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.

Bowden recalled to majors

The Red Sox optioned shortstop Gil Velazquez to Pawtucket, in anticipation of Julio Lugo joining the club tomorrow. In lieu of Velazquez, the Sox brought up Michael Bowden to pitch out of the bullpen. The Sox bullpen is rather beleaguered -- certainly not to the extent of the Yankees, but this was a move sorely needed. If Masterson doesn't go long or it's a blowout by the time Masterson is done, Bowden will get the call.

For those wondering why Clay Buchholz was not recalled, he's injured. Not terribly, but still injured.

Lowrie to DL

Our offense is now a sinkhole. Shortstop Jed Lowrie is off to the disabled list with a left wrist injury, with Nick Green becoming the new everyday shortstop. Infielder Gil Velazquez was recalled to take the backup infield role.

Handicapping the backup infielder race

With the news that Julio Lugo is undergoing arthroscopic surgery tomorrow, the question becomes who is going to pick up the slack. Lugo may return in time for Opening Day... he could return a few days after... or his injury could be worse than currently thought.

Either way, the backup infield job is now officially a competition. If healthy, Jed Lowrie and Lugo are the two victors... but who could the job fall to if Lugo can't make it back in time? Let's look at the four candidates.

How dependent are we on Mike Lowell?

Mike Lowell is prepared to hit the field and play in a game in two weeks, he reported yesterday. Although he hasn't suffered any setbacks with his right hip, he also hasn't been running the bases yet, which could make or break his progress.

It's very possible, although no noise has been made about it, that Lowell could suffer a setback which would either a) postpone his regular season debut or (worst case) b) knock his 2009 season out entirely.

Should Lowell not be able to start on Opening Day, this means Julio Lugo would start at shortstop with Jed Lowrie manning third base. There's a problem with this, however.

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