BOS, NYM, PHL Notes

RED SOX

- The Sox are looking for a back-up SS due to Jed Lowrie's unfortunate health issues. Bill Hall tried out yesterday, but committed two errors. Marco Scutaro is the primary, but coming off his late season injury is still a concern. Will we hear of talks of Dustin Pedroia backing him up and maybe a back-up 2B?

- If reliever Brian Shouse doesn't make the team, there's a possibility he may retire rather than report to Pawtucket where Scott Atchinson and Joe Nelson may find themselves. Alan Embree is said to have the inside track to be the lefty specialist behind Hideki Okajima, but may not be ready for Opening Day. He can opt out of his contract on April 15th.

- After the shelling Boof Bonser took (5 runs, 6 hits) in his start yesterday against the Rays, he looks like he could be headed to the pen if he decides to stay with Boston. A few teams have interest in acquiring him. According to Gordon Edes, Bonser has a groin issue.

- Jorge Jimenez was returned to the organization by the Marlins. The Red Sox gave 25K back to Florida.

PHILLIES

- Placido Polanco returned to the line-up on Sunday after spraining his knee earlier last week.

- The Phils plan on twelve pitchers on the Opening Day roster. Roy Hallday, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ round out the penciled in starters. Kyle Kendrick and Moyer are still battling for the last slot. Moyer had a strong outing against the Orioles. Whoever loses, goes to the pen with Antonio Bastardo, Jose Contreras, Danys Baez, Chad Durbin, Ryan Madson, and David Herndon. Mike Zagurski was sent down to AAA, but expect to see him make an appearance at some point this season.

- The Phils aren't the only ones that want Jayson Werth. The Yankees are looking at him and Carl Crawford as possibilities next off-season.

METS

- Catching is a hot topic in NY these days. The team has five catchers available to them. Josh Thole is almost certainly headed to Buffalo and Omir Santos maybe as well. With Barajas and Blanco on the roster, doesn't leave much room for Chris Coste unless one of the two go down very soon. Santos and Thole will battle season round to get the call-up and will more than likely happen due to the aging catchers ability to play.

- 1B Ike Davis made enough of an impression that he will almost certainly get the call in mid-season to join the Mets. As for Daniel Murphy, this is not good news.

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