11.   So is lefthanded reliever Dennis Cook, whom the Red Sox also asked about.

12.   The arrival of Nitkowski fills the void for a lefthanded middle reliever left by Ron Villone, who was not pursued this winter and became a free agent.

13.   The addition of lefthanded reliever Greg Swindell, meanwhile, brought to an end the brief, inglorious career of David West in the Sox bullpen.

14.   The club has discussed such a move and the recall of lefthanded reliever Ron Mahay from Pawtucket.

15.   The four-run seventh inning including a pinch-hit RBI single by Greg Colbrunn off lefthanded reliever Mike Matthews.

16.   The Orioles have reportedly offered Toronto a package that includes lefthanded reliever Arthur Rhodes and two prospects.

17.   The Phillies, in announcing the Cormier signing, noted the shortage of high-quality lefthanded relievers.

18.   The Sox had been in the running for lefthanded reliever Scott Radinsky, but he signed Thursday with the St. Louis Cardinals.

19.   The Yankees have a lefthanded reliever, Steve Howe, who has violated major league drug policy seven times.

20.   To make room, lefthanded reliever Derek Lilliquist was released.