Red Sox Update

JD Drew: Theo Epstein was asked the other day about JD Drew and he said that he had nothing new to announce regarding Drew. It was reported several weeks ago that the Red Sox were to sign Drew, however, there were apparently problems with his physical which has stalled the signing. It still appears that Drew will end up in Boston once the language in his contract is fixed in a way that protects the Red Sox in case of an injury to Drew.

JC Romero: Romero was signed shortly after the Sox acquired Brendan Donnelly. Romero had a rough season last year but put together some good campaigns in Minnesota. He will likely get a chance to compete for a spot in the pen as a LOOGY.

Joel Pineiro: The most recent signing for the Red Sox was former Mariners starting pitcher Joel Pineiro. Pineiro has struggled in each of the past three seasons as a starter, but the Red Sox plan to move him into the bullpen and allow him to potentially be the closer for the 2007 Boston Red Sox. The contract is for $4 million dollars and a mutual option for 2008.

Runelvys Hernandez: The Red Sox also signed Runelvys Hernandez to a minor league deal. He is a player who has shown the potential to be a very good pitcher in the major leagues, however, he has yet to put it together over an extended period of time. Hernandez is 28 years old and will compete for a bullpen spot. I like the signing as it is a low risk move with some upside. Hernandez could also serve as a spot starter if one of Boston's regulars goes down.

In other news: Mark Loretta signed with the Astros and it is now being said that the Red Sox had no interest in Loretta at any salary level for the upcoming season. It appears that Dustin Pedroia is most likely going to start the season as the starting second baseman for the Red Sox.