2008 Projections roundup

At the beginning of the year, I said a lot of things. But how right (or wrong) was I?

Tavarez lands with Brewers

Julian Tavarez has joined the Milwaukee Brewers. For now, he will pitch out of their bullpen, though he will likely provide rotational insurance against injury.

Coco Crisp continues to deal with his part-time situation, to his credit. A trade won’t occur until a team steps up and is willing to pay a steeper price for Crisp.

Tavarez becomes a free agent

After initially indicating that he’d accept an assignment to Pawtucket, pitcher Julian Tavarez has opted for free agency after all. The Red Sox will still pay almost all of the $3.8M he is owed this season.

This is a small blow to our pitching depth, but I don’t really blame Tavarez, who is a veteran at 35. Kyle Snyder should move in to fill his role as reserve swingman. Tavarez may have gotten an offer for a starting slot somewhere, probably in the NL. Colorado, Milwaukee and Baltimore were reported to have interest.

Tavarez, Smith assigned to Pawtucket

Julian Tavarez and his $2.8M salary have passed through waivers, and he has accepted an assignment at Pawtucket. Teams were interested in him, just not in paying that much money for him. That’s one advantage big-market clubs have in baseball; they can afford reserves that get paid like small-market regulars. Looks like they’re pretty committed to this Craig Hansen experiment.

Reliever Chris Smith was also sent down to make some room on the roster. He was with the team for a couple of games, but didn’t have an opportunity to pitch.

Trade rumors: Tavarez, Aardsma, Lopez, Lugo

ESPN’s Jayson Stark has some Red Sox rumors:

Julian Tavarez DFA

Julian Tavarez has just been designated for assignment by the Red Sox. They wouldn’t have done this unless they are close to dealing him away; the Rockies have been said to be talking to Epstein about acquiring the 35-year old sinkerballer. I wouldn’t be surprised if the trade was for simply for a marginal prospect or a PTBNL if Colorado takes on his salary; if the Sox pay some of it, they could get a slightly better prospect in return.

Roster update: Corey traded, Colon strong, Lowrie, Tavarez, Alvarez

Boston traded reliever Bryan Corey to the San Diego Padres yesterday for either cash or a PTBNL. I think it’s a good move for Corey, who stands to get more playing time for the Pads; I think it also shows the front office’s growing confidence in young arms like Craig Hansen and Justin Masterson, who could stick in the Sox bullpen if injuries strike.

23-14: Sox take 3 of 4 in Detroit

The Red Sox kept the momentum going from the sweep of Tampa, and really took it to Detroit this series. We are beginning to put some distance between us and the rest of the Division. Whoa, deja vu. The Tigers have an elite offense when healthy, but it sure doesn’t look healthy to me. Gary Sheffield and Miguel Cabrera are nursing injuries; that and an underperforming pitching staff has ensured their poor start.

Personnel update: Colon, Lowrie, Tavarez

Just links here:

Bartolo Colon was sent to Pawtucket on a rehab assignment. He has until June 1 to make the big league club, or he can opt out of his minor league deal.

Seems that Francona has taken a liking to Jed Lowrie. Since Lowrie is more than a middle infielder, and can also play third, he will stick with the club once Alex Cora returns in a couple of days. My guess as to who gets the axe? Craig Hansen again.

Julian Tavarez isn’t upset about the recent trade rumors sending him to Colorado. He’d rather start, as would any Major League pitcher.

Rockies inquiring on Tavarez

The Denver Post reports that the Colorado Rockies are shopping for a back-end starter. They are looking at Josh Fogg and Julian Tavarez, both former Rockies, to hold down a spot in the rotation temporarily. Top prospect Franklin Morales has been sent to Triple-A to work on his polish.