Red Sox AL

Bill Mueller

Roster Report

Even on a team that assembled 95 wins for the third consecutive season, the untouchables are few. Four everyday players were eligible for free agency (3B Bill Mueller signed with the Dodgers), while a fifth (Manny Ramirez) remains in the swirling eye of trade rumors. While the club traded for RHP Josh Beckett in hopes of improving a pitching staff that ranked 11th in the American League in ERA, it remains intent on acquiring more bullpen arms.
ARRIVALS: RHP Josh Beckett, 3B Mike Lowell and RHP Guillermo Mota (trade with Florida), RHP Jermaine Van Buren (trade with Cubs), 2B Mark Loretta (trade with San Diego), 3B Andy Marte (trade with Atlanta), C Ken Huckaby (free agent from Toronto).
DEPARTURES: SS Hanley Ramirez, RHP Anibal Sanchez, RHP Jesus Delgado and RHP Harvey Garcia (traded to Florida); LHP Mike Stanton (refused minor league assignment); OF Adam Hyzdu (released); RHP Chad Harville (refused minor league assignment); RHP Jeremi Gonzalez (refused minor league assignment); 1B John Olerud (retired); C Doug Mirabelli (traded to San Diego); SS Edgar Renteria (traded to Atlanta); LHP Mike Myers (free agent, signed with Yankees); 3B Bill Mueller (free agent, signed with Dodgers).
BIGGEST NEEDS: A shortstop, given that the team now lacks in-house options at the position.
FREE AGENTS: CF Johnny Damon (offered arbitration), 2B Tony Graffanino (offered arbitration), RHP Matt Mantei, 1B Kevin Millar.
Damon wants to come back and the Sox have offered a contract, but the club will be leery of demands for too many years by a 32-year-old who relies on speed. Graffanino is unlikely to return with Mark Loretta now set to start at second.
ARBITRATION ELIGIBLE: RHP Bronson Arroyo, RHP Chad Bradford, RHP
Wade Miller, RHP Josh Beckett, RHP Guillermo Mota.
Miller might not be tendered a contract because his ability to contribute in 2006 remains unknown in the aftermath of surgery on his right shoulder. Both Arroyo and Bradford are expected to be tendered contracts.
IN LIMBO: OF Manny Ramirez remains the subject of trade speculation even though he has 10/5 rights that allow him to veto any deal. He reportedly wants to go to the West Coast; however, the Mets have shown persistent interest in the slugger. RHP Bronson Arroyo and INF Kevin Youkilis could be used as trading chips given their youth and affordability. LHP David Wells asked the club for a trade to the West Coast to be closer to home; RHP Josh Beckett's arrival increases the viability of such an option. RHP Matt Clement is now the subject of trade speculation.
MEDICAL WATCH: RHP Wade Miller (shoulder surgery) faces an uncertain immediate future and might not be tendered a contract. RHP Keith Foulke (right knee) had his second arthroscopic knee surgery of the season (on different knees, no less) in September and hopes to enter 2006 with a clean bill of health. RHP Matt Clement (left knee) had a precautionary arthroscopic procedure and should be fine for spring training.
LHP David Wells (right knee) acknowledged at the end of the season that he will require an arthroscopy to clean his right knee; at times, the achy joint impaired his command. RHP Matt Mantei (left ankle) underwent season-ending surgery in May; the Sox might try to re-sign him to an incentive-driven contract.
OF Trot Nixon (left knee) underwent an arthroscopic procedure in
October and is expected to enter spring training at full health. OF Adam Stern (right shoulder) had surgery in September to repair a partial tear of his rotator cuff. OF Gabe Kapler (left Achilles tendon) might not play in 2006 after rupturing his left Achilles.
Newly acquired RHP Josh Beckett was cleared to resume baseball activities after sitting out his last start because of right shoulder tendinitis; still, his medical reports presented a sufficient enough issue that the Sox insisted upon the inclusion of RHP Guillermo Mota in the deal as well.