By Sean McAdam
CSNNE.com
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Matt Albers, in relief of starter Jon Lester, retired all five hittershe faced Monday in the Red Sox' 4-1 loss to the Phillies. In 10 innings this spring, he's allowed just two runs.
"Hisfastball through the zone has had a lot of life,'' said Terry Francona."We've been trying to tighten up his breaking ball a little bit. Whenhe's gotten hit, it seems like it's been on the breaking ball. Buthis fastball's got a lot of life. You're going to see a lot of groundballs.''
In all likelihood, however, Albers will pitchelsewhere.
A talent evaluator from a National League club Monday saidthe Sox had made calls earlier this month to determine interest inAlbers and will likely re-start those conversations in the next fewdays. Albers is out of options and once the Sox signed Dan Wheeler --another right-hander with a tough sinking fastball --- he becamesomewhat redundant.
Sean McAdam can be reached at smcadam@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Sean on Twitter at http:twitter.comsean_mcadam