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Boston Red Sox Roster Report

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Updated Dec 11, 2009 6:00 AM ET
     
 
The Red Sox have some real issues that need to be addressed on their roster, but they don't appear to have a lot of freedom for wholesale changes other than hoping for healthier, more productive seasons from Mike Lowell at third base and David Ortiz at designated hitter. The biggest challenge for the Sox next season figures to be in left field; Jason Bay took his 36 home runs, 119 RBI and 103 runs to the free agent market.

BIGGEST NEEDS: The Red Sox badly need to find another dynamic bat for the middle of their offensive lineup that will help address the team's inability to carry the offensive pace away from Fenway Park. A replacement for Jason Bay in left field becomes a major priority should the free agent sign elsewhere. With the reported trade of 3B Mike Lowell to the Texas Rangers, the Sox are in the market for a slick-fielding, offensively viable third baseman and have been linked in reports to free agent Adrian Beltre.

ARRIVALS: RHP Boof Bonser (trade with Twins), INF Marco Scutaro (free agent from Blue Jays), OF Jeremy Hermida (trade with Marlins), INF Tug Hulett (trade with Royals).

DEPARTURES: LHP Hunter Jones (traded to Marlins), C George Kottaras (claimed off waivers by Brewers), SS Alex Gonzalez (free agent, signed with Blue Jays), LHP Billy Wagner (free agent, signed with Braves), RHP Takashi Saito (free agent, signed with Braves).

FREE AGENTS: OF Jason Bay, OF Rocco Baldelli, RHP Paul Byrd, SS Nick Green.

Bay is the big ticket free agent this winter, and the Sox have no ready-made solution for a slugging outfielder should he sign elsewhere. Bay has been courting interest from teams in both the American League and National League thus far this winter. The Sox signed RHP Tim Wakefield to an incentive-laden two-year deal, and C Jason Varitek opted to pick up his $3 million option for the 2010 season -- ensuring that both aging leaders will return to Boston for at least one more season.

ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: OF Brian Anderson, RHP Manny Delcarmen, OF Jeremy Hermida, 1B Casey Kotchman, LHP Hideki Okajima, RHP Jonathan Papelbon, RHP Ramon Ramirez.

Papelbon could net anywhere from $8 million to $10 million this winter. It's expected that the Sox will offer arbitration to everyone on the list with the possible exception of Anderson.

IN LIMBO: RHP Jonathan Papelbon was mentioned in trade rumors immediately following his blow-up in Game 3 of the AL Division Series, but it's less about one playoff game and more about (1) his rising cost and (2) his potential on the trade market two years away from free agency. The fact is, the 28-year-old closer had to work that much harder for his 38 saves and 1.85 ERA this season than in past years. He could be traded if Boston could get a big-time bat or a young, top-of-the-line starting pitcher in return.

MEDICAL WATCH:

RHP Tim Wakefield (back surgery in October 2009) expects to be ready for the start of spring training.

SS Nick Green (back surgery in November 2009) should be ready by spring training.

OF J.D. Drew (minor left shoulder surgery in November 2009) is expected to be healthy enough to play the outfield in spring training.
Tagged: Red Sox

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