The Red Sox made a couple moves yesterday to shore up their depth. For starters, Brian Shouse was released and Scott Schoeneweis picked up. It was clear the Sox weren’t too keen on Shouse and his low 80s fastball from day one. Schoeneweis certainly throws harder (88) but hasn’t exactly been effective either. Right now, I’d bank money on Joe Nelson getting a spot in the bullpen, with either Schoeneweis, Embree or Scott Atchinson the final spot. Don’t forget, someone has to go down if and when Daisuke Matsuzaka returns.
Kevin Frandsen also is a new face, being acquired from the Giants for a player to be named later or cash considerations. I’ve had my eye on this guy for a while, and while he isn’t slick at shortstop he certainly has a good chance of not embarrassing himself there. The 27-year-old has no problems contributing with the bat at the minor league level but has yet to find success in the majors. You can do a lot worse than Frandsen, and if Mike Lowell hits the disabled list, he becomes the immediate favorite to fill the final bench spot.