Boston is set open the 2016 regular reason today in Cleveland against the Indians. The Red Sox, who followed the 2013 championship season with two straight last place finishes in the American League East, will be managed for a fourth year by John Farrell, who returns to the helm after undergoing treatment for lymphoma that caused him to miss several games at the end of last season. Boston will play an additional road series in Toronto against the Blue Jays before opening Fenway Park next Monday versus the Baltimore Orioles.

Many familiar faces return from last season; besides Ortiz, the roster features newly minted first baseman Hanley Ramirez, second baseman Dustin Pedroia, shortstop Xander Bogaerts, outfielder Mookie Betts, and starting pitchers Clay Buchholz, Joe Kelly, and Rick Porcello. Another familiar face who returns as a starter this season is infielder Brock Holt, who was the lone representative for Boston at last year’s All Star Game.

Some of the new faces are already familiar to Boston fans. Pitcher David Price, who faced the Red Sox several times as a Tampa Bay starting pitcher, joins the club with the richest contract ever given in franchise history (seven years, $217 million). Chris Young, formally with the Yankees, begins the season as a reserve outfielder. One player less familiar to fans but prepared to make an impact is Craig Kimbrel, who signed as a free agent after six years split between the Braves and the Padres; he takes over the closer spot from Koji Uehara, who becomes Boston’s newest set up man.

Here is the complete Opening Day roster for Boston:

Pitchers (12)
David Price, Clay Buchholz, Joe Kelly, Rick Porcello, Steven Wright, Matt Barnes, Craig Kimbrel, Tommy Layne, Noe Ramirez, Robbie Ross Jr., Junichi Tazawa, and Koji Uehara

Catchers (2)
Ryan Hanigan and Blake Swihart

Infielders (6)
Xander Bogaerts, Brock Holt, Dustin Pedroia, Hanley Ramirez, Pablo Sandoval, and Travis Shaw

Outfielders (4)
Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr., Rusney Castillo, and Chris Young

Designated Hitter (1)
David Ortiz

Starting pitchers Eduardo Rodriguez and Brandon Workman, relief pitcher Carson Smith, and catcher Christian Vazquez will begin the season on the 15-day disabled list.

The Boston Red Sox, a season removed from a world championship, are set to open the 2015 regular reason today in Philadelphia against the Phillies, the first time in team history that Boston will open against a National League opponent. The Red Sox, who followed the 2013 championship season with a last place finish in the American League East, the second such finish in three seasons, will be managed for a third year by John Farrell. Boston will play an additional road series in New York against the Yankees before opening Fenway Park next Monday versus the Washington Nationals.

Many familiar faces return from last season, including designated hitter David Ortiz, who will start the opener at Citizens Bank Park as the first baseman, first baseman Mike Napoli, second baseman Dustin Pedroia, shortstop Xander Bogaerts, outfielder Shane Victorino, and starting pitcher Clay Buchholz. Another familiar face who returns as a starter this season is outfielder Mookie Betts, who will likely play his first full season at the major league level and has already drawn interest as a dark horse MVP candidate.

Some of the new faces are already familiar to fans of the Boston nine. Outfielder Hanley Ramirez, who came up through the Red Sox farm system as a shortstop and appeared in two games with Boston before being part of a trade in November 2005 for Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell, returns to the fold, as does starting pitcher Justin Masterson, who appeared in 67 games for Boston in 2008 and 2009. Other new players include third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who played for seven seasons in San Francisco and won three World Series with the Giants, including last season, and pitcher Rick Porcello, who came as part of a trade with Detroit for Yoenis Cespedes.

