January 28, 2008 at 3:23 PM
Red Sox acquire Aardsma
The Boston Red Sox have acquired RHP David Aardsma from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for minor league RHPs Willy Mota and Miguel Socolovich. Aardsma, 26, who is known for his fastball that can reach 97 MPH and sometimes erratic control, has been placed on the 40-man roster and is expected to compete for a spot in the Boston bullpen. He split 2007 between Chicago (2-1, 6.40 ERA, 23 ER on 39 hits over 32.1 IP, 17 BB/36 K) and AAA Charlotte (3-2, 15 SV, 4.33 ERA, 17 ER on 26 hits over 35.1 IP [.198 OPPa], 11 BB/45 K). Aardsma opened the 2007 season hot, posting a 1.72 ERA out of the White Sox 'pen in 15.2 IP in April, posting an AL leading 23 K among relievers on the month, before struggling in May and June and being sent down. The 2003 first round pick of the Giants (#22 overall) from the national champion Rice Owls, Aardsma owns a 6-1 record in 81 major league appearances with the Giants (10.2 IP in '04), Cubs (53.0 IP in '06) and White Sox, with allowing 55 ER on 100 hits in 96 IP (5.16 ERA), walking 55 and striking out 90. Socolovich, 20, was 5-4 with a 3.56 ERA over 68.1 IP in 13 starts at Lowell (short season A), and 2-2 with a 6.65 ERA in 11 appearances over 21.2 IP at low-A Greenville. Mota, 22, converted from the outfield in the 2006-07 off season, pitched out of Lowell's bullpen in '07, going 5-3 (1 SV) with a 2.60 ERA in 17 appearances, allowing eight ER on 23 hits, walking 15 and striking out 22. While both possess some upside, neither is regarded as more than a fringe prospect.