Afternoon Links: Red Sox at Fort Myers

There’s a videogasm of Red Sox spring training content today coming from ESPNBoston.com and the Boston Globe’s Web site.

ESPN’s Mike & Mike In the Morning previewed the Red Sox season this morning. In sum: the Red Sox won’t have to score as many runs with its pitching rotation this season. Buster Olney said the Red Sox have moved closer to the New York Yankees after offseason moves.

Manager Terry Francona was pleased with Daisuke Matsuzaka’s throwing Monday. Dice-K threw long from 200 feet and about 20-30 pitches from the mound.

Mike Lowell, who had offseason thumb surgery, took batting practice for the first time Monday.

Jonathan Papelbon will see time on the mound on Thursday against the Minnesota Twins.

Several videos are posted on ESPNBoston.com’s Red Sox blog from Baseball Tonight which rolled its bus through Fort Myers. Interviews include Papelbon, who discussed his blown save to end the Red Sox season during the playoffs. “To end your season on that note is a little bit different. I use that as motivation during the offseason,” said Papelbon, who blew a save to the Angels during game three of the ALDS.

Victor Martinez and Jason Varitek are working closely together after being paired up by catching instructor Gary Tuck.

Boston claimed righthander Casey Fien from the Detroit Tigers and designated righthander Gaby Hernandez for assignment.

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