According to a major league source, the New York Mets viewed John Lackey as a bigger medical risk to sign at five years than they did committing to Jason Bay at four. Lackey’s contract with the Red Sox includes medical contingencies that protect the team against the pitcher missing significant time with a pre-existing elbow injury. The Sox’ concerns with Bay mostly revolved around the outfielder’s knees, which the Mets didn’t deem enough of a concern to deter a deal. 

For more on the offseason decisions that led the Sox to sign Lackey and the Mets to reach a deal with Bay, click here.

PGA golfer and Rhode Island resident Brad Faxon made an appearance on the Dennis & Callahan show Friday morning to talk about Tiger Woods' return to the sport. "It's going to be a zoo no matter where and when he comes out," Faxon said. "He's trying to figure out what's the best way to control it for sure." Added Faxon: "The thing we don't know is what's going on at home, inside the house. Is he mentally ready? He looks physically ready."

Speculation for Woods' return has centered on tournaments close to his Orlando home: the Tavistock Cup at Isleworth (March 22) or the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill (March 25). Woods is the defending champion and a six-time winner of the Palmer event. The Associated Press reported sources as saying Woods will not return before the Masters on April 8 in August, Ga.

"I don't think he's going to want to make the Masters his first event,"...