All Not Wells?

David Wells, 42, looks to be out longer than previous reports indicating a relatively short DL stint. Wells has had knee difficulties over the past season, causing him to miss starts and start the 2006 season on the DL, much to his dismay. Wells has incentives built into his contract that increase his salary based on starts made. Well returned to the Sox for one start, pitching a mere 4 innings while allowing 7 earned runs, before being returned to the DL for a second stint in April.

Wells, who has pitched in Major League Baseball for 20 years for 8 different franchises, has expressed concern about receiving any injections into his hobbled knees. Fellow teammate, Keith Foulke, received a series of SynVisc injections in his knees during Spring Training, causing him to express optimism about the upcoming season. However, after recent appearances, Foulke has mentioned that the early benefits of the injections seem to no longer be present. Wells has openly questioned whether continuing to play may negatively affect his mobility and ability to spend time playing with his children. He is rumored to be considering retirement over further treatment.

In Wells' absence, fellow-lefty Lenny DiNardo, 26, made a spot start on Patriot's Day for the Boston Red Sox. DiNardo pitched five strong innings, allowing two runs in five innings. DiNardo pitched well for the PawSox in 2005, also succeeding in a start for the Red Sox in 2005, and performing well in limited bullpen duty over the 2005 and 2006 seasons.

Leaving Spring Training, the Red Sox had an abundance of starting pitching with several question marks. Young Jonathan Papelbon was expected to step into the rotation if the need arose, however, in lieu of Papelbon's dominance as a closer and Foulke's early season struggles, it seems unlikely the Sox will move Papelbon into the rotation.

Other candidates to start for the Red Sox include lefty Abe Alvarez, and Marc Deschenes - both among the International League Leaders in ERA at the AAA level. Give his performances to date, though, it looks like the job is DiNardo's for the time being.

In the coming weeks as we enter May, expect rumors to start swirling more intensely about a hotly-debated return to Boston by Roger Clemens. Clemens is rumored to be choosing between the Houston Astros (he cannot sign with them before May), the Texas Rangers, the New York Yankees, and the Boston Red Sox. It is rumored that Clemens would only return to a team capable of getting a title, though handicapping his choice largely depends on how much salary will play into the decision. The Texas teams have a large advantage if Clemens wants to continue to have the perks of last year - which included being close to home and not needing to attend games unless scheduled to pitch. Boston and New York both probably have better chances at a title and would be favorites if Clemens wants to return to add to his already-secured legacy.

While all may not be well with Wells, things are still well with the Boston Red Sox.