A feather in his cap

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Bronson Arroyo already had been named the starter for the Fenway Park opener against Toronto April 9, so yesterday's start was more about setting the record straight with the Baltimore Orioles, a team that had tattooed the righthander for seven runs (four in the first inning), six hits, and six walks March 11.

"I think it was definitely important just because if they bash you around a couple of times in spring training, it just makes the hitters a little more comfortable in the box and you'd always like to have that advantage going into the season," said Arroyo, who allowed one run and four hits and struck out four over four innings in a 4-2 win.

"I feel the same now as when I pitched at the end of the year [in Boston] and earlier in Pawtucket," Arroyo said. "It's just a matter of going out and hitting your spots. I felt stronger today than I had all spring training where I didn't feel tired at the end like I did in my previous three starts."

The only run Arroyo allowed came on Jay Gibbons's RBI single.

Otherwise, Arroyo tamed an Orioles lineup that included regulars David Segui, Miguel Tejada, Rafael Palmeiro, Javy Lopez, and Gibbons.

Arroyo said he focused on throwing fastballs and changeups rather than cutters and curves, which he featured quite a bit in his last outing against Baltimore.

"I think I needed to get command of those two pitches," Arroyo said. "I'd like to stretch out to about 90 pitches before I leave spring training. But right now I feel I'm on the right track."

Mueller tweaks elbow Bill Mueller didn't make the trip after the third baseman hurt his elbow swinging a leaded bat. Manager Terry Francona doesn't believe the injury is substantial but decided to err on the side of caution. Francona thought the injury occurred yesterday, but he did not know which elbow Mueller tweaked. "I think he just brought [the bat] over his head a little bit," Francona said . . . Also missing the trip was Adam Hyzdu, who has the same flu that sidelined Pokey Reese and Mark Bellhorn the past few days. It's tough timing for Hyzdu, who is trying to break camp with the big club. Francona felt that barring a setback, Reese and Bellhorn would be in today's lineup in Vero Beach against the Dodgers. Reese could play shortstop . . . Newly acquired lefthander Frank Brooks, who pitched a scoreless inning, said his repertoire includes a fastball, slurve, curve, and changeup. Brooks said it hasn't taken him long to feel at home with the Sox despite his background as a Yankees fan. "I feel kind of relieved to be here," he said. "I know there's more pressure here, but I feel more comfortable here already. These guys have known me two days and I already feel welcome." He appreciated Ellis Burks calling him "a cool guy."

Bierbrodt moves on The Red Sox announced lefthander Nick Bierbrodt elected to become a free agent after he'd been outrighted to Pawtucket. General manager Theo Epstein wasted little time replacing him, acquiring righthanded reliever Matt Duff from St. Louis for infielder Tony Womack. Duff, 29, will report to Pawtucket. He appeared in seven games for the Cardinals last season and was 4-2 with a 2.62 ERA at Triple A Memphis . . . Francona was impressed with David Murphy, the club's No. 1 pick last year, who singled in the insurance run in the ninth inning. "I can understand why this organization likes him so much," Francona said. The manager couldn't resist ribbing Murphy, however. "That swing reminded me of Terry Francona, and that's not what we're looking for," he said. Francona said there was a lot of enthusiasm on the bench when infielder Jimmy Alvarez and Murphy delivered in the ninth to break a 2-2 deadlock.