Former Red Sox star Jim Rice talks about his final opportunity to be voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame before the Boston Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s annual dinner last night.

The Providence Journal / Gretchen Ertl

BOSTON — Third baseman Mike Lowell is on schedule to make a full recovery and be in the starting lineup by Opening Day, and his manager doesn’t expect that the trade rumors that surrounded him this offseason should have long-lasting repercussions.

Lowell underwent surgery during the playoffs to remove a bone spur in his hip, and repair the labrum that lines the joint.

General manager Theo Epstein said Lowell should be ready to start spring training with the rest of the team, and manager Terry Francona said he should be in playing shape by Opening Day.

“We want to make sure once the bell rings for real that he’s ready to go and unrestricted. We believe that’s very realistic,” Epstein said.

If the Red Sox had signed Mark Teixeira, the conventional wisdom was that the team would have moved Kevin Youkilis back to third base and traded Lowell. Francona said he talked with and texted with Lowell several times while the free-agent talk was swirling, and he acknowledged that Lowell was probably somewhat hurt by the rumblings.

“I don’t think I would try to say it didn’t affect him –– shoot, I understand that, that’s why I tried to keep the lines of communication open, because of that,” Francona said.

But in the end, he expected it to blow over quickly, and for things to return to normal.

“Mikey likes to play baseball a lot, and I think he likes to play in Boston. These things have a way of getting better,” he said.

Baldelli to join the No. 5s

What do Otis Miller, George Scott, Spike Owen, Brady Anderson and Nomar Garciaparra all have in common?

They all played for the Red Sox and all wore No 5.

You can add Rocco Baldelli to that list now.

When the Rhode Island native officially became a Red Sox player yesterday, general manager Epstein said the outfielder would wear the coveted No. 5 for Boston. No Red Sox player has worn that number since Garciaparra’s departure from Boston, in 2004.

“It was brought to my attention that it is, and always has been a special number in this town,” Baldelli said. “I recognize that as much as anybody.”

Baldelli was told by the organization that there would be a possibility that No. 5 would be available if he wanted it. The former first-round pick (6th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2000, the Cumberland native has worn No. 5 for his entire major-league career.

But things work a little differently in Boston. There are certain numbers that are not officially retired, but will probably stay in the closet awhile. For example: Jim Rice’s No. 14 remains on the shelf as does Pedro Martinez’s No. 45. If Jason Varitek does not return to the Red Sox, it’s possible his No. 33 will be tucked away.

Some thought No. 5 would have been, too.

“It’s the number I’ve worn my whole career,” Baldelli said. “I’ve accepted it. I think it’s great and I’m very happy about it.”

Casey looking for work

Sean Casey is a man without a team.

Called “The Mayor” throughout Major League Baseball for his outgoing and comical personality, Casey is looking for employment after just one season in Boston.

The 34-year-old first baseman did not receive salary arbitration by the Red Sox this offseason.

“What was funny about last year was it was the first year I didn’t start,” Casey said. “And it was one of my favorite years I’ve played. I didn’t play every day and it was the [most fun] years in baseball. Playing here in Boston and being a part of the Red Sox tradition, and finally being able to experience the Boston fans firsthand was more than I thought it would be.”

Now what?

The first baseman remains unsigned and he’s not ruling out the possibility of maybe re-signing with the Red Sox.

“Who doesn’t want to come back,” he said. “I think kind of a wait-and-see thing. I love it here in Boston and I’ve got nothing but unbelievable memories here.”

Casey signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox for the 2008 season and played 69 games. He posted a .322 average in 199 at-bats and collected 17 RBI with no home runs.

“Playing for [ Francona], who I always admired from afar, was unbelievable,” said Casey. “All the guys were great, and it was one of my best experiences in my 11 years in the big leagues. I’m so glad when I look back on my career I can say one of my best years was when I played with the Red Sox.”

Casey was in town last night to receive the Good Guy Award by the Boston Chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

Classic a headache

For the fans, the World Baseball Classic is a great novelty, particularly in the baseball-mad Caribbean and in Japan. For the players, it’s an honor to represent their countries. For the managers?

It’s a headache.

“It’s a huge honor for the players. Saying that –– and I probably shouldn’t say this –– I’m hopeful that we won’t have any pitchers go. Just because it worries me,” Francona said.

With Daisuke Matsuzaka planning to represent his native Japan, that has Francona’s stomach in knots.

The classic takes place in March, when pitchers’ bodies may not be fully ready to handle throwing full-speed in game situations. That has managers crossing their fingers that nobody reaches back too hard for some extra velocity, and strains a shoulder, or worse, blows out an elbow.

“The pitching is where we really get nervous… that does concern us. You’re asking pitchers to make pitches in a game, where they’re competing, before they’re ready to do that. That’s why we have spring training,” Francona said.

So far, the team knows that infielders Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis will represent the United States, and designated hitter David Ortiz will play for the Dominican Republic. But Francona doesn’t expect problems with the position players. Matsuzaka, on the other hand, will want to be at his best in every game, and for a pitcher, that could be trouble.

“I actually understand it. He’s fired up, he’s charged up, and I actually understand it. But we have a season to play,” Francona said.

Pedroia on PlayStation

Forget the MVP –– Pedroia has just gotten the biggest honor of all: he’s going to be the cover athlete on the Sony PlayStation 3 video game, MLB 09: The Show.

The highly regarded baseball-simulation game allows players to control all aspects of a major-league team, and some minor-league teams. Users can also create a baseball player and control his entire career from start to finish.

The 2008 version features the Phillies’ Ryan Howard on the cover. The 2007 edition had the Mets’ David Wright as its centerpiece.

As was the case with those players, Pedroia will probably do national commercials to promote the game, which is scheduled for a March 3 release.

jmcdonal@projo.com / dbarbari@projo.com