41.   The Sox brought in Sammy Ellis to observe in the bullpen and see whether relievers are prepared to enter the game.

42.   Their lone left-handed reliever is Allen Watson, who has struggled since his trade from the New York Mets last week.

43.   They probably will need it because their middle relievers have been erratic and Showalter could be reluctant to call the bullpen for anyone except John Wetteland.

44.   They have confidence in all five starters, and the relievers were nasty in the division series against San Francisco.

45.   Two relievers no longer are in major-league camp -- Bart Miadich was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake and lefty Dan Serafini was assigned to minor-league camp Saturday.

46.   Until they do, the other relievers are on standby.

47.   Why tempt a collapse when reliever Dave Mlicki was able to end the inning?

48.   Without a designated hitter in the games played in Atlanta, middle relievers will be significant.

49.   Osuna will spend the next four to six months rehabbing, and Williams said he expects the reliever to be ready for next spring.

50.   After Bush opened with a first pitch that most major league relievers would be proud of, the Rocket took over.