When John Smoltz was officially added to the 40-man roster on Tuesday, pitcher David Pauley was taken off.

Pauley was designated for assignment. It will be interesting where Pauley lands; whether another team scoops him up or if he accepts a minor league contract and assignment to Pawtucket.

Pauley, 25, was a likely player to be removed. He clearly has been an emergency pitcher, called up in case of injury. He did not figure as a candidate to break into the Sox starting rotation, and he not seem as suited for the bullpen as others (like Derven Hansack).

The Red Sox obtained Pauley before the 2005 off season from San Diego in the Dave Roberts trade. Boston also received outfielder Jay Payton and infielder Ramon Vazquez.

Payton was disgruntled with his back-up role and was traded. Vazquez struggled and was traded to the Indians for Alex Cora.

Pauley joins a number of former Sea Dogs pitchers who have been removed from the 40-man. Charlie Zink was recently taken off, to make room for Takashi Saito.

Zink, unlike those before him, re-joined the Sox organization on a minor league contract.

The others:

Chris Smith (Milwaukee)
Edgar Martinez (LA Dodgers)
Daniel Haigwood (Pittsburgh)
Lincoln Holdzkom (Pittsburgh)

(Thanks to soxprospects.com for help on that research)

Another 40-man roster spot will have to be opened when the Sox sign Mark Kotsay (Chris Carter and Jeff Bailey are candidates)

Now about that catching vacancy ... or is there a vacancy? GM Theo Epstein is now saying that he would be comfortable going into spring training with Josh Bard, George Kottaras and Dusty Brown.

Of course, if Jason Varitek's price comes down ...

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