Matt Albers being shopped by Red Sox

By Sean McAdam
CSNNE.com

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Matt Albers, in relief of starter Jon Lester, retired all five hitters he faced Monday in the Red Sox' 4-1 loss to the Phillies. In 10 innings this spring, he's allowed just two runs.

"His fastball through the zone has had a lot of life,'' said Terry Francona. "We've been trying to tighten up his breaking ball a little bit. When he's gotten [hit], it seems like it's been on the breaking ball. But his fastball's got a lot of life. You're going to see a lot of ground balls.''

In all likelihood, however, Albers will pitch elsewhere.

A talent evaluator from a National League club Monday said the Sox had made calls earlier this month to determine interest in Albers and will likely re-start those conversations in the next few days. Albers is out of options and once the Sox signed Dan Wheeler -- another right-hander with a tough sinking fastball --- he became somewhat redundant.

Sean McAdam can be reached at smcadam@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Sean on Twitter at http://twitter.com/sean_mcadam