The Replacement Brigade: Eric Patterson, Angel Sanchez, et al

It’s been another harrowing week for the Red Sox as yet another key starter has gone down to injury. With Dustin Pedroia sustaining a broken foot, the second baseman is expected to miss an estimated six weeks – forcing the Sox to scramble for a replacement due to their lack of infield depth. Elaborating on Pedroia’s importance would be superfluous. The former AL MVP is among the three most indispensible Red Sox on the active roster next to Kevin Youkilis and Jon Lester – if not the most important of the three. Considering the absence of any semblance of a Major Leaguer middle infielder in Boston’s stead, he is as good as irreplaceable. Still, the length of Pedroia’s injury is nearly as confounding as the injury itself. Assuming he returns along the proposed six-week time line, the Sox are in a purgatory of sorts when it comes to finding a replacement. On the one hand, they could trade for a replacement outside the organization - costing the team prospects in exchange for gaining about a win or two in Pedroia’s absence. On the other, they could tough it out with the inadequate options available.

Aardsma sent to Seattle for Prospect Williamson

According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the Red Sox have sent right-handed reliever David Aardsma to Seattle for 19 year old left-hander Fabian Williamson. Aardsma, who threw 48 2/3 innings for the Sox last season, will fill up the final spot on the Mariners 40 man roster. Williamson, who spent all last season in single-A Pulaski, striking out 59 batters in 46 2/3 innings, will more than likely begin the season in short-season Lowell.

I'd also like to introduce myself as this is my first post here at Fire Brand. Obviously, my name is Pat and I'm a sophomore at the University of Southern Indiana. I'm a baseball junky and also a big Red Sox fan. My main interests are intensively following players as they progress through the minor leagues and players coming up through the amateur rankings (HS, College). I'll be joining Fire Brand by frequently posting minor league updates as they come through and analysis on certain players once or twice a week. I also take requests, so shoot me an e-mail if you have a certain player you'd like me to break down.

Aardsma for Williamson

David Aardsma, recently cut from the 40 man roster to make room for Mark Kotsay, was traded to the Mariners…