Farrell: Red Sox looking for starting pitching depth

The Red Sox have more starting pitching depth than they've had in quite a few years, thanks to the presence of Franklin Morales, Allen Webster, Steven Wright, and Rubby De La Rosa, among others. The thing is, Wright is unpredictable as a knuckler, Webster hasn't pitched at Triple-A yet, Tommy John recipient De La Rosa is going to slowly work his way to a fuller workload, and Morales is starting the year on the disabled list. Therefore, it's not a huge surprise to see manager John Farrell say the Red Sox could add an arm before the season begins.

Don't expect anyone of major significance -- the hope in that regard for 2012 sits with Webster, a rejuvenated De La Rosa, and a healthy Morales. The Sox will be checking to see if anyone they can use is cut by teams without the room to roster them, though, as camp size thins out in the next 10 days or so. This player will probably be someone they can stash in the minors -- otherwise, it's hard to see where they fit on an already full roster -- possibly with an opt-out clause a la Aaron Cook in 2012. Just, this time, with the hope that they won't ever see nearly as much action, or any at all.

While the pitcher in question, should Boston acquire one, not be someone to be excited about, it's still good to see the front office on the prowl and going over the potential issue with Farrell. It's also likely an indication that, even if there is room for Alfredo Aceves on the roster, they might not be planning to use him as even an emergency starter. Consider that another positive, as he and his command just haven't looked that good -- albeit in limited duty -- as a big-league starter.