And they're off

Last year, the big competition in SoxandPhils camp was between Coco Crisp and Jacoby Ellsbury for the Red Sox starting centerfielder job. But you had the feeling that it was Ellsbury's job to lose.

This year, the only big competition is Phillies fifth starter, and while Kyle Kendrick seems to be the favorite, I have the feeling anyone could grab it. The two most untested candidates, Carlos Carrasco and J.A. Happ, went today.

Scott Lauber declared it a draw, although Carrasco had the prettier line - three strikeouts in two innings with no baserunners. Happ also tossed two shutout innings, but he allowed a hit. It's good to see the youngsters show some desire to grab the job and take it. Unlike last spring when Adam Eaton pitched poorly but kept his job anyway.