A few thoughts as I fight off the flu (sorry for the lack of recent blogs).

Now that Jonathan Papelbon got his mony ($775,000), would he be quiet about his cause to set a standard for future relievers. As I try to figure out payment for the heating bill, I don't want to hear about his noble efforts.

If Papelbon was this much of a problem when he had no leverage, what is it going to be like next year where he is arbitration-eligible, or later when he's a free agent? Sounds like this is only the beginning of "Papelbon contract issues."

Javier Lopez is making a case to be replaced in the bullpen. Left-handers hit him well, which negates the whole purpose of him being a lefty specialist. And he is not wowing them in the spring (disclaimer: yes, it is early). He has given up five hits and 6 runs (1 earned) over 3 innings.

Could mean a promotion for non-roster invitee and left-hander Jon Switzer (2 IP, no runs, no hits, no BB). There are also right-handers on the 40-man that could get a bump up: David Aardsma or Bryan Corey.

Julio Lugo's back is still acting up and Coco Crisp has been slowed by a groin injury. With a shortened spring trainig, Crisp cannot afford to miss days in his competition with Jacoby Ellsbury ... And Lugo's back may mean an opportunity for Jed Lowrie.

Speaking of Lowrie, he is one of 7 super prospects I profile (with the help of some useful sources) in Sunday's column.

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