The Boston Red Sox agreed to terms with left-handed pitcher Dennys Reyes on a minor league deal earlier today.
Earlier this offseason, Reyes had a $1.1 million deal in line with the Phillies, before it was nixed for unknown reasons.
The 33-year old and 14-year major league veteran posted a 3-1 record, 3.55 ERA, and 1.45 WHIP in 59 appearances with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2010. He owns a 4.18 ERA and 1.55 WHIP over his lengthy career.
Reyes had primarily pitched in the National League before a three-year stint with the Minnesota Twins from 2006-2008. During that span, he appeared in 191 games (63.7 per season), and posted a 2.14 ERA and 1.27 WHIP.
Reyes joins the ranks of Hideki Okajima, Andrew Miller, Rich Hill, Felix Doubront, and Lenny DiNardo as likely competitors for one of the final two spots in the Red Sox bullpen, including the role of lefty-specialist.
The Red Sox bullpen, which was horrendous last season (4.24 ERA, 12th in AL), now has some much needed depth on the major league level and in the minors. Fans heard a lot of talk about Jonathan Papelbon and his eight blown saves last season, but much of his troubles could be considered a trickle-down effect from having little depth in the middle innings, where the Red Sox certainly lost the majority of their games.
As such, the Red Sox bullpen projects something like this for 2011:
Closer: Jonathan Papelbon
Set Up: Daniel Bard
Set Up: Bobby Jenks
Middle Relief: Dan Wheeler
Long Relief: Tim Wakefield
Lefty Specialist: TBD*
Final Spot: TBD*
*Hidecki Okajima, Andrew Miller, Rich Hill, Felix Doubront, Lenny DiNardo, Scott Atchison, Matt Fox, Matt Albers, Randy Williams, Michael Bowden all in competition for final two spots. Also, prospects Kyle Weiland and Alex Wilson could be ready by the middle of the season if need be.
Dan is a Boston Red Sox featured columnist. Follow him on twitter @danhartelBR.
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