mostlysunny Local forecast
Hi 60s
MaineToday.com
Log In   Register Helpdownarrow
Clearing the Bases Blog Index
March 24, 2008
Roster decisions

The Boston Red Sox reportedly have set their roster for Tuesday's 6 a.m. (EST) season-opener.

But the roster is far from settled.

According to several media reports, the five inactive players on the roster for the two games in Japan are pitchers Tim Wakefield and Mike Timlin, infielders Sean Casey and Jed Lowrie and outfielder Bobby Kielty.

That gives the Red Sox a 9-man bullpen, including Clay Buchholz in case of an emergency. It also includes Bryan Corey and David Aardsma, two relievers who were on the bubble this spring training.

Josh Beckett, who is not in Japan, is on the DL, as expected. But he should be ready in early April. Wakefield and, probably, Timlin, will be activated then.

Craig Breslow is already gone (claimed off waivers by Cleveland), but Boston will have to make more moves.

The starters: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield, Jon Lester, Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz.

Relievers: Julian Tavarez, Jonathan Papelbon, Hideki Okajima, Manny Delcarmen, Kyle Snyder, Javier Lopez, David Aardsma, Bryan Corey, Mike Timlin.

Assuming Boston goes with seven relievers, two relievers will have to go.

Then when/if Bartolo Colon is activated ...

The Red Sox will also have to make a decision on Kielty. Assuming Casey is ready to go in April, it's unlikely that Boston will keep five outfielders (although the switch-hitting Kielty is the only true right-field back-up). Either Crisp is traded or Kielty goes down to Triple-A (if he accepts such a move).

And more moves will be made in minor league camp. With so many pitchers in Triple-A camp, some will have to be let go. Former prime prospects Abe Alvarez and Chris Smith are on the bubble.


Posted at 07:39 AM

E-mail this entry to a friend

Comments
Post a comment









Remember personal info?







Please enter the code as seen in the image above:



Blog Index

Kevin covers baseball for the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. He first reported on spring training games for the St. Petersburg Times in 1978. He wisely moved to Maine in 1994 and now writes about the Portland Sea Dogs and Boston Red Sox—when he's not coaching Little League baseball.

He is married to Nancy, and the couple recently completed their lineup card with the birth of their ninth child.



Updates
Sign up to be notified when there's a new entry
RSS
Subscribe
Most Recent Comments
Buchholz in (for now), Hertzler out (1)
left coast wrote: you are forgetting about Colon who is much more likely than either Tavarez ...

Mirabelli gone (1)
wrote: Maybe Mirabelli can get a job in the Orioles broadcast booth, working with ...

Colon opening day starter? (1)
Thom in West Bath wrote: I was pleasantly surprised to see the new and upcoming shortstop is headed ...

Steinbrenner smears Red Sox Nation (1)
yamo wrote: Rooting for the Yankees is like rooting for U.S. Steel. ...

Bartolo Colon? Why not? (3)
Dave wrote: Sure why not. As long as we're at it, is Matt Clement still available? ...

Is Epstein the best? (1)
Derek wrote: I don't know about the best but he is in the top 5. We you have that much m...

Archives
By category
Minors (1)
Red Sox (178)
By date
July 07 (28)
June 07 (34)
May 07 (39)

CHANGE ISN'T ALWAYS FOR THE BETTER
contributed by Sam Minervino on 05/03/2008
North of the Border
contributed by Rep. Sue Austin on 05/01/2008
Certified Professional Midwives and their access to life saving medications
contributed by Michele Sargent Lapegna on 04/28/2008
Find news and photos from people like you in
SeenRecently Seen
Pirates PlayOff Hockey Game - May 6
May, 6 2008
10 photos
Propel event
May, 1 2008
7 photos
Reiche Library Closure Protest
May, 6 2008
13 photos
Post photos >
movieposter'What Happens in Vegas'
After a night of wild partying, two strangers awaken to find they've married each other. See what else is playing
photoThe Baker's Bench
At Baker's Bench, sandwiches are made with a touch of artistry. See the review, post your own
Up ahead:
photoThe Big Lebowski
It's film night with the cult classic at One Longfellow Square. May 14event Today's events
photo Where's the beach?
Find a beach - and parking - with our beach map.
photoCasting Call
It's time to return to your favorite fishing spot.
MaineJobs.com - Maine's best job source.

Check out the new MaineJobs-Monster site!
Search Maine Real Estate
Town name, or names separated by commas

Priced
From $
to $
Search 3,463 autos from 15 dealers and private sellers in Maine and N.H.
Make:

Model:
Year:
Dealer listings  
Private-party listings  
Both
Show only listings with photos
Search for...
Merchandise
Everything from antiques and auctions to pets and animals and garage sales.
Pets & Livestock
Includes shows, supplies and services.
Service Guide
Everything from air conditioning to tree removal.
Recreational Equipment
From skis to snowmachines, boats to kayaks, ATVs to RVs, camping gear to travel trailers.
Services, Announcements, Etc.
Lost & found, child care services, funeral services and more.
Legal Announcements
Including government contracts, foreclosures, unclaimed property, and community information.