Survivor: Boston by Jared Carrabis
Red Sox make some cuts, as now four remain standing in the battle for the final two bullpen spots


Earlier in the offseason, I compared the competition for the two open bullpen spots to a reality TV show, and that is essentially what it has been like thus far.

As of today, Friday, we don't quite know who will get those two bullpen spots, but we do know who won’t be getting them, at least to start the season.

According to WEEI.com’s Full Count blog, "Relievers Scott Atchison,Rich Hill, Randy Williams, Brandon Duckworth and Michael Bowden were all cut from the major league camp Friday afternoon."

To be honest, I had my money on Rich Hill being the lefty spot in the Red Sox’ bullpen, but it seems like Theo Epstein is playing it the safe way, and finding loopholes to keep every bullpen arm that he possibly can.

Confused? Allow me to explain.

The Red Sox signed Hideki Okajima and Matt Albers to major league deals. If they didn’t make the team, Boston did not have the alternative to option them to Pawtucket, rather they would have to either release them, or find a trade partner to move them elsewhere.

Scott Atchison had a minor league option remaining on his contract, therefore the Red Sox took advantage of that fact, and will stow him away at Pawtucket for now. Rich Hill, who didn’t allow a run in 8.2 innings, signed a minor league deal with Boston, which made it easy for the Red Sox to make the cut, sending him to Pawtucket.

This leaves Albers, Okajima, Dennys Reyes, and Alfredo Aceves left as the final four who will play musical chairs with just two seats remaining.

I really like Matt Albers to make this team; I do. Being that he signed a major league deal with the club, and doesn’t have any options remaining, it’s either make the team or bust. His contract status does mildly boost his chances if the Red Sox really see something they like in Albers and they don’t want to risk losing him to another club, but his numbers have spoken quite nicely for him as well.

In eight appearances, Albers has logged 11.1 innings, logging a comforting 2.38 ERA with thirteen strikeouts, and has yet to issue a walk. I like what I’m seeing from Albers in the early going, and I’d like to see him make this club.

As for Okajima, I like what he did towards the end of the season last year, and I know the Sox are desperate for a lefty, and I’m sorry to say this because of what he did in 2007, but Oki’s just not their guy. His numbers have gotten progressively worse with each passing year, and it’s plain to see that opposing batters have simply figured this guy out.

You need a lefty? If Hill isn’t your guy, then it’s gotta be Reyes. He’s made eight appearances this spring, putting together a nice 1.13 ERA, only six hits and three walks with a strikeout-per-inning. He’s one of those guys where all you have to do is flip over his baseball card, and what you see is what you get (.238 LH opponents batting average for his career). He’s reliable against left-handed batters in late-inning situations, and if I’m Theo, this is my guy for a left-handed bullpen option.

Aceves is obviously an attractive piece because he can relieve, and he can give you multiple innings. He got off to a hot start this spring, but has since come back down to earth with a 4.05 ERA in his 13.1 innings of work. His strikeout numbers haven’t been impressive with just four, compared to the three walks allowed, and he’s also been a little susceptible to the long ball, allowing two homers on the spring. Luckily, Aceves has two options remaining, and could be sent to Pawtucket to start the year.

Personally, since Tim Wakefield is already serving as Boston’s long man and spot starter type out of the bullpen, I can only see room for one of those. If I had to put money on it, I’d say the Red Sox go with Albers and Reyes for their final two spots out of the bullpen. Of course, this is wide open for debate, so by all means; have at it.

-Jared Carrabis

Published on March 25, 2011

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