BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJORS : Zane Smith Signs With Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox signed pitcher Zane Smith, who made $3.1 million last year, to a one-year deal worth $1.3 million plus the chance to earn $300,000 more in performance bonuses.

Smith, 34, was 10-8 with a 3.27 earned-run average last year with the Pirates and 88-101 with a 3.56 ERA over an 11-year career. He is known for a changeup, curveball and a sinkerball. That makes him a rare pitcher who doesn’t mind Fenway Park.

“I’m more effective when I’ve got guys trying to hit home runs, if guys are swinging from their heels,” he said.

Also Tuesday, Roger Clemens, bothered by a stiff shoulder, had an encouraging pain-free workout.

“I’m not saying we’re out of the woods. But it’s encouraging,” Red Sox manager Kevin Kennedy said. “Being pain-free was the key.”

Kennedy said Clemens already has missed so much time that he can’t be ready for the April 26 opener at Fenway Park. But Clemens refused to rule out an eighth consecutive opening day start.

Kennedy has penciled in Aaron Sele, 24, as the opening-day starter--the first Boston pitcher other than Clemens to have the honor since 1987.