01:00 AM EST on Saturday, March 18, 2006

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Pitchers aren't supposed to worry about spring training results, but Jonathan Papelbon acknowledged last week that he was at least cognizant that he hadn't been getting good results on the mound this spring.

He vowed to change that, and followed through on that promise yesterday, tossing four shutout innings at the Florida Marlins in a game that ended in a 5-5 tie after 10 innings.

"I definitely wanted to go out there and throw good," he said. "I just went out and focused on getting the first hitter of every inning to set the tone. Early on (in spring training), you don't think about the results. But toward the end, you want to get your confidence high to take into the season. That's where my focus was today."

Manager Terry Francona shrugged off the struggles (0-2, 10.12 E.R.A. in three appearances) he had experienced.

"Results aren't what we're looking for," he said. "We're more concerned with arm strength and command. But he felt good about today, that's good. I thought he threw the ball extremely well."

It's likely that Papelbon will begin the season in the bullpen, and sometime in the next 10 days or so he expects the Sox will begin using him in that capacity to help him get ready.

"I'm sure they'll do that," he said. "I'm sure they're not going to just throw me in there (unprepared)."

Reinforcements on way

With Puerto Rico and Team USA eliminated from World Baseball Classic play, some veterans will soon be rejoining the club.

Shortstop Alex Cora plans to fly into Tampa this morning and make the short drive to Dunedin, where the Sox are playing the Toronto Blue Jays.

U.S. players Jason Varitek and Mike Timlin were set to arrive in Fort Myers tonight and will be available tomorrow when the Sox host Baltimore.

Meanwhile, two Sox players remain in the competition -- DH David Ortiz and reliever Julian Tavarez -- playing for the Dominican Republic.

Francona, who earlier in his career managed a U.S. team in international competition, cautioned not to read too much into America losing in the second round.

"The other teams did a great job," he said. "But I don't think (the tournament setup) is a fair read."

7 players demoted

The Sox made seven roster moves yesterday, trimming the number of players in camp to 40.

Pitcher Cla Meredith was optioned to Pawtucket while pitchers Matt Ginter, Craig Breslow, Mike Bumatay and Phil Seibel, infielder Jed Lowrie and outfielder Luke Allen were re-assigned to minor-league camp.

Around the horn

As is customary, the Red Sox celebrated St. Patrick's Day by wearing green tops and hats. The bases also were painted green . . . Kevin Youkilis fouled a ball off his instep in the second inning not once, but twice, but remained in the game. He later belted a three-run homer to straightaway center, moving him into a tie with Dustan Mohr for the spring home run lead . . . Youkilis will get a start at third base today to keep sharp at his former position . . . Rhode Island native Jeremy Kapstein was in attendance yesterday. Kapstein is in his fifth season as a senior advisor to the club . . . Ken Huckaby , who caught David Wells ' simulated game Thursday afternoon, has been cleared to return to game action. He'll catch Lenny DiNardo this afternoon against the Jays. Huckaby has yet to catch Tim Wakefield , who will pitch in relief tomorrow, but the hope is the two can match up later next week . . . Mohr tweaked a hamstring getting out of the batter's box Thursday and is being monitored by the training staff . . . Keith Foulke will throw to hitters in Fort Myers today while Matt Clement makes a start for Pawtucket.

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