Josh Bard Released By Boston Red Sox: Now What?

Extra Bases is reporting that the Red Sox have cut catcher Josh Bard.

Bard signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox worth $1.7 million in late December, with a team option for a second year. But his contract was not guaranteed, and by releasing him now the Red Sox are obligated to pay only one-sixth ($283,333) of his 2009 salary.

Bard appeared to be first in line for the backup catcher position, but now George Kottaras (who skipped the WBC to stay in camp with the Red Sox) could be helping Jason Varitek behind the plate this year.

Here's a look at the current spring stats:

Bottom Line: Varitek has been working on his approach from the left side, so the crappy numbers above have to be taken with a grain of salt...however, cutting Bard was a curious move, since he was the best hitting catcher and neither Kottaras nor Brown is the second coming of Johnny Bench.

Theories about a trade for a catcher are already buzzing around the blogosphere...

Clay Buchholz' stock is up (1.04 ERA, 8.2 IP, 9 SO, 2 BB), Micheal Bowden's stock is down (9.39 ERA, 7.2 IP, 7 SO, 4BB) and Daniel Bard's success (0.00 ERA, 7 IP, 10 SO, 2 BB) could have the Red Sox thinking about keeping Justin Masterson as a starter - making Buchholz expendable, while keeping the bullpen strong...

Here's a look at a few catchers that had been named as possible trade candidates this offseason:

That Montero kid is looking pretty good...I'm just saying.

Read more from Bottom Line Rob at www.bottomlinesox.com.