I'm sure by now most of you have heard the whispers - and shouts - that Josh Beckett has showed up to camp remarkably out of shape.  Perhaps that rumor started out of solid information (you know, like real reporting and investigative journalistic work, as opposed to pure speculation on a rather revealing photograph), but it seems most likely that it was spawned by nitpicky, overly-critical media members and jealous opposing fans (YANKEES FANS... cough, cough...) after this photo surfaced on the net:

 (AP Photo)

Now I'll be the first to admit, Josh is far from the best shape of his career and isn't sporting a rippling six-pack or anything, but it's hardly the big deal almost every media member with a blog out there is hyping it up to be.  Beckett clearly didn't undergo an offseason training regimin along the lines of Manny Ramirez, Kevin Youkilis, and Dustin Pedroia's Arizona workouts, but we're not talking about a David Wells-esque fupa here (if you don't know what a fupa is, ask a friend or Google it).  In fact, maybe a few extra pounds on Beckett's frame may not be a bad thing, as it may potentially add a bit to his fastball's velocity.  As an avid (and well-educated) workout enthusiast, it is my professional opinion that Beckett will be back to his old, fit self by the time camp breaks and the regular season begins.  The signature chipmunk cheeks, however, will likely remain. 

In other, more legitimate news, Red Sox manager Terry Francona mentioned that he and the front office have yet to decide on the situation in centerfield, according to The Boston Herald.  The Herald reports that a trade involving Coco Crisp is still likely on the horizon, but that it may be a month or so into the season before a deal is struck.  This would allow the Sox to both showcase Coco's talents for potential trade partners and to take their time in inserting rookie sensation Jacoby Ellsbury into a permanent role in center.  If this is the course the Sox take, expect Ellsbury to start out in AAA.  Whatever the outcome, it seems to be a win-win that the Sox have two solid, major-league capable centerfielders (one being a potential star-in-the-making in Ellsbury) to choose from.