Projo Sox Blog

There is an added importance to today's Red Sox-Twins matchup at City of Palms Park: Boston has the chance to clinch the coveted Mayor's Cup, awarded to the winner of the annual five-game series between the two teams that make their spring home in Ft. Myers.

"It's a big day in Ft. Myers," manager Terry Francona joked.

Francona has been furiously poring over his lineup, to make sure the Red Sox come away with a victory, and take away any hope the Twins have of a home-game rubber match next week.

"The Twins are pitching Liriano. I think they bumped him up a day," Francona said.

There is actually a physical Mayor's Cup, inscribed with the name of the winner for each of the last 10 years.

If the Red Sox don't win today, they'll face the Twins on the last day of Spring Training in Florida, with the series in the balance. Francona wants to take down Minnesota today, and give them no shot at claiming the cup.

"We don't want that hanging over our heads on a getaway day," he chuckled.

 Tags  Boston Red Sox Dan Barbarisi Francisco Liriano Minnesota Twins Terry Francona

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