The Portland Sea Dogs and Pawtucket Red Sox travel to Tampa Bay’s minor league facility this afternoon, game time is 1:00 PM.  Portland beat New Britain on Monday, 6-5, and finish their exhibition schedule on Saturday against the Rock Cats. Sunday is a Camp Day for the minor leagues, the last day of Spring Training.

Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine spoke to the media around 10:30, with the main topic, today’s roster moves:  First baseman Lars Anderson and shortstop Jose Iglesias optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket.  The club reassigned right-handed pitchers Justin Germano and Doug Mathis and outfielder Josh Kroeger to minor league camp.

Great quote from Valentine on Iglesias  ”I don’t stop believing in a player until I see him stop believing in himself. I saw that the other day, I thought.” Jose spoke to a few media members outside the Red Sox weight room, and I wished him the best of luck.  I’m sure we’ll see him in Boston soon.

Bobby Valentine is eight days away from making his "official" managerial debut with the Red Sox.

Additional Bobby V quotes

On Tampa Bay not using any of their main starters against Boston – “Wise to hold starters back in the division.:

On Daniel Bard pitching twice against Blue Jays – “Different situation since he’s trying to make the team.”

Carl Crawford’s status – “He’s been taking swings in the cage, he’s feeling good.  Probably stay in Ft .Myers to work with the medical team.”

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I’m getting ready to watch Red Sox batting practice on the field, and hopefully will have an interview with Ryan Kalish.

It was very nice to catch up with former Sea Dog Trainer Brad Pearson.  Brad is a very good friend of mine, and he’s one of two assistant trainers with Boston.

—-More to come from beautiful Ft. Myers—–