Some Tidbits

* Ellsbury reportedly has better range of motion in his injured shoulder. He is no longerwearing a sling, but instead is wearing a brace. He is on the road trip with the team.

* Seems like Pedroia may have found a substitute for the backgammon he used to play with Francona before games. Before yesterday’s game, he was in a fierce round of “Words With Friends” with Adrian Gonzalez. While Gonzalez won the game yesterday, Pedroia leads the season series. I think this is good to see; builds team chemistry.

* Crawford went 0 for 3 yesterday in extended Spring Training as DH. Matsuzaka gave up 3 runs in 2 innings in Single-A Salem last night; he was clear to pitch 80 pitches however. Aaron Cook gave up 1 run on 8 hits in 7 innings last night in Triple-A; he is now 3-0 with a 1.33 ERA.

* When I was checking to see how Cook did in Triple-A, I was surprised to see Reid Brignac’s name in the Ray’s Triple-A line-up. If you recall, Brignac was the one who fell on top of Ellsbury to cause Ellsbury’s shoulder injury.

* The Red Sox are now 5-10 after their win against the Twins last night; they had the same record last year at this point. If you recall, the team then was the hottest team in baseball… until September.

* Besides a shaky performance by Lester last night, there were some positive aspects of the game that the team can build on. Ortiz had had two hits and is leading the American League with a .441 batting average. Salty had two hits, including a 2-run homer, and Sweeney, who is batting .400 for the season, also had two hits. Bard got two outs with a runner on third in a relief stint, and Aceves got a save (and didn’t give up a run!). Gonzalez had a sac fly as well. This could be the team-building game the Red Sox were looking for…

* Maybe the change in scenery was good for Byrd; he got a hit last night! For the season, he is now hitting .085 for the season (though, .250 with the Red Sox).

* Cody Ross leads the team with 5 home runs after hitting two last night. He hit one to left and the other to right.

* Also in Cody Ross news, I was informed he has a blog on ESPNBoston, or rather a diary. It’s actually called Cody Ross Diary. I think I’m going to have to check that out.

* I was watching a little of the Yankees-Rangers game last night because the Twins-Red Sox game was blacked out here. The broke in to show Jed Lowrie, now of the Astros, hitting a home run; he’s batting .250 for the season with 2 RBIs. A quick look at the other former Red Sox players who were traded in the off season: Josh Reddick is hitting .250 with two home runs and three RBIs with the A’s. Kyle Weiland is 0-3 with a 6.62 ERA and a 1.755 WHIP.

* Youkilis is officially related to Tom Brady. Youk married Brady’s sister, Julie, on Thursday in a small ceremony at the home, according to reports. They are reportedly expecting their first child together as well. It would be kind of strange if Youk gets traded or doesn’t resign with the Red Sox, wouldn’t it?

* Derek Lowe is reporting that his 2004 World Series ring and a gold trophy were stolen from his home in Ft. Myers, Florida. Also missing are women’s shoes, purses, and two gold necklaces. His housekeeper reported the items missing. I find this a bit interesting…