08:57 AM EST on Thursday, March 24, 2005

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- David Wells has seen his share of clubhouses during his long career, having played with seven other teams before signing with the Red Sox last winter.

AP photo

David Wells, who cruised through five innings yesterday, reacts with disgust after giving up a three-run double in the sixth.

But in just over a month, Wells has found the Sox to be a fun, loose team, eager to welcome -- or toy with -- newcomers.

After Wells got hit around yesterday, yielding four runs in the sixth inning of a rain-shortened 6-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, his new teammates didn't hesistate to give him a hard time. Wells said catcher Jason Varitek shook his head and smiled at him. Kevin Millar offered some more pointed comments, which Wells didn't share.

"I didn't know what to expect [from the rest of the Red Sox]," Wells said. "But I'm having the time of my life . . . They make you forget a bad outing.

"'Some guys can't handle [candid feedback from teammates]. I don't know if [Yankee starter] Kevin Brown can. But guys like me, basically, you don't care what they say.

"Coming in here, it's like I've been here for 20 years. It's very loosey-goosey."

Wells gave up six runs on 11 hits, but he wasn't concerned.

"I just want to build up my [pitch] count," said Wells, who has one more exhibition tuneup on Monday before pitching the April 3 season-opener. "Good outing or bad outing . . . as long as I'm ready for the season."

Miller making progress

Wade Miller threw to hitters on the back field yesterday morning, facing outfielder George Lombard and first baseman Dave McCarty. Miller, who missed the second half of last season because of a partly frayed labrum, has been progressing slowly this spring. The Sox have been careful to have him work at his own pace.

He threw 27 pitches under the watchful eye of pitching coach Dave Wallace and others from the front office.

"It was certainly a good first step," Wallace said. "He threw all his pitches and looked pretty natural. He wasn't favoring anything."

Wallace estimated that Miller's fastball was in the mid-to-upper 80s.

"Not all his pitches were consistent," he said. "But it's there. It's just a matter of giving him time."

When the season begins, Miller will be with the major-league club even though he won't be activated. "He's been with [trainer] Chris [Correnti] every day since Feb. 1 and they've developed a good relationship," said Terry Francona.

Young gun on the hill

Jon Papelbon, perhaps the organization's most highly-regarded right-handed pitching prospect, will get a start today in Fort Lauderdale against the Orioles. Papelbon will likely start the season at Double A Portland, but is expected to move up quickly.

"I've never seen him, but I'm excited," said Francona. "I've heard a lot about him, and from what everybody says, he's going to be pretty good. It will be the worth the two-hour bus ride."

Around the horn

Johnny Damon suffered some cramps in his legs while pursuing a booming double that cleared the bases in the top of the sixth. He came out of the game but iced immediately. He will make the trip to Fort Lauderdale today . . . The rain cost Byung-Hyun Kim an opportunity to pitch again. He, too, will be on today's trip . . . Blaine Neal, obtained in a trade with San Diego Tuesday, is expected to join the Red Sox in Fort Lauderdale today. He lives in nearby Venice, Fla., and will make the short drive from his home to the Orioles' spring base. Neal probably won't appear in today's game, but may throw a bullpen session for Wallace . . . The Sox made six roster moves yesterday morning, trimming the list of players in camp to 35. Lefty pitchers Lenny DiNardo and Mark Malaska were optioned to Pawtucket. Catcher Jeff Bailey, right-hander Scott Cassidy, infielder Tim Hummel and lefty Jason Kershner were all returned to minor-league camp.