1.   An excellent prospect who throws hard, he will join the Red Sox Friday and will not be eligible for the playoff roster.

2.   And that could in turn mean that flaky Isaiah Rider, a long shot to make the playoff roster anyway, might not be needed as an insurance policy.

3.   Avery Johnson had an MRI on Wednesday, with the results expected today, and Nelson must reveal his playoff roster today.

4.   ----- In a mild surprise, the Yankees dropped outfielder Shane Spencer from the playoff roster.

5.   Ainge said the rest of the playoff roster is healthy.

6.   But he may be brought up as early as Monday or Tuesday so he can be eligible for the playoff roster and become the third catcher.

7.   But he was kept off the playoff roster and watched in civvies as Chicago wrapped up the NBA title in Utah.

8.   But if he makes the playoff roster, it will be because of his bat.

9.   But Penberthy suffered from a sore right shoulder, struggled late in the season and was left off the playoff roster in favor of defensive specialist Tyronn Lue.

10.   But this week the team appeared on the playoff rosters.