Ex-Hawk McCarthy hoping to soar again as an Eagle
BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Unfortunately, Warwick's
Neal McCarthy,
a former Hendricken star now patrolling center field for Boston College, has something in common with the Red Sox'
Nomar Garciaparra.
McCarthy suffered a similar wrist injury to the one that sidelined the All-Star shortstop for most of last season. Only it was a little worse. McCarthy suffered a complete tear of the ligament in his right wrist, forcing him to miss all of last season for the Eagles.
But last night, McCarthy was starting in center field and batting second for BC in its annual exhibition game with the Red Sox at City of Palms Park. McCarthy went 0-for-2 in the Eagles' 2-1 loss.
"I hurt it on a swing in the playoffs of the Cape Cod League," said McCarthy, who was batting .286 (6-for-21) with one homer and three RBI this season.
"I had to sit out all of last year rehabbing it. It was not easy sitting out and watching everyone else play. But I'm feeling stronger. I'm hoping to have a good year to finish my career on a good note," he said.
McCarthy's career certainly has had some ups and downs. After starring at Hendricken, he went to Florida Southern for one semester, then earned All-America honors as a freshman at Providence College, helping the Friars win the Big East title in their last year of existence.
When PC's program folded, McCarthy headed to BC.
Tower of strength
Shea Hillenbrand
delivered the Red Sox' first two runs of the spring with a towering two-run homer in the second inning last night . . .
Dernell Stenson
smacked an opposite-field single in his second at-bat . . . The Sox had only two other hits.
Jeff Abbott
singled in the third and
Wilton Veras
singled in the fourth . . .
Anastacio Martinez
worked the first two innings for Boston College, giving up a run . . .
Chris Elmore, Ryo Kumagai, Jorge De La Rosa
and
Rolando Viera
held the Eagles scoreless . . . Shortstop
James Lofton
turned a nifty double play.
Getting to know you
After addressing their troops in brief welcoming remarks yesterday, new owners
John Henry, Tom Werner
and
Larry Lucchino
headed out to the field for a photo session with Red Sox stars Garciaparra,
Manny Ramirez
and
Pedro Martinez.
The Boston players, dressed in their home white uniforms, stood three abreast behind the owners, who were sitting on folding chairs in the outfield. Then they switched places, with the owners standing behind the players.
Earlier, Garciaparra addressed the team after the owners said hello.
The only two members of the Sox who weren't in attendance at the meeting were Martinez and
Rich Garces
.
Martinez walked into the clubhouse about three minutes after the meeting ended.
Manager
Joe Kerrigan
said Martinez had called and had a "perfectly acceptable" personal reason for being late. He also said Garces was similarly excused because he had to go to the airport to pick up his two daughters and mother-in-law.
Derek Lowe
says he appreciates the new owners' hands-on, visible approach to their position.
"I think that's good," said Lowe. "They want us to get out in the community more, which is always good. Take the Yankees.
George Steinbrenner,
he's always around. That can only help."
It's the thought that counts
Ugueth Urbina,
though mystified by Kerrigan's gift of a recliner in the clubhouse, was happy to have it.
"It's a nice gift so I can sleep from the first to the sixth innings," said Urbina, the Sox' closer. "Just kidding. Just kidding. I don't mind to share this with everybody."
Here and there
Martinez will throw a batting-practice session this morning. If all goes as well as expected, Martinez will make his first start of the spring on Tuesday against Atlanta at City of Palms Park . . . Outfielder
Michael Coleman,
sidelined by a strained side muscle, took BP yesterday for the third straight day and hopes to be cleared for action soon . . . Recently acquired infielder
Rey Sanchez
could make his Boston debut in a split-squad game Monday . . .
Jeff Wallace
(left elbow) played long toss yesterday and was hoping to get permission to throw a bullpen session in the next day or so.
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