Theo Epstein is at it again. The former Red Sox GM continues to haunt his old club, this time by acquiring pitcher Justin Germano for cash considerations. Germano was designated for assignment by the Red Sox this week to make room for Jacoby Ellsbury once he was activated from the 60-day disabled list.
Germano, who spent the majority of his Red Sox tenure in triple-A Pawtucket, posted a 2.40 ERA in 16 starts at the minor league level and made just one appearance for the big club, throwing 5.2 innings of scoreless relief. Germano looked promising for the Red Sox but fell victim to the numbers game to make room for an all-star. The question has been asked among Red Sox fans as to why Nick Punto was not DFA’d over Germano. Regardless, the move has been made and now Epstein was allowed to once again snag another player from the Red Sox that could prove to be a worthy asset.
With the Cubs being the center of trade rumors by having pitchers Matt Garza, Ryan Dempster and now Paul Maholm on the market, Germano could be slotted into start should Chicago move one or more of their starters. Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald reports that the Cubs prospect Casey Coleman was scratched from his start today with the Cubs minor league team in the event Germano cannot make it to St. Louis in time for Friday’s game against the Cardinals. A Dempster deal is likely and having Germano in uniform could help the Cubs fill a void.
Was this another sly move by Theo or a proper one by Cherington? Your call.