BOSTON -- The Red Sox don't yet know who their closer is going to be this season, but they know this: it won't be Jonathan Papelbon.

Papelbon, who was on hand for the 68th annual Boston Baseball Writers' Awards dinner at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center last night, has been working this offseason toward returning to the starting rotation.

Papelbon, who received awards as the Red Sox' Pitcher of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Fireman of the Year, saved 35 games out of the Sox' bullpen. But weakness in his shoulder joint has led the team to shift him back to a starter's role.

He's been on a winter-long throwing program that requires nearly five hours per day, including weightlifting and throwing.

"It's a lot more disciplined," Papelbon said. "I know what I have to do every day and my arm feels stronger than ever."

New Sox pitching coach John Farrell said he envisioned as many as four candidates for the role heading into spring training, led by Craig Hansen, Mike Timlin and newcomer Joel Pineiro.

"We'll have to set up some criteria (to evaluate the candidates)" Farrell said. "But two things we'll be looking for are command of the fastball and the ability to control the emotions."

Farrell said it is too soon to "create a pecking order" of the pitchers in contention, but cautioned it might be hard to get a read on potential closers during Grapefruit League games.

"Spring training and September are two difficult evaluation periods," he said.

Lowell less burdened

Mike Lowell, who received the Jackie Jensen Award for spirit and desire, doesn't have to face some of the questions he endured last offseason when some suggested he was finished after a disappointing 2005 season.

"It's been a little different for me mentally," acknowledged Lowell, "because I was able to prove that '05 was just a year that went bad. But I don't want to forget (that season), either. I want to kind of put that in my back pocket and remember what can happen.

"I'm trying to mirror last year's offseason from a preparation standpoint and a confidence factor."

Lowell, who survived testicular cancer several years ago, made himself available to the Boston Bruins if rookie Phil Kessel needed someone to talk to. Kessel underwent surgery last month to rid himself of the same ailment.

A crash course

Farrell has been taking an intensive one-on-one class in Japanese this winter to better communicate with new pitchers Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima.

"It's been a humbling experience," said Farrell. "It's unrealistic to think that, without immersing yourself into a culture, you can learn a second language in less than two months. But I've been learning some baseball phrases.

"It will be good to give them a comfort level and have someone who can speak their language -- at least a little bit."

Howard's great ride

Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies, who was given the Ted Williams Award as the game's best hitter, has achieved a lot in two major-league seasons.

In 2005, Howard was the National League Rookie of the Year, and last year he was the N.L. MVP, edging out Albert Pujols after hitting a major-league-leading 58 homers.

"It's been a fun ride," said Howard, "and a lot of fun. When you have a lot of success early, especially in a big market in the East, you know there are going to be a lot of expectations. But that's OK."

Howard said he closely followed the season enjoyed by Sox slugger David Ortiz, who led the A.L. with 54 homers.

"He's fun to watch," said Howard. "It seemed like every time you turned on the TV, he was winning another game."

Ortiz, who was named the Thomas A. Yawkey Award winner as Red Sox MVP, could not attend the dinner. Red Sox owners John Henry and Tom Werner accepted the award on his behalf.

Spotlight's on them

The head table included Detroit Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski (Executive of the Year), Curt Schilling (Comeback Player of the Year), Jacoby Ellsbury (Red Sox Minor League Player of the Year) and baseball analyst Peter Gammons (Judge Emil Fuchs Award for long and meritorious service to the game).

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