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.

Sox Sign Embree, What to Do With Boof, and the Watch List

Sox Sign Alan Embree Just after noon yesterday, the Sox officially agreed to a minor league deal with veteran lefty reliever Alan Embree. Embree, who last pitched for the Sox in 2005, comes off a shaky 2009 season that saw him struggle in limited duty, posting an even BB:K ratio (12 BB, 12 K in 24.2 IP) on his way to a 5.29 FIP. Still, Embree offers depth to a team searching for a second lefty reliever to complement Okajima. Though LOOGY specialist Brian Shouse has performed well over his long look in camp (7.1 IP, 5 K, 1 BB; most IP of any Sox reliever), Embree’s versatility and Shouse’s code-blue platoon splits may give Embree the leg up in the competition.

Boston’s bullpen competition takes an interesting turn

The Red Sox's bullpen search has taken on an interesting look these days.

With Tim Wakefield virtually certain to open the season as No. 5 starter and Dice-K on the shelf, there are two spots open. The favorites are Boof Bonser and Brian Shouse (the latter serving as LOOGY), but there are doubts about both, apparently.

The Red Sox are talking to Alan Embree about a return as they are reportedly unhappy with Shouse's production.

As for Bonser, word is that the Diamondbacks and Cubs are both interested in acquiring him. Bonser is a starter, but Boston is trying him out as a reliever, where it is thought he will have more success. He would also function as a longman. There's no indication the Red Sox are interested in dealing him, but it's possible the Sox would do so given a nice return. They have Scott Atchinson pushing Bonser for a bullpen spot.

That said, pitching depth is a canard. It's more likely that Bonser stays and Atchinson goes to Triple-A than it is the Boof being traded.

Minor Moves and Big League Hopefuls

In a flurry of moves late last week, the Sox signed seven players to minor league deals. For some, the moves will result in mid-season call-ups or a cup of coffee in September. For others, the moves are very curious from a career-advancement standpoint as many are blocked by what is already substantial organizational depth. Even so, injuries and circumstance will assuredly open the door for a few of these singees and spring training invites. For others, it will be a long season at Pawtucket. RP Brian Shouse: Another move that doesn’t make much sense for the player at hand, Shouse would have a much better shot at breaking camp in the bigs with some other team. Still, the signing is a great move for the Red Sox, as Shouse can be an excellent situational lefty when the time calls for it. In 2009, lefties batted a combined .224/.243/.373 against Shouse, with 14 Ks and just 1 BB in 67 at-bats.

Know Thine Enemy 2009: Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays are coming off their first successful season in the history of the franchise. Finally, they're not considered doormats with no vision of the future. Now the Pirates stand alone there. (Even the Royals are much improved!)

This club is scary in the pool of young talent they already hold plus more on the way in the minor leagues. The Rays will compete for a very, very long time. But will they be able to withstand the Red Sox and Yankees assault in 2009?