Coveroo TRIVIA: Returning 2004 Red Sox players

How many former 2004 Red Sox players have returned to Fenway Park with a new team?

Red Sox to call up Felix Doubront

Over at CBS Sports' MLB Facts and Rumors earlier today, I noted that the Red Sox seemed likely to call up Felix Doubront to start on Friday.

On one hand, it's great news that the Red Sox have developed yet another young lefty (22 years of age) who can step into the rotation. Even if Doubront can't crack the rotation over the next two years (and it will be mighty difficult for him to break past Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka and John Lackey), he'll be a fantastic trade chip and is young enough that he could step in with a bright career ahead of him once Matsuzaka becomes a free agent (after 2012).

On the flip side, I'm a little frustrated that the Red Sox acted so quickly to disabled Matsuzaka for what clearly appears to be "normal" forearm tightness. That said, I can't blame the team for acting so quickly and decisively based on Matsuzaka's past with injuries -- both in terms of how long it takes him to recover, but also in that Matsuzaka has been less than forthcoming about injuries. With Josh Beckett two weeks out, Doubront may be in line to get two starts, but the team may be able to jigger getting Matsuzaka back next week.

Coveroo TRIVIA: How can you get a triple play when…

How can a player hit into a triple play without a defender touching the ball after the pitcher delivers it?

Dice-K hits the disabled list

Many reporters on Twitter all tweeted it at virtually the same time: Daisuke Matsuzaka has hit the disabled list with a right forearm strain. Scott Atchinson will take his place on the mound to start Saturday's game, so we're in for a long night of pitching.

Left-handed reliever Dustin Richardson, who strikes out a ton but walks a ton, has been recalled. It's possible, but doubtful that Josh Beckett could be ready to take Dice's next turn in the rotation.

I expect Atchinson will be farmed out after the game for another bullpen arm -- Michael Bowden and Fabio Castro are on the 40-man roster, so they're the most likely candidates. You would imagine Bowden or Boof Bonser would slot in the rotation for Matsuzaka's next start.

Breaking: Kendrick Perkins to sign with Red Sox

The Red Sox are expected to sign sixth-round pick Kendrick Perkins, I've learned.

Perkins, 18, had a strong commitment to Texas A&M, causing his draft stock to fall. He has excellent speed and power, but is considered to be a bit raw -- but you can say that of any high-school player.

Daniel Nava a major leaguer!

It's been a long time for Daniel Nava, but the 27-year-old former independent league player has made it.

Sox Prospects is reporting that Josh Reddick has been sent down for Nava. Not only has Nava thoroughly dominated minor league competition in his time with the Red Sox's farm system (.342/.434/.545 in 1,187 plate appearances with 314 of those in independent baseball -- the Chico Outlaws of the GOBL in 2007 at age 24) but he has proven in his first season at Triple-A Pawtucket that he deserves a promotion.

The 5-foot-10 switch-hitter has a strong arm, average speed and tremendous plate discipline. He batted .294 with a .364 OBP and .492 slugging percentage for Pawtucket in 2010. He will be a better "jack-of-all-trades" outfielder for the Sox. Reddick, meanwhile, has loads of talent but has yet to prove his capability in not only the majors, but Triple-A.

Moving to CBS Sports, plus Red Sox thoughts

Although my time at NESN was far, far shorter than I hoped/expected, I've moved on to the next phase of my career which takes me to the MLB Facts and Rumors blog at CBS Sports.

I'll be writing alongside long-time Mariners reporter David Andriesen (previously sighted at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer) and C. Trent Rosencrans (Cincinnati Post) to bring baseball fans the latest in general baseball coverage. You can see me there starting Monday.

I'll be checking in at Fire Brand multiple times a week, resurrecting the trivia challenge and letting everyone know of the latest transactions involving the BoSox.

I'd like to take this time to say a few things I didn't over the last few months, as well as put out a call for ways Fire Brand can improve:

Best- and worst-case scenarios for the Red Sox

Best-case scenario: The Red Sox figure to have a powerhouse rotation, airtight defense and an offense that, despite its alleged warts, should rank in the upper echelon of the majors. Baseball Prospectus projects Boston to win the AL East with 95 wins. It’s easy to see that happening. For everything to break right, players must perform up to expectations, which is a lot to demand of a roster of 25. Fortunately, the Sox have players who not only have produced in the past and expect to continue to produce, but also have the right mindset to succeed in Boston.

Worst-case scenario: As an aging team banking on several returns to prominence by players (Adrian Beltre, David Ortiz) as well as sustained production from players on the wrong side of 30 (John Lackey, Victor Martinez), it’s easy to see things going wrong. Beltre could be finished as a productive hitter. Lackey has a recent history of injury problems. It’s not a stretch of the imagination to see a scenario where injuries and attrition just can't overcome what is otherwise a truly talented club, setting up another 2006. Boston has a good stable of depth, but if one key player goes down, the cracks will show.

Red Sox add Kevin Frandsen, Scott Schoeneweis

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.

Injuries striking Red Sox left and right

Do the Red Sox have another curse on their hands? Two separate Boston players have had bouts with cancer. David Ortiz had heart problems a few years ago. (Click 'Read More' below or click the headline to see the rest of the article.)