MLB.com's Joe Frisaro has some news on St. John's Prep (my HS alma mater) nemesis Jeff Allison; after a plethora of off-the-field incidents including drug-related arrests, the 2003 Baseball America Player of the Year is attempting another comeback.  I know what you're thinking; he's been in this position before and failed miserably.  However, after reaching the lowest of lows, serving 75 days in jail and in the midst of his 3 year probationary period, Allison is apparently ready to pitch again.  The 2003 first rounder hasn't appeared in a game since 2005 and is currently on the restricted list.  If he keeps himself out of trouble (and that's a big if, considering he's had several chances to get back on track before), he could be back in the minors within the next several weeks.  Jeff's been doing drills at the Marlins' minor league facility this spring, so if nothing else he at least appears to be amply motivated.  It wouldn't be the first time a top tier prospect overcame addiction to return to the game, as evidenced by last year's emergence of current Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton.  Hopefully Allison doesn't totally squander all that potential he displayed just a few years ago at Peabody, MA's Veterans Memorial HS.

In Red Sox news, closer Jonathon Papelbon is getting a raise this season... guess his absurd and immature verbal protestations that he deserved more money paid off.  The Globe is reporting that he'll make $775,000 for the 2008 season; compared to the $425,550 he made last year, it's certainly not a tough hit for the Sox to take.  However, it does signify a pretty significant commitment to the candid closer on the part of the team as comparably skilled players with similar amounts of MLB experience have been rewarded with significantly less money (most notably Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks, who will be earning $225,000 less than Paps this year).  Widely considered one of the top 3 closers in the game, Paps is certainly a bargain at under $1 million this season, but the way he went about getting that raise will no doubt leave a sour taste in many fans' mouths (see above linked article).  It's likely not the last time the Sox and Papelbon don't see eye-to-eye on contract negotiations as Paps will be arbitration eligible for the first time in his career next season.