With Stanton, they hope to get some relief

It's odd enough to think that Alan Embree will be in the Yankee bullpen in Fenway Park this weekend. But now this: Mike Stanton, released by the Yankees July 1 and pitching for Washington since mid-July, joined the Red Sox bullpen last night for what amounts to a four-day tour of duty.

Stanton's resume includes 20 World Series appearances, second all time behind Whitey Ford, but he's ineligible for the Sox' postseason roster because he joined the team after Sept. 1.

Why, then, is he here? Because, if there comes a moment tonight, tomorrow, or Sunday when a dynamic lefthanded hitter (Jason Giambi and Hideki Matsui come to mind) walks to the plate in a momentous situation, and Mike Myers has been used earlier in the game, ''we couldn't live with ourselves," Sox general manager Theo Epstein said.

''Where he'll be used, when, that will depend on the games," manager Terry Francona said before last night's series finale against the Blue Jays. ''If he comes in and gets one hitter out, that might be enough."

Stanton, 38, pitched for the Sox the last time they won the American League East, in 1995, going 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in 22 appearances after being obtained midsummer. He was dealt the following July to Texas, then signed with the Yankees in December 1996. He spent all or parts of seven seasons wearing pinstripes.

In landing Stanton, the Sox gave Washington only two low-level minor leaguers, righthanders Rhys Taylor and Yader Peralta, both of whom were expected to be released next week.

Stanton, designated for assignment by the Yankees along with Paul Quantrill July 1, posted a 7.07 ERA in 28 appearances with New York this season. He signed with Washington July 14 and appeared in 30 games, going 2-1 with a 3.58 ERA. In 10 September appearances, he was 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA.

His overriding appeal? A .232 opposing batting average (19 for 82, 0 HRs) against lefthanded hitters. That average is an unsightly .358 (29 for 81, 3 HRs) against righthanders.

''A situation may arise where he's a better option than what we have," Epstein said. ''There aren't too many guys you can bring in under these circumstances and be sure they won't be afraid."

Might he add a degree of espionage? ''If he has anything to share [about] the Yankees, we'll listen," Epstein said. ''They have half our team over there. All's fair."

In-Clement weather

Matt Clement, the Sox' marquee offseason pitching acquisition, went 10-2 with a 3.85 ERA before appearing in the July 12 All-Star Game, then went 3-4 with a 5.72 ERA thereafter. That's 47 runs in 74 innings after the break.

Clement, in 2004 with the Cubs, went 7-8 with a 2.91 ERA before July 12, 2-6 with a 5.04 ERA after.

A quick analysis of Clement's 2005 vs. his 2004 (bear in mind he moved to a more offensive league): He made two more starts (32 vs. 30), won four more games (13-6 vs. 9-13), pitched 10 more innings (191 vs. 181), allowed 37 more hits (192 vs. 155), and allowed 23 more earned runs (97 vs. 74). He cut down on his home runs (18 vs. 23) and walks (68 vs. 77) but also had a dip in his strikeouts (146 vs. 190). He walked a career-low 68, though he also recorded his fewest strikeouts since 2001, with Florida.

Clement, who earned $6.5 million in base salary this season, makes $9.75 million next year and $9.5 million in 2007. He earned an additional $50,000 last night for making his 32d start.

First to volunteer

Bronson Arroyo, who threw only 79 pitches over three-plus innings Wednesday night, volunteered for weekend bullpen duty. Francona took him up on one-third of that offer.

''Bronson will be in the bullpen [tonight], and then after that, that's it," Francona said.

Arroyo's next turn in the rotation comes Monday, the day after the regular season ends, and the day the Sox might have to face Cleveland (at Fenway) or New York (at Yankee Stadium) in a one-game playoff. No other starting pitchers will be available in the Sox bullpen during the Yankee series.

''That won't happen, can't happen," Francona said.

If a Monday starter is needed, it would have to be Arroyo or last night's starter, Clement, on three days' rest.

Shawn Chacon is in line to pitch Monday for the Yankees.

Reception in question

Embree and Mark Bellhorn return to Fenway tonight for the first time since they were designated for assignment, Embree July 19, Bellhorn Aug. 19. Bellhorn, effectively, was booed out of town, the jeering causing him to perform worse and worse. How will he be received by the fans? ''I'd like to see them applaud him in recognition of all he accomplished here," Epstein said. ''We wouldn't have won the World Series without him." Bellhorn homered in Games 6 and 7 of the American League Championship Series and homered in Game 1 of the World Series . . . The Sox will honor 2005 Hall of Fame inductee Wade Boggs in a ceremony prior to tonight's game.

Business booming

With his 30th start tonight, David Wells cashes in on the full $9 million available to him this season. Wells this year earns $1.5 million in signing bonus, $2.5 million in base salary, and $5 million in incentives. Wells pockets $200,000 apiece for starts 11 through 20 and $300,000 apiece for starts 21-30. The $5 million in incentives is all to be paid after the season, Wells said. Not a bad end-of-the-year bonus, eh? . . . Kevin Youkilis (fractured right ring finger) continues to take batting practice in hopes of being cleared by the medical staff to play this weekend. ''I think there's a decent chance he'll at least be available," Francona said . . . Wade Miller underwent labrum surgery yesterday. Coincidentally, the team cleaned out his locker to make room for Stanton. Miller isn't expected in the clubhouse again this season, and possibly ever (he's unsigned beyond this year). ''Wade just had a baby at home," Francona said. ''He's got his hands full." . . . Manny Ramirez's sixth-inning homer was the 432d of his career, moving him past Cal Ripken into 34th place on the all-time list . . . The win was the Sox' ninth walkoff victory of the season. They've also won 15 consecutive one-run games at Fenway . . . Fans voted Mike Timlin the winner of the UPN 38 Red Sox 10th Player Award . . . Roberto Petagine was not with the team last night because of ''an excused absence," Francona said. Petagine has just six September at-bats.