Pat Andriola: Don’t underrate Robert Manuel

Pat Andriola is a writer for the Hardball Times as well as being a Mets fan that has contributed to various Mets Web sites on the Internet.

Relievers, like closers, aren’t found. They’re made. And while it may have seen like one of those waiver claims made just for the sake of claiming someone, picking up Robert Manuel on November 20th was a move that Red Sox nation should be thrilled about. Although Manuel has thrown under five innings in the big leagues and will be turning 26 come July, he could be a valuable asset to the Red Sox pen.

Red Sox claim RP Manuel from Mariners

26-year old Robert Manuel was claimed by Boston off waivers today. Manuel tossed 65.2 innings for Seattle’s Triple-A club this past season, amassing a 2.88 ERA with a 49/16 K/BB ratio. He doesn’t possess great stuff, but is good depth for Triple-A. Boston has to restock Pawtucket given the departures of Fernando Cabrera, Marcus McBeth and other flotsam. The 40-man roster is now at 32, so the team had puh-lenty of space to bring him aboard. You could see Manuel tossing some junk innings in a Red Sox uniform at some point this coming season.