Friday, January 13, 2012

Throw Them Against The Wall, See Who Sticks

The Red Sox have signed a number of players over the last week with MLB experience. They signed Aaron Cook from Colorado, who pitched against the Red Sox in the 2007 World Series, pitchers Justin Germano and Carlos Silva, and infielder Brad Emaus, who was in camp with the Mets last spring.

They are also bringing in pitchers Jesse Carlson, Brandon Duckworth and Rich Hill, who pitched effectively out of the Red Sox bullpen last season before an injury ended his season. They are also inviting nine other players to camp this spring as well.

It makes sense to bring as many players with previous experience to camp this spring. Most obviously won't go north with the big club, but if any show the club something, they will most likely be on Pawtucket's roster.

And now word comes that Jason Varitek will be invited to Spring Training as a non-roster player. I really think the Sox are doing this out of courtesy and respect to their longtime catcher. I really don't see where Tek could possibly fit in for 2012. I would guess he will be in Ft. Myers for a short time and then officially announce his retirement. It would be a classy way for both sides to see him exit this way.

Tonight the Yankees traded stud catching prospect Jesus Montero to the Mariners for pitcher Michael Pineda, who was an All-Star last season. And they also signed Hiroki Kuroda to a one-year deal. And of course I'm seeing some panic among some Red Sox fans online, that the Sox must counter this by signing someone like Roy Oswalt.

Take it easy, folks. I'm also seeing some NYY fan friends of mine who are VERY unhappy that New York traded Montero. They upgraded their rotation for sure, but the Sox rotation is still strong. The Red Sox upgraded where they really needed to this winter: their bullpen.

Nobody's won anything yet, folks.

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