Sox outright Rule 5 pick Gonzalez to Pawtucket

Boston cleared up another spot on its 40-man roster earlier this week by outrighting righthander Miguel Gonzalez to Pawtucket. Gonzalez, 25, was selected from the Angels in the 2008 Rule 5 Draft. The pitcher then injured his arm in spring training, ultimately resulting in March 2009 Tommy John Surgery. He spent the entire 2009 season on Boston's 60-day disabled list. Pursuant to Major League Rule 6, the Red Sox were required to offer Gonzalez back to Los Angeles for half of the Rule 5 posting fee ($25,000) before they could outright him to Pawtucket, as he did not spend the requisite time on the active roster in 2009. The Angels apparently did not bite, ultimately allowing the Sox to assign him to Pawtucket free of any roster restrictions.

Gonzalez throws a decent low-90s fastball with excellent command, as well as a slider and a change-up. He also missed all of the 2008 season with a knee injury, but impressed in the Mexican Pacific League in the 2008-2009 off-season. Look for him to move slowly through the system in 2010, perhaps starting in Extended Spring Training followed by a promotion to Portland or Pawtucket.

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