Sources Say Bartolo Colon Signs with Red Sox

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com is reporting that the Red Sox and Bartolo Colon have agreed to a minor league deal. No word yet on the money, or if he has an opt-out clause (he probably will).

All winter long there was not that much positive news coming out of the Dominican Winter League about Colon, he was getting lit up and only throwing 88-91. However, coming off his rotator cuff injury, among other ailments, I suppose just the fact he was throwing was a positive. Velocity is not my major concern here, I am more interested in seeing if he still command, if he does he can still get outs.

This move does two things; it allows the Red Sox to start Clay Buchholz in Pawtucket for a month or two to limit his innings and make it so that he does not have the service time to reach free agency a year sooner than we would like. However, that is unlikly and would only happen if Colon came into camp throwing amazingly. It also guards against injury in the early part of the season since Colon will likely open up with the PawSox.

Like I said earlier, I imagine that Colon has an opt-out in his contract. Something like if he is not in the majors by May 15th he can become a free agent. All-in-all, this deal does not have any downside and provides some nice insurance (however, it would have been nice to get our hands on him a half decade ago or so).

EDIT, Feb 25: There is an opt-out clause in his contract, however Theo Epstein will not reveal the date.

Sean Casey Signs with Red Sox in a Reserve Role

Theo Epstein brought in yet another great clubhouse presence in Sean Casey who will be used as corner infield insurance and as a bat off the bench in 2008. Casey will be able to play some first base early in the season in an attempt to keep Kevin Youkilis from fading in the second half of the season as he has done in each of the last two seasons. Plus, in the event of a Mike Lowell injury, you could feel somewhat comfortable with Casey at first base and Youkilis shifting to third base.

Casey’s power is pretty much gone at this point, however, he is still a good average hitter with on-base skills. He should also benefit from hitting the ball towards the Monster when playing at home.

It will now be interesting to see what happens with Coco Crisp. Casey essentially replaces Eric Hinske, but is not an outfield option like Hinske was. Thus, the Sox seem a little thin in that area. Brad Wilkerson, who spurned the Red Sox to sign with the Mariners, has the ability to play both first base and in the outfield, received a one year $3 million deal, while Casey signed for $800,000.