March 9, 2007 at 4:58 PM
Ellsbury, four others sent down
In a press release this afternoon the Boston Red Sox announced that Edgar Martinez and David Pauley have been optioned to AAA Pawtucket, and that non-roster invitees Jacoby Ellsbury, Chad Spann and Luis Jimenez were assigned to minor league camp. The moves were made in order to reduce the major league spring training roster to 52 players. Considered by many to be the Red Sox top prospect, Ellsbury impressed while in major league camp with his main tool, his speed, and did nothing to deter those who predict that he will be capable of patrolling centerfield at Fenway Park as early as 2008. Spann had an adventure at the hot corner, most memorably committing a team leading four errors in a 24-hour period. Neither Martinez nor Pauley allowed an earned run in 3 (E-Mart) or 4 (Pauley) innings pitched, respectively. Jimenez hit .250/.308/.333 in 12 AB. The same release stated that Adam Bernero has reported to minor league camp to begin his rehabilitation from elbow reconstruction surgery.