01:00 AM EST on Friday, March 17, 2006

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Much of the focus on the Red Sox' rotation this spring has been on veterans with physical issues.

Curt Schilling is trying to prove he's fully recovered from ankle surgery performed some 18 months ago. David Wells is coming off knee surgery last fall, and Matt Clement, who underwent a minor procedure on his knee, is trying to put last year's disastrous second half behind him.

Then there's Josh Beckett, the Red Sox' biggest offseason acquisition, who is, very quietly, just trying to get ready for his season in Boston. Yesterday, Beckett had his best stuff of the spring, limiting the Minnesota Twins to one run over five innings.

Beckett hit as high as 96 mph on scouts' radar guns, and for the first few innings was consistently between 94-96 mph with his fastball.

"My arm is strong," said Beckett after the Sox had edged the Twins, 4-3. "I'm just building up my arm strength and getting my pitches in."

"I'm just glad he's in our uniform," said manager Terry Francona. "I thought he looked strong. His fastball had a lot of life on it."

Foulke still waiting

Now that Wells has pitched in a game -- albeit a modified one -- that leaves Keith Foulke as the only pitcher in camp not to have done so. After getting more lubricant injections into his knee last weekend, Foulke still is waiting for his opportunity.

The hope is that Foulke can throw to hitters today or tomorrow, then get into a game Tuesday or Wednesday.

A Gonzalez moment

Hardly a game goes by without an eye-popping play by Alex Gonzalez at shortstop.

Yesterday's moment came in the fifth inning, when he took a feed from Beckett on a comebacker by Luis Castillo. Gonzalez came across the second-base bag to force Shannon Stewart, leaped over Stewart's takeout slide, and while in mid-air made a strong throw to first to double up the speedy Castillo.

"It's not just the 'once-a-week' (spectacular play)," said Francona. "He does it every day. I wish we had replay. That was an unbelievable play. The guy he had to double up (Castillo) isn't easy. It was perfect."

Trade partners?

Pencil the Baltimore Orioles as a potential trading partner for the Sox. Word is the Orioles would move Luis Matos, who could give the Sox some speed off the bench and someone who can hit lefties (.834 OPS last season) while giving them an experienced extra outfielder.

The Orioles continue to have some interest in Tony Graffanino as they await word on Brian Roberts' readiness.

Around the horn

Mike Lowell, who had been 3-for-21 coming in, broke out a bit with a 2-for-3 game yesterday. . . . At St. Petersburg, the Sox dropped a 7-2 decision to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Jon Lester was roughed up for four earned runs in two innings. Once again, command -- or lack thereof -- was a factor. The lefty walked three and had a wild pitch.Dustan Mohr (.409 this spring) accounted for both runs, one on an RBI double. . . .Ken Huckaby (knee) caught Wells' simulated game, and may be able to catch tomorrow when the Sox travel to Dunedin to play Toronto. . . . The Sox may make some additional cuts today. They currently have 46 players in camp, including those still participating in the World Baseball Classic. Puerto Rico's exit from the WBC Wednesday means that shortstop Alex Cora will be back with the club today. . . . Jonathan Papelbon starts this afternoon against Florida.Because of Monday's off-day, the Sox will be a little backed up with their starters, meaning Tim Wakefield will follow Bronson Arroyo to the mound Sunday when the Sox host Baltimore.

smcadam@projo.com / (401) 277-7340