This post is just a taste of what you will find at Sox and Pinstripes (http://www.soxandpinstripes.com), a web site and blog where readers discuss, debate and learn about all things Red Sox, Yankees and baseball. Visit Sox and Pinstripes to read more about the Red Sox from Jeff Louderback’s perspective.

The Sox brass had a meeting of the minds before yesterday’s game. The reason for the meeting was not disclosed; however, the likely topic was the question of who will close for this team. The Sox continue to explore trades, but the asking price is still too high for Theo Epstein’s liking.

Will Jonathan Papelbon return? A report from Erin Andrews moments ago during the ESPN telecast of the Sox and Phillies indicates that Papelbon will be announced as the closer in a press conference after today’s game. The Sox could insert Kason Gabbard in the No. 5 spot until Jon Lester is ready, and move Tim Wakefield to No. 4. Or, if Lester is ready, they can move him to No. 4 and keep Wakefield at No. 5. Either way, the Sox have a deep rotation. Julian Tavarez, Devern Hansack and Kyle Snyder would be spot starter options, if needed.

Returning Papelbon to the closer’s role would seemingly defeat the purpose of moving him to the rotation for health reasons. Papelbon, though, says that he can start or close without strain on his shoulder because of the intensive off-season conditioning program he underwent. This will likely be a one-year stint, with Papelbon moving to the rotation in 2008 when Bryce Cox is ready to take the reigns of closer.

Red Sox season preview to air on Up On The Monster Radio

If you want to share your opinion on the state of the Sox in 2007, be sure to listen to Up On The Monster Radio this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET. Yours truly will be a guest on the Red Sox season preview show along with Jonathan Singer of Sox Prospects, Jeff Moon of Fenway Fanatics and a yet to be determined host from Up On The Monster. This is an Internet radio show, and the URL is http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hostpage.aspx?show_id=16236. You can call the show at 718-664-6916.

This post is just a taste of what you will find at Sox and Pinstripes (http://www.soxandpinstripes.com), a web site and blog where readers discuss, debate and learn about all things Red Sox, Yankees and baseball. Visit Sox and Pinstripes to read more about the Red Sox from Jeff Louderback’s perspective.

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.

This post is just a taste of what you will find at Sox and Pinstripes (http://www.soxandpinstripes.com), a web site and blog where readers discuss, debate and learn about all things Red Sox, Yankees and baseball. Visit Sox and Pinstripes to read more about the Red Sox from Jeff Louderback’s perspective.

If Bryce Cox has his way, Craig Hansen will serve as the Sox main set-up man of the future. Cox dominated the low-level minors last season after a remarkable finish to his college career at Rice. With the upside of Hansen, Cox, Manny Delcarmen and Edgar Martinez, Boston’s bullpen could feature an array of homegrown arms as soon as 2008. Here’s a Bryce Cox 101 article that appeared in today’s Boston Herald: http://redsox.bostonherald.com/redSox/view.bg?articleid=189623.

Wells has Type 2 diabetes

San Diego Padres pitcher David Wells has Type 2 diabetes, a disease that is controllable with lifestyle changes.

“Obviously, this is a concern,” the 43-year-old former Yankees and Red Sox pitcher told the San Diego Union-Tribune. “But it’s beatable. And I’m going to beat it. It’s going to take some lifestyle changes. And I’m already making them.

“From the time I found out, I made changes. No more starches and sugar. No more rice, pasta, potatoes and white bread. No more fast food. I’ve cut out alcohol.

“I can still have a glass of wine now and then,” said Wells. “I can still run with the guys. But I’ve got to watch what I’m doing. I’m not drinking.

“This is a major lifestyle change. I don’t want this going to Type 1 diabetes. I want to be around for a while. If you don’t take care of this, it can lead to some scary stuff . . . like losing limbs. If anyone has this, it’s a red flag, period.

“But if I follow the rules I’ve been given, there’s no problem.”

Wells is known for his carousing and drinking, which especially gained widespread attention when he said he had a hangover when he pitched a no-hitter with the Yankees. Boomer is definitely a source of entertainment with his actions and his quotes, but Type 2 diabetes is no laughing matter. Here’s hoping he is able to control the disease and live a healthy life long after his playing days are over.

