Updates From Epstein

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GM addresses issues involving Bellhorn, Schilling, Foulke

 

ANAHEIM -- In a chat with reporters before Thursday's game, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein fielded inquiries on a wide range of issues, including the uncertain status of Mark Bellhorn, the late-season roles of Curt Schilling and Keith Foulke, early impressions of prized draft pick Craig Hansen and how youngster Jonathan Papelbon can help the team down the stretch.

 

Bellhorn's Minor League rehab assignment expires on Saturday and there doesn't seem to be much of a role left for him on the Red Sox with Tony Graffanino and Alex Cora solidifying the second base position. Epstein has been in contact with Mark Rodgers, Bellhorn's agent, and there has been speculation that the second baseman might be outrighted to Triple-A Pawtucket or perhaps released or traded.

 

"We'll have an announcement before Saturday," said Epstein. "We've been in contact with his agent and it will be resolved soon."

 

More vital to the ultimate success of the 2005 Red Sox are the futures of Foulke and Schilling, which can't help but be intertwined. Foulke is in the advanced stages of his recovery from left knee surgery and will throw a simulated outing against Trot Nixon and other teammates on Friday. Assuming there are no setbacks, Foulke is inching toward a Minor League rehab assignment.

 

Epstein indicated that the club will make sure Foulke is back to form before moving Schilling back into the rotation.

 

Could Foulke serve as a setup man for at least an outing or two before reclaiming the closer's role?

 

"It's probably likely that he would ease his way [back]," said Epstein. "It's up to Terry [Francona], but it's probably likely he'll ease his way back into his role to get his feet wet again. It's not easy to have your first competitive pitch in a couple of months be a game-deciding pitch."

 

Because Schilling's role is so contingent on Foulke, the club will dissect the issue to make sure the right course of action is taken.

 

"There are two variables that go into determining Schilling's role," said Epstein. "One is how Keith pitches and how comfortable he is when he returns and how effective he is when he returns. The other is Schil. We have to be confident that he can go seven innings and be an effective starting pitcher."

 

Assuming Schilling does go back to the rotation, Epstein doesn't think it will be that hard for the team to get his arm built back up.

 

"You don't see it happen a lot, but I think he'd need probably an extended outing from the 'pen, one or more, and then a short start," Epstein said. "He's not going to throw a complete game the first start he gets back into the rotation. It's not the end of the world. He's shown to a large extent pitching is pitching in terms of the durability of his arm. He's been fine pitching back to back to back days for example.

 

"I think he feels he could go maybe 75 pitches right now. If it does happen, and it does happen in September, we'll have an expanded roster and the ability to piggyback some guys behind him to protect ourselves. I don't think it will be that big an issue after his first couple of starts, assuming it happens."

 

And there are also the future arms of the organization to consider, particularly Hansen and Papelbon.

 

Though Hansen, a dazzling college closer at St. John's, was drafted by the Red Sox just over two months ago, it has been speculated that he could pitch in the Major Leagues before the season is over. While Epstein didn't say whether or not that would happen, he was encouraged by what he saw from Hansen at a recent outing for Double-A Portland.

 

"It was an impressive outing," said Epstein. "He stands out a little bit with his size and presence and command. Especially for a guy who has had two weeks of experience in pro ball. It was noteworthy."

 

Then there is Papelbon, who has looked sharp in his first two Major League starts and will take the ball again on Sunday against the Angels. Epstein thinks that Papelbon is a pitcher who can help the Red Sox for the rest of the season, be it as a starter or reliever.

 

"Yeah, I think he's ready to," Epstein said. "Obviously things could change. This was kind of in the blueprint for him. We talked about him in a best case scenario, dominating at the Double-A level, going to Triple-A, seeing if he could get those hitters out and coming up and making a contribution in the big leagues the last two months of the year. He's right on schedule. He's done a nice job with the way he's pitched so far. Depending on how the rest of the staff evolves, he can help us either out of the rotation or the bullpen."

 

It is safe to assume that the Red Sox won't be getting much help from outside the organization for the latter stages of this season.

 

"I don't foresee us making a waiver deal," said Epstein. "There are fewer players clearing waivers this year than in recent memory because of all the teams still in it."

 

Nixon's last hurdle: Assuming Nixon takes batting practice against Foulke without incident on Friday, expect the Red Sox to formalize plans for the right fielder's rehab assignment. That means that Nixon could be activated by next week.

 

"I don't think he'd need an extended stay in the Minor Leagues," said Epstein. "He hasn't been out that long. He doesn't have to go through Spring Training or anything like that. He needs just enough time to get his timing back and make sure he can do everything full out."

 

Nixon has been sidelined since July 27 with a left oblique strain.

 

Miller pushed back: The Red Sox continue to be conservative with right-hander Wade Miller, who is on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder stiffness. Originally, Miller was hoping to resume throwing earlier this week in Detroit. First, it was postponed to this weekend in Anaheim and now it has been pushed back to Kansas City, where the Red Sox play a three-game series next week.

 

"They just want to do a little bit more of the intense strengthening," said Francona. "The reason they did this is so he can come back and pitch well and strong. If we cut it short because we want to cut it short, that's not the right idea. We'll continue to be patient."