Red Sox Ellsbury Reports to Spring Training

Jacoby Ellsbury was a day early to spring training this year.  He showed up a full day before position players were due to report and stated that he was fully prepared and ready to play this season.  Last year Ellsbury was hampered by fractured ribs and only played 18 games for the Red Sox.

During his press conference he sounded focused on the season in front of him.  While noting that getting back into playing shape may take some time, he is planning on putting in whatever it takes to be 100% on Opening Day.

The Red Sox are expecting Ellsbury and newly acquired Carl Crawford to have quite a competition this year on the base-paths.  Both players have stolen 60 bases in a single season before.  Ellsbury responded to a reporter asking who was faster by saying, "I wouldn't bet against myself."