Short Stops - 3/12

The Boston Red Sox started searching for a new closer as soon as they decided Jon Papelbon was better off in the starting rotation. So far Joel Pineiro has the early edge, but he's nowhere near a certainty. The Sox made inquiries on Chad Cordero prior to spring training. Now comes word that New York no-fan favorite Armando Benitez is being looked into by little Theo.
Update - Terry Francona announced today that Julian Tavarez would be his closer if the season started tomorrow. There's no way that's going to happen.




Gagging in Fenway?





White Sox prospect and former QB Clayton Richard must be tip-toeing his way through the clubhouse right now. Yesterday Richard plunked fellow pitcher Bobby Jenks in the throat with an errant pitch. Jenks was shaken up at first, then had to be restrained from going after the rookie. Meanwhile Javier Vazquez continued to celebrate his new contract by getting hammered once again.

It wasn't such a good weekend for ex-White Sox players either. Maglio Ordonez got beaned on Saturday by the Red Sox' Josh Beckett. Ordonez was still feeling some dizziness on Sunday.

The good news for the Cubs' Mark Prior is that he's healthy. The bad news is that he has stunk so badly he may start the season in the minors. At the moment he's got nothing on his fastball.

Josh Hamilton was once the pride and joy of the Devil Rays' farm system. Then came injuries, drugs, and suspensions. The former 1st round pick looks like he's finally made it all the way back as a member of the Cincinnati Reds. He's hitting .538 (14-26) this spring to all but assure himself of a roster spot when the team heads north.