Afternoon Links: Red Sox at Fort Myers

Finally, the real spring training is underway. Even though the games still don’t count, major league teams are playing other major league teams.

Don’t get down on Jonathan Papelbon, writes Dan Shaughnessy in the Boston Globe.

Pitcher Josh Beckett is impressed with his team’s defense after his Grapefruit League debut Thursday night against the Minnesota Twins — a 2-1 win for the Red Sox.

Florida is too damned cold for spring training right now.

Matsuzaka might not be ready for the start of the season. The Red Sox aren’t saying either way. Pitching coach John Farrell said two things: There’s an outside chance he’ll be ready by then and there’s “no timetable” for his return. 

The Red Sox are projected to score the second-most runs in the American League this season.

Boston hits the field today for game two against the Twins. Southpaw Jon Lester gets the start.

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