Left-hander Dustin Richardson was hot property this time last year, having dominated Class A in 2007 and then getting an invite to the exclusive Red Sox Rookie Development Camp.

But after struggling in Portland in 2008 (7-10, 6.33), the Red Sox looked for ways to better utilize the 6-foot-6 Richardson, who has a high 80's fastball. Richardson moved from starter to reliever in the Hawaiian Winter League (2.42 ERA), and it looks like he might say there.

Red Sox Players Personnel Director Mike Hazen confirmed that Richardson will "likely work out of the pen this year."

Hazen, in an email, also confirmed what has been already figured out - that there are no planned coaching changes for the Sea Dogs in 2008. That means manager Arnie Beyeler, pitching coach Mike Cather, and hitting coach Dave Joppie are all coming back.

It will be Beyeler's third season, which will match Carlos Tosca for the longest reign as a Sea Dogs skipper.

You can ask Hazen about these moves and others at the Sea Dogs Hot Stove Dinner on Jan. 9. Hazen will be there, along with featured guest Justin Masterson. See the Sea Dogs website (www.seadogs.com) for more information.

While the Sea Dogs news is interesting, the big headlines today are for free agent Mark Teixeira. Red Sox owner John Henry has said his team is no longer in the bidding for Teixeira. Henry was either out-bid by somebody, or is being told (by agent Scott Boras) that he is being out-bid, and Henry is calling Boras' bluff.

Makes for great drama, eh?

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