Well, just as I posted the alarming AP story below, I found today's Providence Journal story on how the final roster is shaping up. The positive news is that Lenny will be on the opening day roster; the negative news is that he'll "sacrifice" his spot to Wells after the first week and a half:
For now, it's the Red Sox' intention to open the season with 11 pitchers -- their four starters (minus David Wells) -- Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield, Josh Beckett and Matt Clement) -- and seven relievers -- Keith Foulke, Jonathan Papelbon, David Riske, Rudy Seanez, Mike Timlin, Julian Tavarez and, likely, Lenny DiNardo.
The Sox will start the season without a lefty specialist in the bullpen. Former Red Sox lefty Rheal Cormier is available, and a Mohr-for-Cormier swap wouldn't be out of the question if Cormier's salary -- $2.5 million this season, with a $3-million option for next season -- weren't so high.
DiNardo will give the Sox a long man for the first 10 days or so, then sacrifice his spot to Wells, who, much to his displeasure, will open the season on the disabled list before being activated in time to pitch either April 12 or April 15, whenever the Sox first determine they need a fifth starter. The schedule gives them two off-days in the first eight of the season.
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