January 19, 2009 at 5:41 PM
Pauley traded to Baltimore for Bierd
Earlier today the Red Sox traded righty David Pauley to the Baltimore Orioles for right-handed reliever Randor Bierd. Bierd, who will turn 25 in March, appeared in 29 games as a rookie last season for Baltimore, posting an 0-2 record with a 4.91 ERA, 25 strikeouts, and 19 walks in 36.2 innings. In his five-year minor league career, Bierd owns a 12-19 record in 106 appearances (including 29 starts), to go along with a 4.35 ERA, 282 strikeouts, and 86 walks in 273.1 innings. Bierd was originally signed by the Detroit Tigers as an international free agent in 2003, before he was selected by the Orioles in the Rule 5 draft last off-season. He will likely begin the 2009 season in the bullpen for Triple-A Pawtucket.Pauley will likely compete for a spot in Baltimore's starting rotation, which has a vacancy after the Orioles traded left-hander Garrett Olson to the Cubs on Sunday for outfielder Felix Pie. Pauley put together an impressive 2008 campaign for Pawtucket, going 14-4 with a 3.55 ERA. He was designated for assignment last week to make room on the 40-man roster for John Smoltz.