Oct 10, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington watches the team during a workout in preparation for the American League Championship Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
In a recent interview with WEEI Sports, Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington noted that the team was finished adding to the major league roster and that the “group we have for spring training is in place.” The clarification that the group for spring training is in place, rather than the 25-man roster for Opening Day, is a key distinction though. The Red Sox still have too many outfielders and relievers on their roster right now, and barring any major injuries, they appear positioned to deal from those positions of strength during spring training.
The Red Sox will likely use the exhibition games as just that: an exhibition. The Red Sox will be able to observe, and let other teams observe, who are the most viable trade pieces on the roster so that management can cut the roster down to 25 players. And that’s why these four players will be extremely interesting to watch during this spring.