Salty looks forward to Red Sox reunion

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- A little while back, catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia received a letter from Red Sox owner John Henry regarding the delivery of his World Series championship ring.

Since then he hasn't heard from his former club, but he will have a chance to face Boston on Thursday at Roger Dean Stadium.

"It's cool to see those guys," Saltalamacchia said. "I talk to them still. I'm not too far removed."

Actually, about 15 Boston players started a text group last season, a way for everyone to touch base easily. And at some point in the next month or so, Saltalamacchia should be receiving his ring.

"John Henry sent me a letter, and he said he looked forward to giving it to me in the spring," he said. "I think by spring he means April 5 or whatever."

Saltalamacchia doesn't expect to receive the ring until after the Red Sox have their ceremony.

"I think they're going to send somebody," he said. "I look forward to seeing them. I went through a lot with those guys. I consider them friends, and look forward to seeing them."