Raks New England Sports Blog

It was clear that the Sox were trying to trade Tavares but now it is more evident that there is no room for Julian on this years squad. To make room for Sean Casey who is coming off the DL, the Red sox have designated Juilan Tavares for assingment (according to multiple sources, SI.com, Projo.com).

They now have 10 days to either work a trade with another team or to outright release him.

This lowers the value that the Sox will get in return for him but hopefully more than one team wants him, which I think is likly (he could be a 5 starter somewhere), thus driving up the stock for him and the sox landing something of value in return.

Projo reports that once promising pitcher Abe Alvares was released on Sunday:

The lefthander was at Triple-A Pawtucket and had been moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen this year. He had a 6.46 ERA in 13 games.

In four career appearances with the Red Sox (the most notable a 2004 spot start), Alvarez had a 4.76 ERA in 10 1/3 innings.

In other news the Sox and Rockies are still talking trade of Julian Taveres (reports boston.com, weei and other sources)

Rather than pick up immediate help, the Red Sox would probably want a prospect from the Rockies. Some possibilities could include outfielder Seth Smith, catcher Michael McKenry and pitchers Jhoulys Chacin, Shane Lindsay and Juan Morillo.

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Maybe by releasing Alvarves they are making room in AAA for one of those prospects. I think if they can get any high to mid level prospect in return for Tavares would be great. While he does give us flexibilty to start or relieve, we have plenty of others who can give us spot starts and many better options in the bullpen and long relief that Tavares, so sell him while you can.