Notable info heading into Spring Training

Spring Training is only days away, and the Red Sox are out to prove themselves. After the collapse in 2011 and 2012's train wreck of a season, this squad is rejuvenated and out to take the league by surprise. New skipper John Farrell is taking this personal, as he was the Sox pitching coach in 2007-2010. Also, the Sox payroll this season will include a solid amount of new players. Here's what Farrell had to say about that:

"I'm excited about our balance," said Farrell. "We have professional, successful individuals with proven track records. We have guys who have come from winning playoff teams and World Series teams, and to bring those ingredients in here this year, we're just looking forward to bringing everyone together in Spring Training.
"We have a challenge ahead of us. With nine new players to add to a 25-man roster, that's a lot to integrate, and to understand that we're coming together and sacrificing for one another towards a team approach. That's where I think the people we brought in -- above and beyond the talents that they are -- have that reputation."

Nobatable Sox acquisitions include the following; Catcher David Ross, First Basemen Mike Napoli & Lyle Overbay, Shortstop Stephen Drew, Outfielders Shane Victorino & Johnny Gomes, Starting Pitcher Ryan Dempster, and Relievers Joel Hanrahan & Koji Uehara.

Finally, keep note that some of the Red Sox pitching staff has already reported to camp to get an early start. Here are some dates that you may be curious about, courtesy of MLB.com:
Pitchers and catchers report-Feb. 11
Full squad reports-Feb. 14
First Spring Training game-Home vs. Northeastern University at 1:35 p.m. ET and vs. Boston College at 5:05 p.m., Feb. 21
First Grapefruit League game-Home vs. Rays, Feb. 23, 1:35 p.m.
Opening Day-Away vs. Yankees, April 1, 1:05 p.m.