot out of the bullpen and see how he adapts to the American style of play. If he could start to work on his offspeed and breaking stuff and get him down, watch for him to perform well in he minors and maybe even work his way to a September callup. 

Next, the never ending question - where does Terry Francona want Justin Masterson to play? We all saw the domination in the beginning of the season as a starter. But we also saw the inconsistency that he displayed towards the end of the season as a set up man. Masterson's stuff is beyond nasty, and he has the kind of stuff and wind up that can keep hitters whiffing for multiple innings. But will Francona keep him in the end of the rotation? Will he allow to let Takashi Saito take over the new set up role and groom him as a starter, because we all know rubber arm Tim Wakefield won't be able to last another season.... right? 

Which brings me to the next one on my list. Though he had one horrific start next year, watch for the future knuckler, Charlie Zink. Let's see if Wakefield can groom him into well, the next Wakefield, or will he be a future rule 5? If Zink gets his stuff working at the major league level, he may be the first player out of Pawtucket to spot start. 

The last point, is the one Sox fans may be most ticked with. Clay "I don't know if I'm good or not so don't trade me just yet" Buccholz. We all know he has potential, unless of course he is like former Red Sox #1 prospect, who conveniently enough, threw a no-hitter too.

The thing is, Red Sox management is deeply in love with him, whether it's his stripper girlfriend or his big blue eyes, they'll keep him around. But if he doesn't get his stuff together in Spring training, look for him to be gone by July 31. And when Buccholz is gone, Michael Bowden will be sitting pretty. There's nothing much to say about him except, well, he's damn good. If Smoltz and Penny only live one year of their contracts, look for Bowden to be in the rotation and in the league leaders in ERA in '10. 

So, those should be the big stories in Spring Training from the Sox of the future... 

Others to watch for: Ramon Ramirez - See if he can perform and earn innings.;Devern Hansack- has he finally earned a spot on the team?; Hunter Jones- killer fastball and breaking stuff, a stud in the making.

Feel free to contact me: jcm718@gmail.com

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