Felger and Massarotti kicked off the day talking about the retirement of Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield. Wakefield will make the announcement official today at 5 p.m.

Felger had a little fun with Mazz about the BBWAA’s love of Tim Wakefield. This retirement came just in time for the paperback release of Mazz’ book, “Knuckler.”

Mazz, who worked closely with Wakefield for that book, said the writing’s been on the wall for years regarding the 2011 season being Wakefield’s final one in Boston.

“That’s when they drew the finish line,” Mazz said regarding the two-year contract Wakefield signed after 2009. “They basically were telling him then, ‘Two years and you’re done,’ pretty much.”

Mazz also said that Wakefield expressed some worry after the 2010 season that the Red Sox would release him.

Felger suggested that similarly to the severing of ties with Terry Francona, this decision had as much to do with the Red Sox’ wishes as it did with Wakefield’s.

Listen to more inside info from Mazz: