Tito on Lars Anderson:"He Had to Really Grind"

Matt Boutwell/CMSB Media Photo

Red Sox manager Terry Francona answered some questions in his NESN mailbag this week, and he talked about prospect Lars Anderson, the first baseman who struggled in Portland last season.

"Last year at this time, Lars had just completed the rookie development program. He was the talk of the town. Going into spring training, everybody was looking at Lars to make the next big impact. It was probably a little unfair, and I believe he tried to live up to a lot of those expectations and, in the process, put undue pressure on himself. After tearing up Double-A to end the 2008 season, he had to really grind through a year of adjustments. He is slated to be in major league camp as a non-roster player, and we are looking forward to seeing him a year more mature -- and, hopefully, all the good things that will come with it."

Many on the player development side in the Red Sox organization are hoping that Anderson taking the off-season off from Fall Leagues and the like will allow him to clear his head and rebound. Needless to say, if he develops into the power-hitter everyone thinks, the bat everyone thinks the Red Sox need might just have to be called up instead of traded for.

Maine Day at Fenway Audio

Photo - CMSB/Pierre's of Exchange St

Here is some audio from Maine Day at Fenway

Justin Masterson

Terry Francona

Tim Wakefield

WEDNESDAY MORNING QUICK HITTERS

Terry Francona gets his 500th win as a Red Sox Manager (courtesy Boston.com)

• Mike Cornell, a defenseman who was a co-captain for the three-time U.S. Junior A Tier III national champion New Hampshire Junior Monarchs, has verbally committed to attend the University of Maine this fall.
• BDN High School Page here...PPH High School Page Here...
• The Portland Sea Dogs, lead by Junichi Tazawa, beat the Binghamton Mets 3 - 2.
• New England Patriots defensive back Rodney Harrison to announce his retirement today.
• David Krejci signed a 3 year extension with the Boston Bruins yesterday.
• Dominique Davis transfers from Boston College, leaving the team without a QB with starting experience
• Terry Francona gets his 500th win as the Red Sox manager, as the Sox beat the Detroit Tigers 5 - 1.

Tuesday Morning Quick Hitters

PHOTO COURTESY STATEN ISLAND LIVE.COM

The Maine Black Bears Baseball team split a double header against Wagner Monday, losing the opener 9 - 7 but beat Wagner 6 - 2 in the nightcap.

Terry Francona had decided to share 1 tidbit about his batting order this season, JD Drew will be the number 5 hitter. Tony Massarotti reports on what that might mean for the rest of the order.

Former Boston Bruins great Ray Bourque's son Ryan will withdraw his verbal commitment to play at The University of New Hampshire and instead play for the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. Expect to see Bourque at the Colisee next year.