Red Sox Add To 40-Man As Rule 5 Draft Approaches

by Ben Buchanan on Nov 20, 2010 6:01 AM EST in News

With Friday being the deadline for protecting players from the Rule 5 draft, the Red Sox have added three prospects to their 40-man roster, leaving just one space empty. The lucky additions are catcher Luis Exposito, pitcher Stolmy Pimentel, and infielder Oscar Tejeda.

Exposito is about the closest thing the Red Sox have to a catcher-of-the-future at the moment, logging a solid if unimpressive season in Double-A Portland. Stolmy Pimentel, too, was unimpressive statistically in his High-A Salem debut, but is a well regarded high-ceiling prospect. Of the three, only Oscar Tejeda had a surprisingly good season, batting .307/.344/.455 with 11 home runs and 17 stolen bases--albeit feuled by a high BABIP.

The Red Sox have some notable names still available, but most will likely be passed over due to their age and development. Some of the standouts include breakout pitchers Manny Rivera and Cesar Cabral, Eastern League All-Star infielder Nate Spears, and former first round pick Jason Place. Perhaps the two players most likely to be selected are relief pitchers Jason Rice, who has put up strong numbers between Double-A and the AFL, and Dan Turpen, who came over from San Francisco in the Ramon Ramirez trade and has been rather less impressive on the same teams.

While the Sox do have only one empty slot left on their 40-man roster, there's plenty of space that could be freed up. Candidates for removal include Hideki Okajima, Eric Patterson, Matt Fox, Mark Wagner, and Brent Dlugach--so likely no great losses even if they are picked up off of waivers. I'd definitely rather have Jason Rice safe than Matt Fox, and Nate Spears would probably be an improvement over Eric Patterson, too. But by now it's too late.

The Rule 5 draft will be held on December 9th.

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Comments

OT: Ben do you ever sleep?

6am over there, i saw you made a post 2 am this week. Get some sleep. ;)

by German Red Sox Fan on Nov 20, 2010 6:30 AM EST reply actions

We actually schedule them to post.

I actually could have just posted this one since it was news, but I wasn’t thinking.

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by Ben Buchanan on Nov 20, 2010 12:40 PM EST up reply actions

Who the frak is Brent Dlugach?

Other than a candidate for “Best Name in the Minors?”

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by lone1c on Nov 20, 2010 7:16 AM EST reply actions

Random IF picked up off waivers.

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by Ben Buchanan on Nov 20, 2010 12:41 PM EST up reply actions

Nothing to worry about

I don’t see any names that I’m too worried about being selected and, if so, sticking with a major league team for an entire sesaon. I suspect the FO will keep at least one spot open on their 40 man roster for a potential 7th bullpen arm or maybe an all glove/speed, no bat backup middle infielder.

by mg050369 on Nov 20, 2010 12:51 PM EST reply actions

Maybe it's room for Beltre or V-Mart.

by went9 on Nov 20, 2010 12:54 PM EST up reply actions

I don't see either player signging before the Rule 5 draft

If they do, they can always clear more spots with Coello, Fox, Patterson and others still on the 40 man.

by mg050369 on Nov 20, 2010 1:47 PM EST up reply actions

Yes, no doubt room can be made.

I believe we will also see two or three ponies traded for a horse this offseason. That’s another way that room can be made on a crowded 40 man for a Beltre or V-Mart.

It is looking like both are gone though. We’ll soon see (by X-mas at the latest).

by went9 on Nov 20, 2010 1:59 PM EST up reply actions

Unless Some Crazy Trades Are Worked Out

I think one of the Beltre/V-Mart crew will be back. Nothing besides a gut feeling tells me that, but it wouldn’t bode well for Theo & Co. from a PR standpoint for sure if both the teams big FAs leave. Not only that, there’s the practical aspect of pretty much losing a decent chunk of the team’s offense.

Certainly not something one would want to lose playing in the AL East/

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by Raj Ghetia on Nov 21, 2010 1:05 AM EST up reply actions

I disagree

I think both are likely gone as other teams are likely to offer more years and/or money. Any FO that is wiling to let Pedro and Damon go while trading Nomar isn’t overly concerned with PR/fanbase backlash. Second, other off season acquisitions could lessen or eliminate any impact (ex: Crawford, Dunn, Upton, etc. – note: I’m not saying any or all will be acquired but each could be options).

by mg050369 on Nov 21, 2010 2:05 PM EST up reply actions

Rice

I stand corrected. I’m surprised that Rice wasn’t protected. He needs to work on his control, otherwise I thought he had a good year at AA. He seems like a real viable Rule 5 selection and someone who could (and will if not selected) help the Sox as a potential mid season callup.

by mg050369 on Nov 21, 2010 2:11 PM EST up reply actions

Expo

While not impressive, like Ben said, has been solid it seems like. And honestly, if he’s consistent, I’ll take solid and consistent than “streaks of impressive.”

So I wonder why the whole roster hasn’t been flushed out yet…

"Common sense is quite rare." - Voltaire

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by Raj Ghetia on Nov 21, 2010 1:08 AM EST reply actions