“What we saw in spring training is a very mature approach,” Breslow said of Anthony, who was 7-for-34 (.206) with a homer, 12 strikeouts, 10 walks and a .715 OPS in Grapefruit League play. “Good strike zone discipline. That’s getting tested a little bit right now. A little bit more punch-out than we’re used to seeing, but it’s super early.

Anthony, who is managing minor shoulder soreness, has hit four homers and seven extra-base hits in 16 games at Worcester.

The Boston Red Sox have made it a habit to lock up young guys with long-term contract extensions since Craig Breslow took over as the team's chief baseball officer. It's a great business model if you nail the contract.