Scott Podsednik is hitting .389, so it's not insane for Bobby Valentine to keep playing him. But think about it. A $173-million payroll, and Scott Podsednik is starting in the outfield. In center, no less.

But this isn't because of poor planning, it's because the Boston Red Sox were ravaged by injuries. One of their best offseason acquisitions, Cody Ross, went down with a fractured foot right in the middle of an extended hot streak, missing close to a month. According to the Boston Globe, he's coming back on Tuesday:

Cody Ross started in right field for Pawtucket at Buffalo and was 0 for 4 along with being it by a pitch. But Ross took some good swings and is set to be activated Tuesday.

"Real strong report on him, everything he did,’’ Valentine said.

Of course, that Globe report comes just after the news that Ryan Sweeney went on the DL, so the carousel keeps spinning.