Hittin’ the airwaves

Vince and I will be hittin’ the airwaves to talk Sox and Yankees, and to promote Sox and Pinstripes (http://www.soxandpinstripes.com). Vince has already appeared on one talk show in Connecticut. I have been invited to serve as a guest panelist for the Red Sox 2007 season preview on Dave Devlin’s Blog Talk Radio show this Sunday. Vince and I will appear on the Tim Kuda Show and The Hits Keep Comin’ – both of which are baseball talk shows that are broadcast on Internet radio. In addition, Vince and I will debut Sox and Pinstripes Radio on Blog Talk Radio sometime in April. Listeners are welcome to call in, and we will have guests each show. We will let you know our guest appearance schedules as well as the debut date and time for Sox and Pinstripes Radio, which will likely air live either weekly or every other week. 

Tucker in minor league camp

Michael Tucker, who has played 12 big league seasons for seven teams and lives near Fort Myers, is working out at the Sox minor league camp and could sign a minor league deal. Though the Sox have a plethora of outfield options in the high-level minors – including Jacoby Ellsbury, Brandon Moss and David Murphy – it couldn’t hurt to have the insurance of a seasoned veteran. The 35-year-old Tucker had a short stint with the New York Mets last season (hitting .196 in 35 games and 56 at-bats). A career .256 hitter, his best offensive year was with Atlanta in 1997, when he hit .283 with 14 home runs and 56 RBI in 499 at-bats.

This post is just a taste of what you will find at Sox and Pinstripes (http://www.soxandpinstripes.com), a web site and blog where readers discuss, debate and learn about all things Red Sox, Yankees and baseball. Visit Sox and Pinstripes to read more about the Red Sox from Jeff Louderback’s perspective.

Curt Schilling’s change-up is deceptive, Tim Wakefield’s curveball is sharp and the Sox bullpen looks promising – at least every role leading to the closer. Enough talk about the Sox pitching situation, at least for a day.

How ’bout those silent Sox bats? I can tell by reading some of your posts that the pulse of Red Sox Nation is racing in exasperation about the batting averages of Julio Lugo (.243), David Ortiz (.176), Mike Lowell (.200), Manny Ramirez (.231), Jason Varitek (.105), Coco Crisp (.179) and Dustin Pedroia (.219). Even Wily Mo Pena is struggling (.233). Of the Sox regulars, only J.D. Drew (.409) and Kevin Youkilis (.353) are swinging the bat with authority.

Is this cause for concern? Not one bit. Remember, this is spring training. Players get a few at-bats here and a few at-bats there. They are not in a regular groove. Once the season starts, the Sox will score plenty of runs. Pedroia is a question mark, of course, since he is a rookie. Boston is not a comfortable place for a first-year player to enter the lineup. Pedroia has thrived every step of the way – from college baseball through the minors. Give him a chance. He might start slowly, but he will produce.

About the Sox bench, what do you think about Joe McEwing? The guy has been a valuable role player before – in St. Louis (where he also started) and with the Mets. He’s hitting .333 this spring, and he is a versatile player who can fill the same infield spots as Alex Cora. I think Cora is a valuable player as well. He accepts his role, he can play small ball (lay down bunts), and he is defensively sound. McEwing has the same traits. Hopefully, McEwing would accept a role with Pawtucket so he is available if the Sox need him.   

This post is just a taste of what you will find at Sox and Pinstripes (http://www.soxandpinstripes.com), a web site and blog where readers discuss, debate and learn about all things Red Sox, Yankees and baseball. Visit Sox and Pinstripes to read more about the Red Sox from Jeff Louderback’s perspective.

Am I the only one who is ready for spring training to end and opening day to arrive? March is a time for pitchers to work on their stamina and mechanics, and experiment with new pitches (like Curt Schilling and his change-up, and Tim Wakefield and his curveball); players to adjust to new roles (Joel Pineiro as a reliever, Papelbon as a starter, and Dustin Pedroia as the starting second baseman) and hitters to perfect their stance and timing. As a fan, the games are exciting in early March, when the return of baseball is marked, but then by the middle of the month we grow weary of obscure minor leaguers sharing the same field with players on the big league roster.

