April 3, 2004

The Focus Is On Foulke. Last season, Keith Foulke led the AL with 43 saves; he also had a 9-1 record and a 2.08 ERA. This spring, in 8.2 innings, he has allowed 15 hits and has a 13.50 ERA. His fastball has lacked precision and velocity and that has made his changeup less effective. So what's wrong? Theo Epstein: "I don't know." ... Terry Francona: "He's been throwing a lot [on the side] also, trying to make sure he's ready to go, and that's going to have something to do with velocity and things like that." ... Mike Timlin: "Right now I think Keith's trying to do too much. He needs to relax. He's not relaxed when he's pitching. I'm not an expert, but that's how I see it."

Theo is in no rush to finalize the roster. ... Many Sox vets hope Varitek returns in 2005. ... Boston Globe blogger Eric Wilbur picks the Red Sox to win the East.

Spring Stats (Wakefield has one more start tonight):
           G  IP    H    R  ER  BB   K   ERA

Schilling 5 25.2 16 6 6 3 25 2.10
Lowe 7 29 20 9 7 5 12 2.17
Wakefield 5 19.1 19 9 8 4 11 3.72
Arroyo 6 22 21 10 10 6 17 4.09
Pedro 5 16 20 14 12 6 17 6.75
Probable Sunday Lineup:

Johnny Damon CF
Bill Mueller 3B
Manny Ramirez LF
David Ortiz DH
Kevin Millar 1B
Jason Varitek C
Gabe Kapler RF
Mark Bellhorn 2B
Pokey Reese SS

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