ARIZ - David Wells knows time is of the essence. His back reminds him every day. Fortunately for Wells, he is with an organization that values the upcoming season as much as he does.
Money is one thing.
Nobody appreciates it more than Wells. Before the Sox added the 20-game winner in January's controversial Mike Sirotka deal, Wells was pushing for Toronto to not only guarantee his option for 2002 but also to give him a contract extension. Yet it has taken so much effort for him to get his back in shape that he says he could retire after 2001. He recently put down money on an elk hunt scheduled in September 2002. I'll see how the year goes.