Closer feels good after first practice

FORT MYERS, Fla. --Keith Foulke says he doesn't need to pitch in an exhibition game to be ready for the regular season. He does need a few more injections in his surgically repaired knees.

Foulke's bid to regain his effectiveness as a closer improved Friday when he threw batting practice for the first time in spring training, several days after receiving injections of a joint lubricant in both knees.

He said he felt "vast improvements" from the injections. "I can bend down and pick up my kid now without grimacing or having pain. So ... when it comes to the injection, how my knees feel, I'm happy, very happy."

Foulke plans to have one more injection in each knee on Saturday then another in his left knee for a total of three in each. The process could be repeated later in the year.

He intends to take one day off after receiving the shots, then throw Monday and Tuesday and possibly pitch his second batting practice on Wednesday or Thursday.

"I will be ready opening day, there's no doubt on my mind," Foulke said. "I'm stronger now than I have been in four years."

Boston opens the season April 3 at Texas.

"I believe him," manager Terry Francona said. "I have a lot of faith in Foulkie."

Foulke's highest ERA in a six-season stretch before last year was 2.97. It rose to 5.91 last season when he was 5-5.

Knee and personal problems bothered him. He had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on July 7 and on his right knee after the season. His last outing was on Sept. 18.

Because of his knee problems, he threw in a more upright position.

"I can get in a position now, the drop and drive. That's kind of how I throw, sliding with the legs," Foulke said.

On Friday, he threw batting practice to minor leaguers Dominic Ramos, Zack Borowiak and Andrew Pinckney.

The session was "not that big of a hurdle," Foulke said. "The big hurdle was after my last injections, the legs coming around."

He'd like to pitch in one game, but "If I had to go into the season tomorrow I'd be fine with that," he said. It's not fine with Francona.

"He's certainly not going to throw one inning and then start the season," the manager said. "We'll get him in games."

But Foulke doesn't feel a need to replicate a game situation so he can experience the heightened energy compared to batting practice.

"All I need is me, a catcher and that hitter. That's a game to me," Foulke said. "I don't care if there's a million people in the stands or if there's nobody out there. When I'm out there today, my intention is to get those guys out every single time. I don't need the big stadium. I don't need the adrenaline.

"I love to compete and I don't need to drive to Bradenton to get adrenaline to pitch. I hope that doesn't offend anybody in Bradenton."

The Red Sox plays Pittsburgh on Saturday in Bradenton, 88 miles north of Fort Myers.

"We've got plenty of time left" to get ready for the season, Foulke said.