True, the Sox closer situation is not resolved. Terry Francona is not even certain where he will slot each reliever in the bullpen. Also, many of the Sox regulars have frightening batting averages, yet everything seems to adjust to normal when the regular season begins. It’s payback time, starting opening day, when the Sox travel to Kansas City for a three-game set. Boston was embarrassed by Kansas City and Tampa Bay in 2006. When you are a World Series caliber team, you expect to win each regular season series against  subpar teams (taking 2 out of 3), and you aim to win more than you lose against top echelon foes. It would be encouraging if the Sox opened with at least two wins against the Royals.

The Rocket pontificates

Roger Clemens appeared at the MLB Fan Fest at Universal Orlando this weekend, telling fans that he will not decide if he will return until May. He expressed his displeasure about how his contract with the Houston Astros was purported to be a luxury-type deal with unique concessions. He also talked about the perks of each team that desires his services. Returning to Yankees pinstripes would allow him to reunite with good friend Andy Pettitte. In Houston, he can be near his family. In Boston, he can pal around with the Kennedys.

"My biggest idol growing up was John F. Kennedy, and when I was there, I was lucky enough to meet the family and become friends with them," Clemens told MLB.com. "That’s another thing about Boston. When I’m there, I can visit their family, which is a pretty cool thing."

I prefer Boston’s rotation as it stands. Schilling, Beckett, Papelbon, Matsuzaka and Wakefield form one of the best rotations in baseball. Jon Lester will likely contribute as well. I would only want Clemens in Boston if one of the starters suffers a prolonged injury. And if a starter does land on the DL, there are better trade options available than signing Clemens. The Rocket will always be a beloved part of Red Sox history, and Dan Duquette was clearly wrong when he thought Clemens was in the twilight of his career. That was then, and this is now.

Clemens is not worth $20 million-plus for just a half-season. I know, I know – it’s not my money – but he is still not worth the investment. He remains a productive pitcher, posting a 2.30 ERA in 113.1 innings, and allowing just 89 hits last season with Houston. Is he a difference maker? That remains to be seen. He could be in New York, where the Yankees will be desperately searching for help once the season begins and Kei Igawa and Carl Pavano occupy the back end of the rotation. The Sox best reason for signing Clemens is to keep him away from the Yankees. Of course, he could sign with Houston, which is my preference. I would rather not see him in Boston or New York. Your thoughts?

This post is just a taste of what you will find at Sox and Pinstripes (http://www.soxandpinstripes.com), a web site and blog where readers discuss, debate and learn about all things Red Sox, Yankees and baseball. Visit Sox and Pinstripes to read more about the Red Sox from Jeff Louderback’s perspective.

Javier Lopez tossed two more scoreless innings, lowering his spring training ERA to 1.17. A left-handed reliever, Lopez would bolster the Sox bullpen, but I’m not sure if Terry Francona will be receptive to carrying three lefties. J.C. Romero and Hideki Okajima are pitching effectively, too, and deserve to be part of the opening day relief corps. Even if Timlin opens the season on the DL, Lopez might be nudged out. Brendan Donnelly, Julian Tavarez, Romero, Okajima and Joel Pineiro are in. Kyle Snyder will likely make the opening day roster since he has no options left. That leaves Lopez in a battle with Devern Hansack, Bryan Corey, Craig Hansen and Manny Delcarmen for the final bullpen spot. Hansen surrendered a solo home run in his inning of work yesterday. 

Sosa is a Ranger

Sammy Sosa was placed on the Texas Rangers’ 40-man roster, and it appears he will make the team. So far, he has hit three dingers in spring training. Check that bat for cork, and that body for any performance-enhancing drug that might slip under the detection radar. Oh, wait, Sosa is innocent since he hasn’t tested positive. Yeah, right. Sosa, Bonds, McGwire and Palmeiro are all innocent. Yeah, right again.

The DH rebuffed

When American League teams play at National League parks during spring training, the DH can be implemenented – of the AL team makes the request and the NL team accepts. Terry Francona asked the New York Mets (yesterday’s opponent) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (today’s opponent) to use the DH, and his request was denied by both teams. To make sure Josh Beckett did not get hurt swinging the bat last night, and to ensure that Daisuke Matsuzaka does not injure himself at the plate in today’s game, Francona instructed both pitchers not to swing. I’m not sure why the Mets and Dodgers rebuffed Francona. It would seem like both teams would want to get one more position player some swings. I agree with Francona. There is no need to risk injury by having a pitcher take a hard swing. The Sox already have one pitcher (Mike Timlin) with a strained oblique, and they don’t need another.

