When the Red Sox officially announced the signing of six minor league free agents - some of which had already been reported - it gave a hint to what the rosters are going to look like in Pawtucket and Portland.

The major league roster is just about set, save for one catching situation that needs to be worked out.

Here's a look:

Starters: Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Brady Penny and Tim Wakefield.

Relievers: Jonathan Papelbon, Ramon Ramirez, Hideki Okajima, Takashi Saito, Justin Masterson, Manny Delcarmen, and Javier Lopez.

Infield: Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Jed Lowrie, Julio Lugo and Mike Lowell.

Outfield: Jason Bay, Jacoby Ellsbury, J.D. Drew, Rocco Baldelli and Mark Kotsay.

Designated hitter: David Ortiz.

The catching situation features Josh Bard and George Kottaras at the moment. But that can completely change if Jason Varitek signs with Boston and/or another catcher is brought in.

It looks like Varitek and Bard, but Kottaras is out of options. The Sox may prefer him over Bard. He bats left-handed (Bard is a switch-hitter but, like Varitek, hits better from the right side). Kottaras also can probably handle a knuckleball better than Bard.

The infield intrigue centers on shortstop and whether Lugo can re-take his job.

The starting rotation will get interesting when John Smoltz is ready to go and/or if Clay Buchholz completely dominates Triple-A.

The bullpen also features Wes Littleton and Miguel Gonzalez. Littleton is out of options and Gonzalez is a Rule V draft pick. They are insurance in case of injury. If Gonzalez shows strong potential, the Red Sox may try to find a way to "hide" him on the roster.

The six minor league free agents recently signed are reliever Fernando Cabrera, catcher Carlos Maldonado, infielders Angel Chavez, Nick Green and Ivan Ochoa, and outfielder Chip Ambres.

They all appear to be insurance - making up the "Taxi squad" in Pawtucket.

Here is a look at a potential PawSox roster.

Starters: Buchholz, Michael Bowden, Charlie Zink, Devern Hansack and TBA (perhaps swing man Enrique Gonzalez, a previous free agent signing).

Bullpen: Cabrera, Hunter Jones, Jose Vaquedano, Marcus McBeth, Billy Traber (another free agent), and TBA. Among the candidates are Randar Bierd (acquired in the David Pauley trade), Gonzalez and Mike James, who has spent two full seasons in Portland.

It seems like Daniel Bard and Dustin Richardson will begin in the Sea Dogs bullpen, with a promotion on the horizon.

The Pawtucket roster features catchers Dusty Brown and Maldonado. The infield has Chavez, Green and Ochoa, along with Gil Velazquez and first baseman/outfielder Jeff Bailey.

The outfield is crowded with Jon Van Every, Chris Carter (who can also DH), Ambres, Paul McAnulty (another free agent), Sean Danielson, Jeff Corsaletti and Zach Daeges.

Some outfielders are not going to make it, but who? Danielson spent most of last year in Triple-A. Corsaletti was just promoted at mid-year last season, and Daeges already proved himself in Double-A

The Portland roster is less clear.

Here's my best guess:

Starters: Kris Johnson, Ryne Lawson, Adam Mills, Junichi Tazawa and Travis Beazley (after 1 1/2 seasons in high Class A).

Relievers: Bard, Richardson, Richie Lentz, Bryce Cox, T.J. Large, Blake Maxwell (after two seasons in High A), and TBA. (Chad Rhoades could return).

As for the everyday players, returning should be catcher Mark Wagner, first basemen Lars Anderson and Aaron Bates, infielders Ryan Khoury, Argenis Diaz and Jorge Jimenez, and outfielders Bubba Bell and Josh Reddick.

John Otness might return for a third year as a catcher. Catcher/first baseman Jon Still should be with the Sea Dogs. Infielder Iggy Suarez is on the fence. He will get a chance to make the Triple-A team, but it is so crowded.

Other potential outfielders include Jay Johnson (back from injury), Bryan Pritz and Daniel Nava (after a year in high Class A). Someone could also come back from Triple-A.

It's early to be speculating, but I needed some spring thoughts to warm me up before I start shoveling.

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