Rich

Garces

However, El Guapo gave up a homer in between striking out three batters. His fastball topped out at 89 mph.

The Sox are said to be ''alarmed by his weight.’' Wait a minute, isn’t this El Guapo we’re talking about? What else is new?

As you might except from El Guapo, a fan favorite because of his considerable size, he is not quite in playing shape. ``I’ve heard he’s big,’' manager Terry Francona said, ``and I heard he’s throwing the ball great.’'

If El Guapo were to make a comeback this season and end up in Boston, it would be extremely fun for the fans, who love Garces for his considerable girth.

Garces, who last pitched in the majors in 2002, was hoping to get picked up after spending some time in the CanAm League this year, but it didn’t happen. He ended up with a 4.42 ERA and a 35/15 K/BB ratio in 38 2/3 innings for the Nashua Pride.

Garces is just 32, so a comeback can’t be ruled out. He signed with the Rockies last winter, but he decided to call it quits after visa problems delayed his arrival in camp.

Garces, 31, had been late to camp with the Rockies, reportedly delayed by visa problems in his native Venezuela. No reason was given for his decision, and there’s a good chance that this isn’t a permanent retirement. However, if he is done, El Guapo finishes with a 3.74 ERA in 287 relief appearances. He was one of the best setup men in the American League for the time, but injuries limited him for much of his career.

Garces tried to make it back with the Red Sox in the second half of 2005, but he wasn’t called up by the team. If the 35-year-old is going to give it another try, it’s as likely to be with Boston as with anyone. He’s given up four runs in 5 2/3 innings while closing in Venezuela this winter.

The 35-year-old Garces, who previously attempted a comeback with Boston in 2005, is coming off another successful winter ball campaign in Venezuela. He probably doesn’t have enough left to retire major league hitters, but it’d be nice to see him get an opportunity at some point.