Sizemore continues to give Red Sox early optimism

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Red Sox continue to say they can't make any true evaluations of Grady Sizemore until they see how his body responds to the daily pounding that can only happen during a game schedule.

That said, Sizemore has passed every test to date.

"We're looking forward to [Sizemore playing in games], but we've got to temper that because his history is well documented," said manager John Farrell. "Two days ago, he had a phenomenal day, running the bases at full speed, his defensive work was at full speed, he's handling live pitching well. Those are the only things you see right now. Everything has been very encouraging. We're going to have to temper either our enthusiasm or really how much we push him just to gradually get him back into game shape."

The Red Sox open their Spring Training schedule on Thursday by facing Northeastern and Boston College in split-squad action.

Sizemore responded well to his busy day on Thursday.

"At the end of the day, he felt physically like he had a solid work day," Farrell said. "But the next day, he walked in and he felt great. When he shows up at the ballpark, that's been his gauge. There's been no need for either additional treatment of any kind or in his mind, any concern with how he's recovering. So far, so good."