Scott

Sullivan

Sullivan hasn’t made it back from a back injury that put him out in late August.

Sullivan didn’t pitch last year after Aug. 25 because of pain in his lower back. It’s likely that his back will continue to give him problems from time to time.

Instead of bending over to use his straight sidearm delivery, Sullivan will be more upright. ''When he throws from there, he doesn’t feel the pain,’' GM Allard Baird said. Sullivan may be less effective against right-handers with the new delivery.

Sullivan plans on throwing off the mound today. ''It’s nothing serious,’' Sullivan said. ''We’re being cautious.’'

A risky move by the White Sox, since Sullivan could make $3.5 million or more in arbitration. Also to be offered arbitration are Bartolo Colon and Tom Gordon. Carl Everett and Roberto Alomar won’t be offered arbitration unless they agree in advance the decline it. As for Tony Graffanino, he’s expected to end up in either Boston or Tampa Bay whether the arbitration offer comes or not.

Sullivan has been out because of inflammation in the middle finger of his pitching hand.

Sullivan is the most valuable reliever in the group, so the Rangers should be thankful that the Blue Jays overpaid for Ligtenberg, who had previously been the team’s top target.

''There’s nothing imminent with him,’' assistant GM Brad Kullman said of Sullivan. ''Of course, there was nothing imminent on Kent [Mercker] a few days ago.’' Sullivan is capable of providing a load of quality innings out of the bullpen. If he shows he is healthy, there are teams that could use his services.

The Royals pretty much ruled Sullivan out for the season back in early July. He’s a free agent this winter.

More good news for the Reds. If Sullivan is going on the DL, Jose Acevedo could stick around for a while.