Good News in the Pitching Department

My man Mike – courtesy of Yahoo!Let’s start with my man Timlin.  Apparently, he threw around 10 minutes yesterday from 90 feet or so and didn’t keel over, clutching his side.  I’d say that’s pretty good news.  During my live blog yesterday, I quoted Theo as saying

"I think Mike will be okay, by opening day or shortly thereafter"

Guess the dude knew of what he spoke, eh?  So, it seems, that the total physical breakdown that most of the writers and fans are looking for will have to wait a while.  (Yes, I know he is "old"…yes, I know he was injured, I’m just not so quick to give up on him just yet.)

 
The bullpen looked pretty good yesterday in spite of the loss.  Hopefully that’s encouraging to those who think our bullpen is on self-destruct mode.  And the word is that Al Nipper is out and about scouting for a pitcher.  Being seen checking out the Astros and Brewers.  I suppose that one is good and bad news.  Good that he’s scouting, bad where he’s scouting.   (Okay, maybe not "bad" but not exactly encouraging.)

My two favorite pieces of news on our pitches are about Jon Lester and Matt Clement.  Clement is happy that his arm "feels good" and is convinced he will pitch this season.  I’m not so convinced, but I like the new attitude.

Lester had another good outing and, most importantly to him I know, Tito says he WON’T be staying in Florida for extended Spring Training.  That is great news. I love how the Sox are taking care of him, but I also think he needs to get out there and pitch.   His next appearance is on Wednesday.  A week before the season begins.

Man, this pre-season seems to be dragging!

A word about the new site.  One of the bells and whistles here is the ‘reference’ link.  I love it.  Instead of my inserting a hot link in my post, I have a place to detail the reference (ooh, it’s like being back in school!).  You all get more information about where I got MY information (and my ass is covered since I’m citing my sources),  and I don’t feel dirty about giving The Globe or Herald the traffic since it becomes more of a choice for the readers than a directive.   Ah, avoidance!