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Is Alan Embree Set For A Return Engagement With The Red Sox?
By Administrator | March 20, 2010
The Red Sox announced they have signed southpaw reliever Alan Embree to a minor league deal, just a few days after the club worked him out at his home in Washington state.
It’s hard to imagine the 40-year-old has much left in his tank, especially in light of his unremarkable 2-2, 5.40, record with Colorado last season (the Rockies declined a $3 million option they held on Embree for the upcoming season).
The question is whether the signing is an indication the club is wary of going with lefty Brian Shouse, who has a nifty 1.42 ERA in seven spring training appearances, or whether the front office is giving Embree some exposure in an effort to help an old friend land a big league job for 2010.
Embree stated: “It’s been a very interesting 48 hours for me. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to come back and play in Boston… I can’t think of any place I’d rather be right now.” (Translation: I’m really glad someon is willing to pay me anything at all after my dismal season last year)
And how is it that he is in a Red Sox uniform today? He explained: “I was home playing basketball and skiing and coaching my son’s team and throwing a little bit, and my agent sent an e-mail out to Theo (Epstein) telling him that I was still throwing, and Theo wanted to see what I had. (He) sent a scout out, and (I) threw well for him and we’re here today.”
Manager Terry Francona sounded excited to have Embree back in a Sox uniform: “Today we’ll go out and see where he is. He says he’s almost game-ready. He says he’s been throwing a lot of bullpens.”
According to reports, the Red Sox had let it be known to other clubs this week that they were looking to upgrade their left-handed relief options beyond Okajima - a definite indication that Shouse may not have cut it in spite of his numbers (compiled mostly late in games against minor leaguers).
In addition to Shouse, there are also two right-handers in camp, Joe Nelson and Scott Atchison, who have had success in retiring left-handed hitters, both of whom who have pitched well this spring. But the Sox appear committed to expanding the field of candidates and decided to at least give Embree a shot.
Topics: Sox Front Office, Sox Mgr/Coaching Staff, Sox Players |