Here is the complete Opening Day roster for Boston:

Pitchers (12)
Clay Buchholz, Rick Porcello, Justin Masterson, Wade Miley, Edward Mujica, Junichi Tazawa, Anthony Varvaro, Alexi Ogando, Craig Breslow, Robbie Ross Jr., Steven Wright, and Tommy Layne

Catchers (2)
Ryan Hanigan and Sandy Leon

Infielders (5)
Mike Napoli, Dustin Pedroia, Xander Bogaerts, Pablo Sandoval, and Brock Holt

Outfielders (5)
Hanley Ramirez, Mookie Betts, Shane Victorino, Daniel Nava, and Allen Craig

Designated Hitter (1)
David Ortiz

Closer Koji Uehara, starting pitcher Joe Kelly, and relief pitcher Edwin Escobar will begin the season on the 15-day disabled list. Catcher Christian Vazquez, who had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last week, will miss the entire 2015 season.

It doesn’t take much effort to realize that the Boston sports media — or the “mediots,” as I prefer to call them — love to drag the names of Red Sox players and coaches through the mud, to the point where the stories have become clear examples of “yellow journalism,” i.e., using sensationalism rather than well-researched news and objective evidence to sell newspapers and attract television viewers, radio listeners, and web site visitors.  Unfortunately, their collective efforts have given outsiders the perception that the fans, not counting misguided callers and anonymous web site commentators, think as they do.

With the Yankees due in town for four games in three days starting tomorrow evening and with coverage planned on FOX Sports, ESPN, and MLB Network, Jere from A Red Sox Fan From Pinstripe Territory has come up with a great idea: “Anti-‘Boston Sports Media’ Sign” Weekend at Fenway Park.  With the national spotlight on this series, it is the perfect forum for diehard fans to voice their opinion amd decry the lunacy running rampant through the local sports media.

He writes:

Bring your anti-Boston Sports Media signs to the ballpark! Or make them once you’re inside. The media’s ego has exploded, and they’re making not only themselves but us look like morons. It’s time to let them know that they don’t represent Red Sox fans, that it’s not all about them, and that they need to leave the players alone and let them play ball! … The goal is that by the time we get to Saturday night, everybody’s on board, and Fox is forced to make the decision not to ignore our signs. And then it all culminates in the national broadcast Sunday night on ESPN, with hundreds of creative (way better than my suggestions–you can do it!) anti-media signs all over the park, and the ESPN announcers (Tito!) laughing along, loving it.

Allan from The Joy of Sox adds:

If you are sick of reading articles and columns by writers who manipulate quotes, blow insignificant events out of proportion, create drama where none exists, blatantly carry water for the front office or specific agents, allow personal grudges with players to affect their coverage of the team, and/or treat loyal fans with snark and condescension, then make your own sign and bring it to the park!

So grab your poster board and Sharpies, head to Fenway Park this weekend, and voice your support for the Red Sox and your disdain for the “mediots.”

Jason will help you hit a home run with the neighbors as he transforms the front yard with some Red Sox curb appeal. If you’re up to the challenge, fill out the Desperate Landscapes application at www.jaytv.net and tell us why you love the Red Sox and hate your front yard. The deadline for applications has been extended to 07 May, so apply now!

About Desperate Landscapes

From the official web site: “Nothing is more embarrassing than having the ugliest yard on the block — especially when your neighbors call you out. Armed with creative solutions, licensed contractor Jason Cameron transforms a negligent neighbor’s troubled yard into an outdoor showplace — in only one day. From new planting beds and big, new trees to fresh paint and fencing, DIY Network’s Desperate Landscapes is all about going from helpless to beautiful!”

The site is now fully supported by WordPress, the largest self-hosting and arguably the best blogging tool in the world; we believe that this will allow for better content control and easier site updates.  We have also made it easier for guests to leave comments using their Facebook accounts; we believe that this encourages more open dialogue versus the traditional blog comment section.

As always, we welcome your thoughts and comments and thank you for visiting FenwayFanatics.com… and go Sox!!!

Come to our Open Casting Call:

Date: Friday, June 18, 2010
Time: 5 pm – 8 pm
Location: Outside GAME ON
82 Lansdowne Street
Boston, MA 02215

Only DIE HARD FANS will be considered.

If chosen, you must be available Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20 for the shoot.

We look forward to seeing you! Go Red Sox!