Wells a pitcher that stirs

FORT MYERS, Fla. – David Wells has a way of stirring things up.

Thursday afternoon, following an outing against Red Sox minor leaguers at the team’s training complex, the outspoken pitcher was at it again.

The veteran lefthander came into training camp this spring asking to be traded. He subsequently rescinded the request March 4, he said, to help minimize distractions to the ballclub.

However, a handful of scouts from other major league teams were in attendance at Thursday’s workout as Boston has indicated it is willing to entertain offers for Wells.

Thursday morning, Red Sox manager Terry Francona indicated Wells, who underwent offseason surgery on his right knee, might be a candidate to join the rotation two weeks into the season. Two days off early in the schedule favors a four-man rotation during that time frame.

Wells caught wind of the idea after pitching in a simulated game, his first such effort of 2006.

“I’d have a problem with that,” said Wells, who allowed five hits and two runs while striking out one and throwing 53 pitches, 34 of them for strikes, against the minor leaguers.

“If they’re going to go four-[man rotation] and I’m going to be the odd man out, then that’s not going to sit well with me,” added Wells, who said he should be one of the regular starters along with Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield, newcomer Josh Beckett and Matt Clement.

Francona, who with Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein and pitching coach Al Nipper watched Wells’ workout, continues to give the big guy votes of confidence.

“He may say something before he’s ready to think it through, but we know that,” Francona said – prior to Wells’ comments. “It might give you a headache, but he’s a pretty good kid. He’s got a pretty good heart.”

Wells has gradually worked his way back from surgery by throwing bullpens and batting practice. Based on his effort Thursday, Wells declared himself ready to pitch when the season begins.

“The knee felt great,” he said of the leg he lands on with his 6-foot-3, 250-pound frame while completing his delivery. “It didn’t hinder me one bit.”

Wells realizes a lot could happen between now and the start of the season that could change the dynamics of the situation.

Wells was impressive last season, compiling a 15-7 record (only Wakefield had more victories for Boston with 16) with a 4.45 earned run average. The California native reiterated Thursday his intention to retire at the end of the 2006 season, which will be his 20th in the big leagues.

If push comes to shove once the season begins, Wells won’t be afraid to speak up for his right to pitch regularly – even if it’s not in Boston. He originally asked to be traded so he could close out his career living closer to his family in Torrance, Calif.

“I’ve done what they’ve asked me to do,” he said. “I’m there every morning, getting my work in, working on my knee, so it’s just a matter of going out there and proving it to them.”

Wells wasn’t ultra sharp in his Thursday outing. He appeared to have a good handle on his curveball, but wasn’t locating his fastball (clocked at 88 mph) the way he would like.

Lefthanded-hitting first base prospect Luis Jimenez had the most success against Wells, lining a 2-2 pitch for a two-out RBI double in the second inning and punching a double down the left-field line on a 3-2 pitch in the third.