Roster cuts begin for Red Sox, claim Sean Coyle, Travis Shaw, four others

The Red Sox have made their first round of roster cuts Wednesday afternoon, sending Travis Shaw, Sean Coyle, Miguel Celestino, Keith Couch, Bryan LaHair, and Noe Ramirez getting the bad news.

Really, though, this isn't news to any of the six. This Red Sox team is not one looking to fill slots with players who enjoy strong spring performances. They've got too many men as is, leaving no real opportunity for a minor leaguer or, in the case of LaHair, an outsider on a comeback attempt to break camp with the team.

That doesn't make it all a complete waste of time, though. Injuries do happen, and roster spots will open up as the season progresses. Maybe just for a few days, or maybe for longer. Either way, when the opportunities present themselves, a strong showing in spring--even if it's just in drills and batting practice--can leave an impression on the guys who decide who fills those slots. Depending on how the team's depth works out, that could prove the difference for players like Coyle and Shaw who, while not in the upper echelon of Boston prospects, are still on the radar up in Triple-A Pawtucket.

With 51 players left in camp, the Red Sox still have to cut their roster by more than half over the next couple of weeks. But a start is a start.