Boston Red Sox outlook: PawSox “no’s” for 2016

Sep 13, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Allen Craig (5) hits a single against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Griffith-USA TODAY Sports

A “No” is a player not on the 40-man roster. The Red Sox have several and here is a brief profile on each.

The Boston Red Sox picked the 2015 PawSox roster cleaner that a flock of ravenous seagulls hitting an extra ripe landfill, but, hey, that is the idea! The PawSox went from first place after about forty games into the basement like it was a drop at the Tower of Terror ride.

Jackie Bradley, Rusney Castillo, Blake Swihart and just about any pitcher of merit took the I-95 ride to Yawkey Way to attempt to fortify the Boston club. Alas – the parent finished like the young Pawtucket off-spring and ended up occupying the basement.

The PawSox now have a collection of “no’s” as they prepare for the 2016 season. And just what are the “no’s?” They are the ones excluded from the 40-man roster. Some have shuffled through being designated for assignment and ignore only to sign back with Boston and vie for the opportunity to check daily for roster changes in Boston and elsewhere.

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Don’t be fooled – injuries and failure at the MLB level can translate into an opportunity for a player with previous MLB experience or faded promise from languishing further in the International League or whatever minor league team they are filling a spot.

The Red Sox recently did what every team does and signed several players to minor league contracts. The skill level varies as does the job resume from limited experience to extensive experience. And from once a world of promise to a world of failure.

The PawSox have some players who will now go to spring training camp and in all probability return to Pawtucket and the IL or just be cut in ST. Occasionally a player surfaces with an impressive spring and hooks on with Boston or is traded elsewhere and some that I will list may just fill that niche.

The life of a “No” will be tenuous at best since some will be displaced by current members of the 40-man roster. This is the current situation with the “No’s” at Pawtucket and that will constantly shift as current 40-man players are assigned to Pawtucket.

Bullpen

Apr 27, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Roman Mendez (55) pitches against the Seattle Mariners during the game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Mariners defeated the Rangers 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Varvaro – P
2015 Stats: 0-1 W/L, 9 G, 11 IP, 6 W, 8 K, 4.29 ERA, 1.82 WHIP

Picked up by Cubs during 2015 and returned to Boston when an injury was discovered. A 31-year-old right-hander with some decent MLB performances. On the road (hopefully) to recovery. A healthy Varvaro could represent some possible experience depth at Pawtucket for the Big Club.

Roman Mendez – P
2015 Stats: 0-1 W/L, 15 G, 13.2 IP, 8 BB, 10 K, 5.27 ERA, 1.12 WHIP

Split duty between Texas and Boston before getting the cherished DFA and then the rejection when not picked up. So back to the Red Sox. Now 25-years-old this guy is a big and sturdy right-hander with mid- 90s heat. Tough to give up on a hard thrower.

Jhonny Polanco – P
2015 Stats (Minors): 3-6 W/L, 37 G, 71.1 IP, 40 W, 77 K, 4.16 ERA, 1.37 WHIP

A 23-year-old right-hander who has been in pro ball since 2009. Polanco was in the Cards system until picked up by the Red Sox and is a noted hard thrower with a career K/9 of 9.31. The downside is a career BB/9 of 4.82. Makes the occasional spot start.

Robby Scott – P
2015 Stats (Minors): 2-2 W/L, 38 G, 75.1 IP, 22 W, 68 K, 4.42 ERA, 1.34 WHIP

Moved up from Portland during 2015 and the 26-year-old lefty was welcomed by the IL hitters with a 13.4 H/9. Finished with a 1-1 record and 7.67 ERA at Pawtucket. Does the occasional spot start, but may be locked into situational role unless released. Outside long shot to start.

Jorge Marban – P
2015 Stats (minors): 7-2 W/L, 38 G, 62 IP, 33 W, 52 K, 1.31 ERA, 1.27 WHIP

The 27-year-old right-hander is a world traveler with some time pitching in Australia and extensive pitching in Indy baseball. Throws hard and has some control issues. Was very impressive at Pawtucket (3-0, 0.69). Interesting pitcher who may be somewhat of a late developing sleeper.

Infielders

Oct 1, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Josh Rutledge (30) has New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (11) out as attempts to complete the double play during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Miller – INF
2015 Stats (Minors): 114 G, 412 AB, .240/.283/.330, 4 HR, 31 RBI

A classic utility player the now 26-year-old right-hander saw duty at Pawtucket after moving up from Portland. Has some decent speed (12 steals) and is an above average fielder. On smaller side (5’9”). This is the Jemile Weeks role at Pawtucket last season. Sean Coyle, Marco Hernandez and Deven Marrero expect to be the non first base infielders.

Josh Rutledge – INF
2015 Stats: 39 G, 74 AB, .284/.333/.338, 1 HR 10 RBI

Rutledge did some nice work for Boston and was rewarded for his effort with a DFA. Picked up for Shane Victorino, Rutledge – now 26-years-old – will start the season at Pawtucket unless someone needs a spot player. Otherwise, he’ll be some depth for Boston. Expect Rutledge to be on an MLB roster somewhere in 2016.

Chris Dominguez – INF/OF
2015 Stats: 14 G, 23 AB, .261/.261/.522, 1 HR, 3 RBI

Plays the infield and outfield corners. Big (6’4”) right-hand batter who had a 21 HR year for Fresno in 2014. Now 29-years-old the former third round pick is resigned to being a Triple-A player. May provide some power the PawSox were missing in 2015.

Allen Craig – OF/1B
2015 Stats: 36 G, 79 AB, .152/.239/.203, 1 HR, 3 RBI

Somewhere in the bowels of Fenway Park is a latter-day Ebenezer Scrooge just counting the fiscal calendar for the remaining $21 Million to run out. How quickly talent can evaporate.

Sep 15, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier (21) is greeted at the dugout by outfielder Ryan LaMarre (65) after Frazier solo home run against the San Francisco Giants in the tenth inning of their MLB baseball game at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports Reds won 9-8.

Outfielders

Chris Marrero – OF
2015 Stats (Minors): 70 G, 262 AB, .271/.311/.422, 7 HR, 25 RBI

A former first round pick (Nats) who is now with his fifth organization. Older brother of Deven. Now 27-years-old and a big right-hand power bat.

Aneury Tavarez – OF
2015 Stats (Minors): 112 G, 384 AB, .253/.314/.401, 8 HR 37 RBI

Will be 24-years-old in April. A left-handed hitter who throws right. Moved up from High-A to Pawtucket. Good fielder. Tavarez may be the fourth outfielder. Average speed and very limited power. Triple-A may be the high spot for Tavarez.

Next: Red Sox Andrew Benintendi: Outfield Or First Base?

Ryan LaMarre – OF
2015 Stats: 21 G, 25 AB, .080/.080/.080, 0 HR 0 RBI

With Reds briefly in 2015. LaMarre is a throws left and bats right player who is now 27-years-old. A second round pick who usually is stationed in CF. Excellent defender.

Sources: MLB.com/Baseball-Reference/FanGraphs