Stopper open to not starting

BALTIMORE -- Jonathan Papelbon began last night leading the major leagues in saves with 14, in an equal number of chances. Since allowing his only run, and absorbing his only loss, May 3 against Toronto, he had pitched five times and allowed one hit. He has appeared in 53 percent of the Red Sox' games (20 of 38), and with that regular work has come a conclusion.

''I could never start a game again in my life," Papelbon said yesterday afternoon, ''and I'd be happy."

Papelbon was a closer in college (Mississippi State) but started 48 of his 58 minor league games and fell in love with that role. He began this year saying his goal was to be a starting pitcher in the major leagues, even if he began the season in the bullpen. That desire?

''It's gone," Papelbon said yesterday. ''Starting does not even enter my brain anymore. I get a lot of satisfaction out of closing. I feel like more of an everyday player. Hopefully, I'll be able to close for a long time.

''I'd never closed in the big leagues before. All of a sudden it's like a newfound glory. It's like, wow. I found out I like it. It's very satisfying."

Papelbon's role beyond this season probably hinges upon a number of factors, including team needs and the development of Craig Hansen and Jon Lester. Curt Schilling, meanwhile, lobbied early this spring for Papelbon to be in the rotation, viewing him as far more valuable pitching 200-plus innings than 60-80 innings out of the bullpen.

How does Schilling feel now? ''Whatever he feels most comfortable doing, I guess," Schilling said. ''Circumstances are right now that he's perfect for what we need. If he stays there the rest of his career, I think he'll be phenomenal. But if he doesn't, I think he'll be phenomenal anyway.

''He's what you look for in a top-of-the-rotation guy: demeanor, body, the stuff, the work ethic, obviously the arm. There's huge pros to both of them. When you're succeeding at one, I don't want him to think about anything other than what he's doing now."

Dustan Mohr, who missed two games to be with his wife, Denise, for the birth of their daughter, rejoined the Sox yesterday. Still, Trot Nixon got the start against lefthander Erik Bedard, his second start in as many nights against a southpaw. Nixon actually went into last night with more homers against lefthanders (2) than righthanders (1) this season. He began the night hitting .338 (27 for 80) off righties, .286 (6 for 21) off lefties.

''I think the more mature, older, however you want to put it, the more he faces them, yeah, I definitely think he's making adjustments," manager Terry Francona said. ''I see him on slow breaking balls taking a fair share more than he used to and getting in fastball counts."

Though his power numbers are down, Nixon began last night hitting .327 with a .448 on-base percentage. His OBP, entering last night, was third in the American League, behind only Jason Giambi (.480) and Manny Ramírez (.450).

''I think power numbers change in a hurry," Francona said. ''But I think his at-bats have been great, which is important."

With all the fanfare headed Papelbon's way, it's easy to overlook Mike Timlin (3-0, 1.08 ERA). The setup man, now 40 years old, pitched two perfect innings Tuesday and began last night unscored upon in his last 9 2/3 innings. His appearance Tuesday was his 18th of the season and No. 911 of his career, 14th all-time. Amazing? ''When you say amazing, I say, 'No,' because he's so consistent and we rely on him so much," Francona said. ''I think 'reliable' is the word. He takes the ball all the time and you know what you're getting. It's good to have." . . . The Sox have made just one error in their last 13 games and a major league-low 12 on the season. The Sox also began last night leading baseball in fielding percentage at .991. ''It's probably been a long time since a Boston team has been [tops in defense]," Francona said. ''I know sometimes the numbers don't always tell the story, but we've played pretty good defense. It's been fun to watch. There's been some innings where our pitching is scuffling a little bit, then we catch the ball real clean so we end up getting off the field. It's so nice to just watch a clean inning because it gives you a chance."

Mike Lowell, according to several published reports out of Baltimore last July, nearly was dealt here from the Marlins along with pitcher A.J. Burnett. But Baltimore was unwilling to absorb Lowell's contract ($9 million each this season and next). ''I like hitting against them because I know they were scared by the same money," Lowell said before last night's game. ''Good for the Red Sox." The Sox third baseman has six doubles, a triple, a home run, and seven RBIs in nine games against Baltimore this year . . . Lenny DiNardo, scheduled to pitch and hit Sunday at Philadelphia, has never had a major league at-bat. But, on his way to take batting practice yesterday, DiNardo stopped to say he does have experience hitting in a big-league park. ''In BP at Fenway two years ago the first ball I hit went into the visitors' bullpen," DiNardo said. ''I don't know if I'm a 5 o'clock hitter or what." . . . The Sox tied a season low with five hits last night, three of which came in the ninth inning David Ortiz had all three RBIs for the Sox and has 23 in his last 22 games . . . Chris Ray, successor to B.J. Ryan as Orioles closer, is 10 for 10 in save opportunities . . . Alex Gonzalez, who was pinch hit for in the eighth inning, was 0 for 10 in the series with a sacrifice fly . . . After going 2 for 4 last night, Mark Loretta is 24 for his last 49, climbing from .207 on May 3 all the way to .294.