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Boston Red Sox: The Sox continue to mull over the possibility of bringing Ellis Burks back to the fold. Burks, 39, would serve as a back-up outfielder, designated hitter and pinch hitter. "Clearly, they have expressed interest in Ellis," his agent told Bob Hohler of the Boston Globe. Meanwhile, the Sox watched Pedro Martinez work out in Miami and believe he is fine fettle.

Detroit Tigers: Tom Gage of the Detroit News reports that Fernando Rodney, 27, is the leading candidate for the Tigers closer's job. Rodney has very little big league experience and what there is was not especially impressive. He has been up with the Tigers twice and posted ERAs of 6.00 both times. "He has a devastating change-up. He's right up there in the upper echelon of baseball, in the top five, of all the pitchers with change-ups," says pitching coach Bob Cluck. The Tigers believe he has made a great leap forward in winter ball this year. Former flamethrower Matt Anderson wants the opportunity to be the team's closer again as well.

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