Is Bartolo Colon going to be needed sooner than thought?

I strongly doubt it, but it makes for interesting news to hear about his progress (Colon makes his exhibition debut Thursday), while other starters are doubtful or out for the opener in Japan on March 25.

No Schilling (shoulder), and maybe no Beckett (back) or Matsuzaka (pending fatherhood).

Maybe Jon Lester.

Lester has the start today, going against Johan Santana and the Mets. Of course, this match-up could have featured the Red Sox (Santana) and Twins (Lester) if one of the proposed trades had gone through.

Bryan Corey, David Ardsma and Jon Switzer all looked good Sunday in relief. Devern Hansack gave up two walks.

Hearing the same things about Craig Hansen. He looks good ... sometimes.

If the Red Sox don't want to fly Beckett and his aching back to Japan, what will they do with Julio Lugo?

Noticed that when 21-year-old shortstop Argenis Diaz was cut from the big league camp, he was assigned to Portland. Thought he may start in Class A Lancaster (to get confidence hitting, while avoiding the artic Aprils in Maine), but the Red Sox brass might think he's ready.

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