--OF Brandon Moss went from the penthouse to the minor league house in less than 24 hours when he was optioned to Class AAA Pawtucket after Boston's Wednesday loss to the Oakland A's. Moss smacked a game-tying home run in the ninth inning of Boston's season-opening win, and he has raised his value around the baseball world after a strong spring training. Moss will work on his defense at first base in the minors to improve his versatility and value at the major league level.

--RHP David Aardsma was impressive in Wednesday's loss to Oakland and may have sewn up a spot on Boston's 25-man roster with his 1 2/3-inning, three-strikeout performance. Aardsma profiles as a hard-throwing reliever capable of getting his heater up into the 94-96 mph range, and the Sox could use another live arm available for duty in the 'pen.

--OF J.D. Drew missed his second consecutive game with lower back discomfort and then had a 10-hour team charter flight to Los Angeles scheduled shortly after Wednesday's loss to the A's. Drew didn't suffer the lower back spasms during practice games, but instead felt a twinge during Opening Day pregame sprints. The right fielder, who has a past history of back woes, had enjoyed a promising spring and had smacked a pair of home runs in the two Japanese exhibition games before coming down with the last-minute back injury.

--OF Coco Crisp made the start in center field Wednesday against hard-throwing Oakland RHP Rich Harden, but Red Sox manager Terry Francona wouldn't commit to a particular pattern of playing time for Crisp going forward. The San Diego Padres continue to be mentioned as a possible landing spot for the displaced outfielder when/if he is dealt, but it appears the speedy Crisp will start the season on Boston's 25-man roster.

--RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka has long taken pride in his ability to pitch deep into ballgames, and he actually apologized to his Japanese fans for only lasting five innings in Boston's season opener. Matsuzaka's exit time from games seems to be a constant source of disagreement between the Japanese hurler and the Sox coaching staff, but the 27-year-old will need to work more efficiently to pitch into the eighth and ninth inning on a regular basis.

BY THE NUMBERS
16 -- The number of home runs that 3B Mike Lowell hit against AL East opponents last season. Lowell hit 21 home runs altogether on the season.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"For other people, it's a great year. That's in the past. Talk to me (about) right now. If we want to repeat we're going to go and do it. Everything is possible in life. I'm ready to go. I don't know about other people. I'm ready to go." -- Manny Ramirez talking about last season, arguably his worst offensively in the major leagues.

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