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March 7, 2008

Colon looks sharp in latest 'pen session

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon just completed his third bullpen session of spring and looked sharp during the 50-pitch workout. He was able to mix in his offspeed stuff for the first time, including 10 sliders to his session with Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell looking on.

''He threw the ball very good,'' said Farrell. ''He kept the endurance and the tempo of his session consistent through the 50 pitches he threw this morning. The breaking ball and slider he added was a solid pitch for him. . . It was another good workday for him.''

Next up, Colon will toss a 40-pitch BP session on Sunday. After that the Red Sox will decide if March 15 is still a realistic starting point for game action.

Farrell said it would be ideal for Colon to pitch twice in games before the team heads to Japan.

''The work he’s been doing here every day has been very diligent and his work ethic has been tremendous,'' Farrell said. ''He’s making every progressive step we were hoping to see, and the next one will be batting practice.''

The one noticeable aspect of Colon’s session this morning was how fast he was working. The right-hander would throw, get the ball back and quickly deliver again.

''He has a tendency to get a little rapid fire, which a lot of pitchers do,'' Farrell said. ''He even acknowledged the other day that he needs to slow himself down a little bit because when you get too quick it can cause him to rush a little in his delivery, and lose command of the baseball.''

When Colon arrived at camp there was some concern with his body type, but he’s always been short and stocky. Even Farrell was quick to point out that Colon has been able to make it work to his advantage.

''He’s been pitching a long time very successfully,'' said Farrell. ''He has a very good feel for his body and when he does misfire with a pitch he can quickly make the adjustment that’s needed.''

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 11:44 AM | Permalink

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