Mashantucket - John Farrell, manager of the Boston Red Sox, said he's been hearing excitement in his players' voices on the other end of the phone.

"Without a question ... the additions Ben (Cherington, general manager) has brought us, that's what gives us the excitement. That and we have a burr under our saddle from last year," Farrell said.

Farrell was on hand Friday night at Foxwoods Resort Casino's Fox Theater along with Red Sox principal owner John Henry, chairman Tom Werner, president/CEO Larry Lucchino and Cherington, who took part in a fan-interactive "Town Hall Meeting."

The session kicked off Boston's first Baseball Winter Weekend, being held through Sunday at Foxwoods and including appearances by more than 20 Red Sox players, including newcomers Hanley Ramirez, Pablo Sandoval, Rick Porcello, Justin Masterson and Wade Miley.

The players in attendance for the weekend, including star second baseman Dustin Pedroia, were briefly introduced to the fans prior to the Town Hall Meeting, which will be televised by NESN at 7 p.m. Sunday.

"You have Hanley (who made his major league debut with the Red Sox before being traded to the Marlins), who comes back home in a sense. We've been able to witness Pablo (three-time World Series champion with the Giants) from afar. He has a lot of experience," said Farrell, in his third season as Red Sox manager.

"We targeted Pablo ... when Ben was able to bring in Hanley, too, that was a surprise."

Fans of all ages admitted into the Town Hall event, moderated by NESN's Tom Caron, were able to ask the executives their own questions.

Among them: Is the team still missing a No. 1 starter? (No). Which Red Sox pitcher throws the hardest? (Joe Kelly). Which addition to the team will have the biggest impact? (Cherington joked it would be first-year hitting coach Chili Davis). And which of the rookies will make the smoothest transition? (Farrell named 22-year-old outfielder Mookie Betts and 24-year-old catcher Christian Vazquez).

Henry called it "frustrating" for the Red Sox to have to rebuild for the second time in three years, despite winning the 2013 World Series in the middle, but believes in the job Cherington has done in infusing the lineup with the right people.

"Both times Ben and his staff ... his decisions have been right," said Henry, who noted that while he was in Las Vegas during the offseason he noticed the Red Sox as the American League favorite.

"He took pretty bold steps to rebuild the team both times. I think it's really strong."

Farrell answered the question of starting pitching before and during the event and replied the same both times.

"The guy that takes the mound for us every night is our No. 1 starter," Farrell said. "Joe Kelly, Clay Buchholz ... when you look, this is a very formidable five-man rotation that has a lot of major league experience."

Today, fans will be able to meet players and receive autographs, attend panel discussions and participate in other interactive events. Sunday includes a series of clinics on hitting, pitching, baserunning and coaching conducted by Red Sox coaches and alumni.

v.fulkerson@theday.com

Twitter: @vickieattheday