Red Sox’s New Owner Doesn’t Miss the Bus
John Henry made a grand entrance into his new team’s training camp at Fort Myers, Fla., Monday in a luxury custom bus. Then he became a man of the people.
Wearing a cream-colored Stetson and sunglasses, he signed numerous autographs, chatted with fans, greeted his players on the Boston Red Sox and bantered with reporters.
He said personnel moves, including one that might involve General Manager Dan Duquette, won’t be made until his purchase of the team is completed.
He reiterated that, contrary to a published report, he doesn’t plan to move the team’s spring training site to Melbourne next year.
His deal to buy the Red Sox, approved by owners, must be closed by next week, he said.
His message to the players: “I’m here to support you, not here to get involved in baseball operations.”
He also talked to Duquette in foul territory to the third-base side of home plate while pitchers practiced fielding. Duquette may lose his job when the sale is closed, but Henry didn’t seem awkward chatting with him or with reporters who wanted to know what they talked about.
“About who’s going to be the next GM,” Henry said with a smile. “No, I’m just kidding.”
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Two Minnesota Twin minor-league players on their way to spring training were seriously injured in a one-car crash in Tennessee, the team said.
Josh Johnson, a catcher with the Twins’ rookie-level team in the Gulf Coast League last season, and Jeff Randazzo, a left-handed pitcher for Class-A Quad City, were being treated in the intensive care unit of Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga.
The accident, in which the car rolled over, occurred around 2 a.m. Randazzo suffered several injuries, including a fractured sternum and a collapsed lung, which was repaired through surgery.
Johnson was driving, no alcohol was involved and both players were wearing seat belts, a club spokesman said.
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New Florida Marlin Manager Jeff Torborg missed Monday’s spring training workout to undergo skin cancer surgery. Torborg, 60, is expected to rejoin the team today....
Tim Raines, 42, hoping to play his 23rd season in the major leagues, signed a minor league contract with the Marlins and was invited to spring training.