Signings galore

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Boston's front office was busy over the weekend. The Sox renewed the contracts of left-handed reliever Javier Lopez and infielder Kevin Youkilis. They also signed one-year contracts with Nick Debarr, Manny Delcarmen, Kason Gabbard, Devern Hansack, Kyle Jackson, Jon Lester, Edgar Martinez, Jonathan Papelbon, David Pauley, George Kottaras, Dustin Pedroia, Brandon Moss and David Murphy.

The Sox selected Debarr from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the Rule V draft. He must remain on the active roster all season or be returned to the Devil Rays. Does this signal that the Sox will give him a chance in the bullpen to open the season?

Bullpen banter

Speaking of the bullpen, it seems like the Sox most effective relievers in spring training are players not expected to make the opening day roster. Javier Lopez (4.2 scoreless innings), Travis Hughes (3.1 scoreless innings), Edgar Martinez (no earned runs in three innings), Bryan Corey (six scoreless innings) and David Pauley (four scoreless innings). Hughes and Pauley are likely bound for Pawtucket, as is Martinez. Lopez will probably begin the season in Triple-A as well. Since Mike Timlin is ailing, Corey has a strong chance to make the opening day roster. If not, I imagine he will ask for his release.

As for relievers who are part of the Sox regular season plans, Julian Tavarez lowered his ERA to 3.52, but he walked four in a game over the weekend. That is definitely not the mark of an effective closer. Joel Pineiro is pitching better; however, I think he is better suited for a middle relief role. I can't reiterate enough how much I think that Brendan Donnelly should be the closer.

Let the Big Dance begin

Ohio State secured a number one seed by defeating Wisconsin to win the Big Ten tournament title. With Greg Oden in the middle, the Buckeyes have a legitimate shot of winning the national title, something the football team should have accomplished in January. An Ohio native, I am a lifelong Ohio State fan. My alma mater is Wright State, which is based in Dayton. Wright State won the Horizon League regular season title and the conference tournament championship. Their reward? A No. 14 seed and a first-round matchup with No. 3 seed Pittsburgh. The beauty of the NCAA Tournament is that you truly never know.