Jack McDowell was unflustered by his first outing of the spring, which he conceded was less than dazzling.
”I thought I had pretty much the first-time result,” said McDowell.
”Overthrowing, rushing a little bit. I threw some good pitches. I knew exactly what I was doing.”
Someone didn`t know exactly what McDowell was doing the other day, when it was reported he had left camp in a gesture over unhappy salary talks.
”I have no idea where that came from, to tell you the truth,” said McDowell, who has yet to sign. ”There`s not a dispute or anything. It was kind of strange.”
A year ago: McDowell and Wayne Edwards together up gave three earned runs in 19 innings last spring. Thursday, they combined for four earned runs (seven total) in four innings.
His turn: Melido Perez, last year`s Opening Day starter, on McDowell, this year`s likely choice: ”He threw the ball good last year. If he pitches Opening Day this year, it`s OK with me.”
Good crowd: Thursday`s paid crowd of 5,065 at Ed Smith Stadium, while less than the anticipated 7,000, delighted Ed Smith.
”Two years ago, which was our opening year, we sold 92,000 tickets,”
said Smith. ”I hoped last year we`d sell 100,000. It wasn`t to be. I`m hoping again this year.”
Good sign: Jeff Torborg saw something in left-hander Rich Scheid that he liked during Wednesday`s B-game against the Rangers. ”Scheid looked good against the left-handers, and that`s what you want to see,” said Torborg.
”Specifics.”
Good signing: Add Adam Peterson to the list of Sox under contract.
No sign: Of Mario Brito. Maybe Friday.
Next up: Pitchers for Friday`s game against the Tigers in Lakeland: Greg Hibbard, Roberto Hernandez, Ken Patterson, Jerry Kutzler and Scott Radinsky. Walt Terrell will start for Detroit.
