Red Sox Notebook: Bullpen Choices, Adrian Gonzalez, Dennys Reyes & More

Given the overall disappointing results this week for the Red Sox, most of the statistical news will be omitted from this edition of Red Sox Notebook as to not depress anyone. There still is plenty to discuss with pending roster cuts, bullpen decisions, and another manager who is willing to run his mouth before the season even begins. With the official MLB opening day just 6 days away and the Red Sox 1st official game just 7 days away, it is a wonderful time to be a baseball fan. The crack of the bat, the smell of beer, popcorn, and hot dogs. What could be better than that? Summer is almost here when America’s pastime will once again come into our living rooms and dens on a nightly basis. Take a deep breath. No matter what the weather is outside your door today, winter is almost over.

Bullpen Decisions

There has been a lot made of this topic without a lot of resolution over the past few weeks. The Red Sox seemingly have 2 open roster spots for bullpen arms, but the verdict is still out on who will fill those roles. We know the Sox want at least 1 lefty and will potentially carry 2 because of their match-up value, making Hideki Okajima and Dennys Reyes very strong options at this point. Oki told reporters that he was working on a cutter this Spring and it will be a nice added weapon in his arsenal if he makes the opening day roster. Not surprisingly, both lefties are lined-up to pitch tonight when the Blue Jays and Red Sox clash on NESN. This will likely be the final time to really earn a spot in the bullpen for these guys. Check out our new writer Derek’s post about the bullpen options from yesterday.

Dennys Reyes Opt-Out

Earlier this week, Dennys Reyes agreeed to extend his opt-out deadline for his minor-league deal until Saturday. As part of the original contract, Reyes had to either be on the major-league roster by this point in Spring or he could opt-out of his deal completely and become a free agent. He will have 1 more chance to prove his worth on Friday night against the Blue Jays before the team will likely need to make a decision.

Adrian Gonzalez Getting Comfortable

After struggling a bit in the batter’s box coming off of shoulder surgery, Adrian Gonzalez got 6 at-bats in a minor-league game this week to get himself more relaxed at the plate. He was working on getting comfortable with his timing and all indications were that it went well. He went 3 for 6 with an RBI and his shoulder appears to be 100%, which is the best news. Also in Gonzo news, John Boggs, his agent, met with the Red Sox this week and they are still on the same page about an extension. Once Gonzo plays in a bunch of regular season games and plays in back-to-back-to-back games pain-free, then they will finalize the deal, likely announcing it in mid-to-late April or early May.

7 Straight Losses

As of writing this post, the Red Sox have lost 7 straight contests. No, Spring Training games don’t count, but it is still tough to watch the Red Sox struggle the way they have. It is tough to just turn a switch on day 1 and then become a strong, clicking group of guys. This final week is the time for players to get in their final tune-ups and get some energy and momentum rolling towards opening day. If the pitching staff allows another 10+ run game, I may just go crazy…well more crazy than I already am.

Buck Showalter Runs Mouth

In Men’s Journal this week, Buck Showalter bashed the Red Sox and Yankees with a few comments that turned some heads. Showalter questioned Theo Epstein’s genius, claiming it’s the money that allows Epstein to bring in the players he does, not his skill. He also made a comment about Derek Jeter and how he crowds the plate. Showalter is running his mouth early this year, potentially making him a bigger target for opponents this season. He was awarded a superlative in this week’s Weekly Superlative column that went up this afternoon.

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