January 13, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Pauley designated for assignment
To make room for the recently-signed John Smoltz on the 40-man roster, the Red Sox have designated righthander David Pauley for assignment. Boston now has ten days to trade, release, or outright Pauley to Triple-A (if he clears waivers and is willing to agree to a minor league deal). Pauley, 25, appeared in six games for Boston in 2008, going 0-1 with a 11.68 ERA, 11 strikeouts, and 5 walks in 12.1 innings. Despite failing to impress with the big league club last season, Pauley continued his dominance of Triple-A opponents in 2008, going 14-4 with a 3.55 ERA, 103 strikeouts, and 41 walks over 147 innings in 25 starts for Pawtucket.
Acquired from San Diego in December 2004 with Jay Payton, Ramon Vazquez, and cash considerations for Dave Roberts, Pauley is now out of options, meaning that the Sox could not have optioned him to the minors unless he first cleared waivers. However, if Pauley clears waivers and is willing to accept a minor league deal with the Red Sox, it is speculated that the team would be more-than-willing to have Pauley fill a spot in the starting rotation for the PawSox in 2009, providing further insurance for the big league pitching staff in the coming season.