Big Dance Banter

Well, one of my teams won and the other lost in the opening round of the Big Dance yesterday. As expected, Ohio State trounced Central Connecticut State, the team which won the Northeast League, home to Vince’s Quinnipiac University Bobcats. Wright State, my alma mater, did not fare as well, falling to Pittsburgh. 79-58. The Horizon League has a respectable track record in the NCAA Tournament – Butler could advance deep in the tournament this year – and I thought Wright State would play better against Pitt. Still, I’m glad to see the program doing well again. Congrats to Wright State first-year head coach Brad Brownell on guiding the Raiders to a 23-10 season.

This post is just a taste of what you will find at Sox and Pinstripes (http://www.soxandpinstripes.com), a web site and blog where readers discuss, debate and learn about all things Red Sox, Yankees and baseball. Visit Sox and Pinstripes to read more about the Red Sox from Jeff Louderback’s perspective.

Mike Timlin was told by the Red Sox team doctor that he needs to wait two more days before he resumes throwing, but Theo Epstein is not concerned. Julian Tavarez surrendered two more runs in yesterday’s 3-2 loss to the Pirates, but Epstein is not worried. "Julian Tavarez is just getting ready for the season," the Sox GM said.

Mostly, I share Epstein’s serenity about the bullpen situation. I think the middle relief and set-up men will be effective, as long as that combination includes Hideki Okajima, J.C. Romero, Brendan Donnelly, Joel Pineiro (who is getting accustomed to his improved mechanics) and Kyle Snyder. Like a majority of Sox fans, I’m not confident about Tavarez in a relief role. I like him as a No. 5 starter, but not in the bullpen. I think the Sox should consider trading him to a team that needs a No. 5 starter. I would rather see Bryan Corey, Craig Breslow, Javier Lopez and even Craig Hansen than Tavarez.

As I have written before, I think the only obvious question mark in the bullpen is the closer. I will reiterate my opinion that the Sox should give Snyder or Donnelly a shot, or acquire Chad Cordero or Taylor Tankersley.

I read in today’s Globe once more about the Sox alleged interest in Armando Benitez, and the fact that Kason Gabbard and Snyder have appeal for teams who need back-of-the-rotation starters. I strongly believe that Gabbard will have a successful big league career as a No. 5 starter or a long reliever. Snyder is better suited for the bullpen. Unless the Sox use them as bargaining chips to get a quality closer (Benitez does not qualify), I think Snyder and Gabbard should be part of the team’s long-term plans.

This post is just a taste of what you will find at Sox and Pinstripes (http://www.soxandpinstripes.com), a web site and blog where readers discuss, debate and learn about all things Red Sox, Yankees and baseball. Visit Sox and Pinstripes to read more about the Red Sox from Jeff Louderback’s perspective.

Ninth inning. 7-5 lead. Sox over the Yankees. It was the perfect scenario for Terry Francona to test a potential closer. His choice? The would-be closer of the future. Craig Hansen pitched a scoreless frame and notched his first save of spring training. A scout told the Boston Globe that Hansen’s slider reached a 7 on a scale of 8, but that his shoulder looked rigid.

It was an impressive evening for the Sox bullpen. Brendan Donnelly, J.C. Romero and Manny Delcarmen also threw scoreless innings. Lefty Javier Lopez was formidable against left-handed batters, but he surrendered a run and two hits against righties.Donnelly is settling down after a few subpar performances. So is Delcarmen. Romero has been effective since spring training started and appears to be regaining the form that made him one of baseball’s top left-handed relievers.

With Romero and Okajima seemingly set for the opening day roster, Lopez may be a longshot to head to the Fens as well since Francona may not need a third left-hander in the bullpen. Yet Lopez has been one of the top relievers in spring training. Perhaps he can serve as a situational left-hander since Romero and Okajima are effective against hitters from both sides of the plate.

This post is just a taste of what you will find at Sox and Pinstripes (http://www.soxandpinstripes.com), a web site and blog where readers discuss, debate and learn about all things Red Sox, Yankees and baseball. Visit Sox and Pinstripes to read more about the Red Sox from Jeff Louderback’s perspective.

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.