December 21, 2006 at 11:59 AM
Eight Minor Leaguers Signed
The Pawtucket Red Sox received reinforcements today as GM Theo Epstein announced the signings of eight minor league free agents. Jeff Bailey, Alberto Castillo, Travis Hughes, Luis Jimenez, Joe McEwing, Ed Rogers, Kerry Robinson and Bobby Scales also received non-roster invitations to Boston's major league training camp in the spring. Castillo, a veteran of 407 major league games who spent 2006 in the Nationals' organization, had been rumored to be a candidate for the Red Sox back up catcher slot prior to the return of Doug Mirabelli and may still provide insurance in the event he falters. First basemen Bailey and Jimenez are familiar faces, having spent 2006 with the PawSox and Sea Dogs respectively. Robinson and McEwing have held major league positions in the past but would likely only be called to Boston in the event of an emergency, while Hughes, Rogers, and Scales provide for good minor league depth.