Lackey and Pedroia combined to help the Red Sox earn a victory

Stater John Lackey pitched seven innings and second baseman Dustin Pedroia hit homer four corners in the triumph of the Red Sox, who beat 5-2 Texas Rangers. Lackey (5-2) pitched seven innings, allowed seven hits, a homer and two runs to lead the Red Sox victory.

In Pedroia (2) attack hit four corners homer in the seventh inning with no partner based. The loss went to starter Robbie Ross (1-4) in six innings and two thirds, allowing six hits, one home run and five runs.

Red Sox Made Multiple Trade Offers for Blue Jays Outfielder Jose Bautista

Apparently, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein was insistent that he and the Sox would leave no stone unturned this offseason.

According to FoxSports’ Ken Rosenthal, Boston’s wild offseason included “multiple offers” to try and trade for Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista. Rosenthal reports that the Red Sox targeted Bautista at the winter meetings after missing out on Jayson Werth (who signed with the Nationals) and before agreeing to a seven-year deal with Carl Crawford.

Bautista, who exploded during the 2010 season hitting a major-league-best 54 home runs, has one year of arbitration left before he can become a free agent.

Red Sox Eager to See Carl Crawford Take Over Fenway Park’s Legendary Left Field

“You want to be a part of that.”

When Carl Crawford uttered those words earlier this month while being introduced to Boston media and responding to a question regarding his new set of teammates, he was not dissing Tampa Bay, the organization which gave him his start and allowed him to rise to stardom. But it was impossible for him to glance at the roster in Boston, one which now included the speed demon, and have any other kind of reaction.

Crawford had several trying years with the Rays and a few in which he finally tasted success. The last three years saw the organization trump the venerable Red Sox — Tampa Bay won two of the last three American League East Division titles and defeated Boston in the 2008 American League Championship Series.

But if you are a free agent bent on making a move that will define your career, comparing the two is like apples and oranges. When Crawford dreamt up hitting behind Dustin Pedroia and in front of Adrian Gonzalez at Fenway Park, as opposed to whatever would surround him in 2011 at Tropicana Field, he had to shake his head at the prospect of such an upgrade.

While nobody expects Gonzalez to struggle in a Red Sox uniform, there does figure to be an adjustment period. Crawford, meanwhile, practically grew up at Fenway Park. He was there when Boston used to beat Tampa Bay to a pulp on an annual basis. He was there when the rivalry bubbled up in 2008, and he was there when the Rays overtook their hated AL East brethren and became the team to beat in the best division in baseball.

Those who watched it all happen saw a guy who matured tremendously, and therefore expect a seamless transition.

“I think we have watched Carl Crawford turn into a baseball player over the years,” said NESN play-by-play man Don Orsillo, whose first season behind the mike for the Red Sox coincided with Crawford’s first full season in the majors. “When he started he was about as raw a talent as you could find. All the tools, just not mastered or honed. Pure athlete, first and foremost. I remember the words of my friend Brian Daubach who used to say, ‘We are not athletes, we are baseball players.’

“This guy is an athlete and has made himself a great baseball player.”

Crawford played 144 games against the Red Sox in his career. Basically a full season, batting .300 with more hits (181) and stolen bases (62) than against any other opponent. When he begins to blow up in the middle of a lineup loaded with potential, it’ll be like old hat, only he’ll be wearing a new one. That’s what makes the All-Star left fielder, who is coming off a career year, primed for that next big step.

“There won’t be many adjustments, except to the cold,” Crawford joked at his Fenway Park news conference. “The AL East is so exciting and I really wanted to stay in the AL East. When I heard Boston was interested, I was definitely excited.”

As part of that introductory meeting with the media back on Dec. 11, Crawford was asked about what it was like to play a position as hallowed as left field for the Boston Red Sox. With names like Williams, Yastrzemski, Rice, Greenwell and (ahem) Ramirez bouncing around in his head, the Sox’ speedster considered the question and delivered a response that would never be necessary in a place like Tampa Bay.

“Hopefully, I can go down as one of the best left fielders here,” he said.

Crawford already was the best left fielder, and perhaps the best player, in the history of the Rays’ organization. But bidding for immortality in a place like Boston? That’s something you want to be part of.

Important Dates around the MLB

Jan. 5-15, 2011
Salary arbitration filing period

Jan. 18, 2011
Salary arbitration figures exchanged
Feb. 1-21, 2011
Salary arbitration hearings

Feb. 13, 2011
Voluntary Spring Training reporting date for pitchers, catchers and injured players

Feb. 18, 2011
Voluntary Spring Training reporting date for non-pitchers and catchers

Feb. 25, 2011
Mandatory Spring Training reporting date for all players
March 2-11, 2011
Contracts of unsigned players may be renewed

March 28, 2011
Deadline to request unconditional release waivers without having to pay the player’s full 2011 salary

March 31, 2011
Opening Day
April 15, 2011
Jackie Robinson Day
July 12, 2011
All-Star Game, Chase Field, Phoenix, Ariz.

July 31, 2011
Non-waiver Trade Deadline
Aug. 15, 2011
Last day for teams to sign 2011 First-Year Player Draft selections who have remaining college eligibility
Sept. 1, 2011
Active rosters expand to 40 players