Red Sox Notebook: Ron Roenicke prepares for an unprecedented spring training

Ron Roenicke has experienced his share of spring trainings in his more than 40 years in pro baseball. As a bench coach for several different organizations -- including the Red Sox for the past two seasons -- he's also often been in charge with scheduling and planning spring training. But the Sox' first year manager is about to take part in one for which no one can adequately prepare.

In the midst of a pandemic and ahead of a shortened 60-game schedule, players are trickling into Boston this week and will undergo tests and physicals mid-week before Friday's first workout.

The Sox are using Fenway Park as their main headquarters for Spring Training 2.0 although they will also use some facilities at Boston College.

"There's a lot of parts that have to be put into play,'' said Roenicke.

That includes arranging for testing, staggering practice times to accommodate all the players on hand, assigning pitchers who aren't scheduled to throw to the B.C. facility for other work and so much more. Limiting the number of players who are on the field at once will mean players will practice in shifts, which will mean long days for Roenicke and the coaching staff.

"We're trying to get them in quick, get their work done and get them back home quick,'' he said. "It's complicated. I know I've done this for a long time, but all these new things -- I've never had to worry about players being fed before, and all the hours they need with the trainers and checking in (at staggered times), transportation to BC -- all of that is different. But we'll get in figured out.''

After the first five or six days, the Sox will hold daily intrasquad games. It's unknown whether they'll place any exhibition games later in camp. Teams can schedule no more than three.



"We're working on (trying to play) an exhibition game or two, if we can,'' said Roenicke. "But we're also a little concerned about having to travel out and play somebody and what's happening with the (regular season) schedule. Chaim (Bloom, chief baseball officer) and his crew are looking to see if we can get one game, maybe two. And if not, we'll play intrasquad games at night to make sure we're ready for the season.

Roenicke will address the team later this week and will stress the importance of following the rules and protocols.

"It's not just worrying about keeping everybody safe and healthy,'' he said. "But we also realize that we have a job to do to try to get in shape.''

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Two Minnesota Twins coaches -- both in their 60s -- were removed from the team's coaching staff Monday out of fear for their health and potential exposure to the coronavirus.

Roenicke is 63, but while he'll take precautions, isn't worried about his well-being.

"I think we've put in place some protocols that I feel comfortable with,'' said Roenicke. "I don't have a lot of concerns for myself. I think we've covered as much as I think we can cover. It's always uncomfortable, but it was uncomfortable when I was at home in California, going to a grocery store. That's going to be there. But our people I know have put so much into place, trying to protect myself, all the players and coaching staff, that we feel pretty good coming in.''

Roenicke has consulted with the head athletic trainer Brad Pearson and team physician Dr. Larry Ronan about what precautions he should be taking.

"I still don't feel I'm old, I guess,'' said Roenicke with a chuckle. "I feel good health-wise. My doctors all say I'm healthy, so I feel good that way. But obviously, it's a concern. It's a concern because you don't know how it affects different people -- whether you're 20 or 63 as I am, you still have to be concerned about it.''

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The team's starting pitchers have been throwing regularly during the shutdown and will report to Boston in good shape in terms of arm strength.

"I feel good about the starting pitchers,'' said Roenicke. "They've done a really good job of not just throwing a bullpen but a three- or four-inning bullpen.''

Roenicke again said Ryan Weber is the favorite for the No. 4 spot and hinted that he was still leaning toward using the "opener'' concept for the fifth spot.

Collin McHugh is expected to be ready to compete for a spot after undergoing offseason surgery on his elbow, but the Sox aren't clear on his role yet.

"It kind of depends on where he is when he comes into camp,'' said Roenicke. "The medical staff will evaluate him. We'll have conversations with him after his first bullpen, which is right now scheduled for Friday. After that, we'll see what we can do to progress him and see where he's at. He's veteran enough that he's going to be honest with us and how much we can push him. He'll let us know where he is.''

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Roenicke was instrumental in the Sox bringing in catcher Jonathan Lucroy on a spring training invite with a minor league deal. Lucroy wasn't on the Red Sox' list of 47 players for the 60-player pool released Sunday, but Roenicke expects that to get worked out.

"I talked to him personally and I know Chaim did,'' said Roenicke. "We talked to his agent and we expect him to be in here Wednesday with the rest of the players.''

The Sox can add another 13 players, but the Sox want to give themselves some flexibility in the event that some players in the next few weeks test positive for the virus.

"If we get through this process clean and we don't have (positives) or at least not many,'' said Roenicke, "then we feel like we can proceed with how we're going to go with the rest of the spots open on the 60 list. I thought that was a really smart way to do this.''

Some prospects who may not be ready to contribute to the major league team could still benefit from the developmental time that comes with being part of the 60-player pool.