Notes from the storm

A strong wind is lashing sleet and snow at my window this morning, making spring training seem eons away. The truth is quiite different, though, as pitchers and catchers are reporting to camps already. It seems fitting, then, to note some interesting stories about hurlers heading to spring training this week.


• The Globe writes about the Sox' offseason prize playing catch in Fort Myers yesterday, bringing accidental fame to Dice-K's throwing partner - catcher George Kottaras. The slide show of Matsuzaka's first day in camp surrounded by the international media also illustrates just how manic it is going to be in Fort Myers this spring. Yikes.

• As I mentioned yesterday, Carlos Zambrano wants the big bucks, saying he deserves to be paid like an elite pitcher. It turns out his threats of leaving echoed another All-Star pitcher who is also demanding respect in the form of dollar signs. But unlike Zambrano, this guy has earned it, and should get what he deserves.

• I love the stories from this obituary, especially the tales he tells about throwing the ball over the plate from right field and the lineup he struck out in 1967. RIP King - there will never be another like you.

• Good for the Twins. Terry Ryan should be given some sort of award or something.

• Bad for pitchers Kevin Gregg and John Patterson. I guess this offseason hasn't been a boon for every pitcher.

• Real bad for Kris Benson. At least the news wasn't about his wife again. Wait, on second thought...

• Think you have what it takes to play pro ball? Then how does Nicaragua sound?

• And finally, for those of us trapped in the grip of this major winter storm, here is a warmer place far, far away, where young men dream of the major leagues from the shores of a remote paradise and where sometimes, by the ultimate stroke of good fortune, those dreams come true.