Red Sox spring, a fleeting thing, is in full swing 'til the bell soon rings

The Boston Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in pre-season action this afternoon, but stirring as the near-no-hitter / snatch-defeat-from-the-jaws-of-victory / come-from-behind 7-6 win was, it carried with it a sense of impermanence. Sure, For we’re excited that spring training finally is in full swing, but also know the regular-season bell will soon ring, marking the end of this all-too-brief period of baseball bliss.

Today, we rejoice that actual games are now being played, and played pretty much every day. Each one features a mix of big league starters and minor league hopefuls, and it is for that reason that this is the single best time to fly south and watch the boys in action. Not only is the Florida weather finally beginning to cooperate, but this is the single greatest opportunity to see the future up close and personal even as the present is right there in front of you.

In two weeks, however, the lineup will tilt distinctly in favor of the regulars, and their accessibility will lessen in inverse proportion to the growing intensity of their preparation. At that point, the fan experience will begin to feel more like the arm’s-length we’re accustomed to at Fenway, and a good deal of the magic will be lost.

So enjoy it now, Sox fans, while you can. Enjoy the fact that standings are being kept even though the games don’t count – and take pleasure in the odd ways those games are being played. Pitchers, for example, throw pitches at times and in spots they’d never dare to ordinarily so they can develop the feel they’ll need when they’ll need it, and they leave when their pitch limit is reached regardless of the game situation. Most disconcertingly, they then do their running in the outfield, dodging the odd fly ball while trying to appear as if they are sprinting.

Most of all, enjoy the fact that the Red Sox are so stacked that 24 of the 25 roster spots already are pretty well filled, the exception perhaps being a spot in the bullpen for someone who can get lefties out. Revel in the fact that the only potential controversies involve veteran professionals who would rather spend time at the dentist than complain about any injustices that may be done (see Lowell, Mike and Wakefield, Tim). And try to appreciate the tranquility even if you think it boring and wish there were at least a little commotion. It’ll be over soon enough.