Cash, Brown and Manuel removed from 40-man roster

The Red Sox made their first roster moves of the off-season yesterday by removing Kevin Cash, Dusty Brown and Robert Manuel from the 40-man roster. Unless re-signed, all three players will become free agents five days after the completion of the World Series.

Cash, 32, was acquired from the Houston Astros in July after injuries left Victor Martinez and Jason Varitek unable to play. The light-hitting backstop was also a member of the Red Sox from 2007-2008 and has received praise for his defensive ability behind the plate. In 29 games this season with Boston, Cash hit .133/.224/.150 with a lone RBI.

Brown, 28, was one of the longest tenured members of the Red Sox organization, as he was drafted by the team back in 2000. He made a seven-game cameo for Boston this season, going 3 for 12 with 2 RBI. During his time with Triple-A Pawtucket in 2010, Brown hit .218/.304/.387 with 7 home runs and 29 RBI.

Manuel, 29, was claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners in November of 2009 and put together an impressive season with Triple-A Pawtucket. In 45 games, Manuel posted a 1.68 ERA with 13 saves, striking out 48 in 64.1 innings. His impressive performance earned him a promotion to Boston on August 31st. In 10 games in the majors, Manuel compiled a 4.26 ERA with 7 walks in 12.2 innings.

The moves leave the Red Sox 40-man roster at 37, with four players on the 60-day disabled list, each of whom will need to be added back to the 40-man roster this off-season.

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