It's early, very early in an extra long spring training forced upon teams by the World Baseball Championship, a silly tournament that Bud Selig insists on having. But early on we've seen some things that make us say "hmmm":

• The clear leader in the clubhouse for the backup catcher job is Corky Miller.  Miller is five for eight thus far and none of the other competitors in camp, Cole Armstrong, Donnie Lucy or Chris Stewart can touch him early on.
• Jayson Nix has made a strong case for second base.  Chris Getz has been okay and Brent Lillibridge inconsistent.  Two other names that may enter into the battle are Gordon Beckham, who has already hit a couple of bombs.  I would be shocked if Beckham didn't start the season in Birmingham.  The other name, a dark horse to be sure, is  Sergio Santos who is hitting .571 and has played really well at several infield positions.  Could he be the Pablo Ozuna/Juan Uribe of 2009?
• Another dark horse is outfielder Josh Kroeger, who singlehandedly did the Cubs in during the sweep in Vegas.  One wonders if he has defensive value, does he become a better hitting version of Brian Anderson?
• While Cuban Sandwich has been everything advertised, he'll still be sent out at the end of camp.  I would be blown away if the Sox decided to bring him North, first because of his youth and second because of his glove.  Remember, the Cuban Missle was 26 last year.  The Sandwich is only 19.
  
• Among the pitchers, Jeff Marquez continues to stand out among the pitchers and if there is no major implosion, take one of the slots reserved for Jose Contreras or Bartolo Colon if they are unable to answer the bell on opening day.  If not, he'll be a long receiver and spot starter.  Jack Egbert also distinguished himself from the pool that includes Lance Broadway and Aaron Poradea.
  
• One other guy who make sneak up behind you and hit you with a hammer is out old friend Mike MacUseless.  He's had a great spring and if he's convinced the Sox he's over the yips, might be considered as a middle relief guy.  It's not that MacUseless has bad stuff, it's that he walks half the planet.  Fool me once, shame on me, fool me twice and here's a bus ticket to Charlotte.
• Adam Russell is killing any chance he has of starting the season with the big boys. 
  
• This lefty I saw pitch yesterday, Randy Williams, interests me.  He doesn't look like he could break a pain of glass, but he seems to be effective.  He reminds me of an upright version of Kelly Wuench.  I don't know if that's good, I'm just saying.
  
• Anytime Wilson Betemit wants to show up, fine by me.  I wonder if the Sox are impressed with Lillibridge, Getz and Nix and perhaps Santos, is he the odd man out?  The real get in the trade was Marquez, so waiving him wouldn't be the end of the world.
• One thing I've learned in my many years as a baseball fan: Don't fall in love with non-roster guys in spring training because most of them don't make the cut.  They are there for purposes of depth and Kenny and Ozzie already have a plan and most of those guys aren't in it.  Occasionally, you get a DeWayne Wise (who started the season in the minors last year) but don't count on it.  Still, guys like Kroeger, Santos and Williams look good so far.  And who knows?  Maybe they'll make it.
• For a much more detailed and probably saner analysis of the Sox roster battles, I strongly encourage you to visit Sox Machine.
  

One other thing I've been thinking about.  Juan Pierre wants a trade from the Dodgers.  Would he be a welcome addition to the Sox, giving them a bona fide center fielder and leadoff man?  My gut says he's Jerry Owens with more practice, so I vote no.  Please leave me a comment or send me an email and let me know what you think.