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March 23, 2008
The Sox will talk with players today to check on health, but more and more, it appears as though Mike Timlin will, like Josh Beckett, start the year on the disabled list.
Timlin has some stitches in his right ring finger, the result of a comebacker last week in Fort Myers.
``We'll let him have a little say in the matter,'' said Francona. ``But being realistic, I don't think he can pitch (Tuesday and Wednesday).''
Putting Timlin on the DL will allow the Sox more time in determining how to handle their numerous bullpen candidates. If the Sox attempted to get their many relievers through waivers without options this week, they would run a greater risk of losing them to a claim by another team.
If the team waits until next week, when teams have already established their 25-man rosters, there's less of a chance that teams will claim them, since they'll have no available roster spots.
Among the Sox' relievers out of options: Javier Lopez, Bryan Corey, David Aardsma and Craig Breslow.
Increasingly, it seems like Corey, who has spent parts of 10 seasons in the minor leagues, will claim the final spot in the bullpen, joining Jonathan Papelbon, Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima, Julian Tavarez, Kyle Snyder and, eventually, Timlin.
Posted by Peter Phipps 
at 11:32 AM | Permalink
