Hot Stove Lunch: Red Sox starting pitchers already in camp

You can take this for what it's worth, but the entire Red Sox starting rotation is already in Fort Myers and ready for the start of spring training.

Why is that noteworthy? Well, for one thing, Red Sox pitchers and catchers aren't due to report for another eight days.

In the big picture, that may not seem like much. After all, in recent years, players typically report to camp well ahead of the mandatory date.

But the fact that Chris Sale, David Price, Rick Porcello, Nathan Eovaldi and Eduardo Rodriguez are already at work speaks to a drive the staff has and a willingness to put the work in to help the Red Sox repeat as World Series champs.

(The irony, of course, is that because of all the extra innings they pitched deep into last October, most of the starters won't pitch in a Grapefruit League game for another month. Alex Cora and Dana LeVangie have already mapped out the schedule for their starters and will hold them back as long as possible in order to ease the pitchers into the season).

Still, the early arrival speaks to some dedication and motivation on the part of the Red Sox. It's evident that there's no complacency coming off a championship.

That won't mean much in the middle of the season if injuries and under-performance hamper the Sox. But here in February, it's a bit of a statement about their willingness to put in the necessary work.

And that's not a bad place to start.

Elsewhere....

AL EAST

The Giants apparently have an interest in Jacoby Ellsbury.

In a ranking of all 30 farm systems, guess where the Orioles were?

Looking ahead to spring training for the Rays.

Projecting the 25-man roster for the Blue Jays.

AL CENTRAL

Ten questions for Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti.

What's left for the White Sox to do?

Tigers closer Shane Greene changed his winter workout plans.

The Royals have some longshot candidates for their bullpen.

AL WEST

ESPN's Buster Olney picks the Astros to win it all.

The Rangers signed another player in search of a bounce back season.

It's hard to know what to expect from the Angels.

Jerry Blevins returned to the A's.

ESPN ranked the Mariners' farm system in the lower third.

NL

There hasn't been much progress when it comes to an extension for Jacob deGrom.