No catcher, no fourth outfielder, no official signing of Brad Penny.

The Boston Red Sox seem in no hurry to shore up its roster with spring training starting next month.

But you can expect something soon. The addition of Brad Penny reportedly is dependent on Penny passing a physical. Once that happens (assuming it does), Penny will have to be added to the 40-man roster, and someone will have to go.

Also, the Red Sox have four catchers on their 40-man roster - newly-signed Josh Bard, Dusty Brown, George Kottaras and Mark Wagner.

Assuming the Red Sox add another Major League-ready catcher - and Jason Varitek could still come back - then that gives Boston FIVE catchers on the 40-man. Too many.

Here are some possibilites: Either Kottaras or Brown get traded (I'm guessing Kottaras) in a deal that brings another catcher or ...

... Boston goes with a Kottaras-Bard tandem for 2009 and hopes for the best.

The Red Sox signed infielder Nick Green to a minor league contract. Green, 30, has major league time (including 111 games for Tampa Bay in 2005), but spent all of last year with the Yankees' Triple-A team. He seems destined for Pawtucket.

Wondering who really wants Manny Ramirez. New teams reappear on the horizon, but is that reality or Scott Boras' attempt to manufacture interest in his moody superstar?

The New York Yankees have made all the big signings, but Pat Burrell joining the Rays keeps them as a contender.

A reminder of the Sea Dogs Hot Stove Dinner and Auction Friday night at the Wyndham Hotel in South Portland, with Justin Masterson as the prime guest. Tickets are $50. Call 879-9500 for information.

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