Shipping Down to the Fort

The quest for the 2011 World Series Championship officially begins today. While the equipment truck was sent down last week, battery mates are scheduled to report today, although several players, including Clay Buchholz, have already checked-in. In fact, the entire starting rotation is already there. Including Daisuke Matsuzaka. And Jarrod Saltalamacchia, the catcher predicted to be calling their pitches this summer? Also there.

Plus a TON of the minor league players, a bunch of relievers and several position players.

If this is a sign of things to come, then we have a lot to look forward to. For one, the players reporting early shows both their commitment to this ballclub (hopefully no Manny Ramirez-late-arrivals this year), and their eagerness to take the field and win a championship. On the same note, a lot of players are coming in looking a lot healthier. Josh Beckett dropped weight to accommodate for his back issues.

Speaking of commitment to the team, one player of note, who reported an entire week before the first workout, was Jonathan Papelbon. Whether he's with us beyond 2011 or not, the Sox closer is here with us right now, looking to bounce back from a harsh 2010.

Are you excited yet? If only it wasn't another month and a half until opening day..