Timlin on the shelf

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What I projected a few days ago became reality when the Red Sox announced that Mike Timlin will open the season on the disabled list. He will be eligible to return to the active roster for the Sox home opener against Seattle on April 10. The Boston Herald reports that Julian Tavarez will probably be the Sox closer for the first six games.

It is best to exercise caution with Timlin, who can be a valuable part of the Sox bullpen. I would rather him fully regain his health and miss time in April than have him return too early and battle injuries all season. Timlin's absence will not impact the middle relief. This likely means that Kyle Snyder will make the opening day roster, joining Tavarez, Joel Pineiro, Brendan Donnelly, Hideki Okajima and J.C. Romero. The final spot - at least for the first six games - will be filled by Manny Delcarmen, Craig Hansen, Devern Hansack, Bryan Corey or Javier Lopez. I prefer Hansack or Corey. In fact, I believe Hansack would be an effective closer. Your thoughts?

From ****'s Bells to Wham!

San Diego closer Trevor Hoffman enters the game to a spectacle. ACDC's "****'s Bells" thunders from the loudspeakers and fans erupt into a frenzy. If Joel Pineiro claims the Sox closer's role, the scene and mood will be much different. Pineiro's weight room music mix includes an assortment of ballads from groups like Air Supply and Wham! Can you imagine the bullpen gate opening and Pineiro sprinting to the mound with "All Out Of Love" or "Wake Me Up (Before You Go Go)" playing? Sounds very intimidating.

Gabbard optioned to Pawtucket

There is no doubt that Kason Gabbard is talented enough to fill a No. 5 spot in most MLB rotations. The Yankees, for one, would benefit from his presence. Fortunately, he is in the Red Sox organization. Though Gabbard posted a 1-1 record and a 2.70 ERA in four spring training starts, he was sent to Pawtucket yesterday. Boston has one of the best rotations in baseball with Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, Jonathan Papelbon, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Tim Wakefield. Jon Lester, one of the top young left-handed starters in the AL, will contribute this season. If an injury befalls one of the starting five, Gabbard will step forward as well. It's reassuring to know that the Sox will not need to trot guys like Jason Johnson and Kevin Jarvis to the mound this year. The depth is there in the rotation and in the bullpen.

Super Joe to Pawtucket?

Joe McEwing was also told that he would begin the season at Pawtucket, but that he would remain with the Sox through the end of the month, including the final two exhibition games against the Philadelphia Phillies. Super Joe could opt for free agency, but he told the media that he will likely report to Pawtucket. What's not to like about a scrappy player like McEwing? He offers peace of mind in case Dustin Pedroia struggles. McEwing would be on the big league roster if not for Alex Cora, who is another valuable utility player.