January 14, 2009 at 8:47 PM
Sox sign Fernando Cabrera to minor league deal
The Red Sox have signed relief pitcher Fernando Cabrera to a minor league contract. The hard-throwing righthander pitched last season with Baltimore, compiling a 5.40 ERA and 31 strikeouts, along with 17 walks and 9 home runs allowed, in 28.1 innings pitched. This off-season, he played winter ball with Ponce of the Puerto Rican Winter League, collecting 12 saves while posting a 0.40 ERA with 23 strikeouts and only 6 walks in 22.1 innings pitched. Cabrera is a veteran of five major league seasons with the Indians and Orioles, and owns a career 5.02 ERA with 185 strikeouts, 92 walks, and 31 home runs allowed in 168.2 innings pitched. Cabrera will receive an invitation to major leage spring training, and with a strong spring he could compete for a bullpen role with Boston. It is more likely, however, that he will provide organizational depth by pitching for AAA Pawtucket.