Red Sox sign right-hander Anthony Carter to minor league deal

The Red Sox have announced that they have signed right-handed reliever Anthony Carter to a minor league contract. Rotoworld reports that the deal includes an invitation to spring training. Carter became a free agent when he was non-tendered by the Chicago White Sox last week.

Carter, 26, was originally drafted by the White Sox as a starting pitcher in the 26th round of the 2005 draft. After moderate success as a starter, he converted to the bullpen in 2010, and his initial results were excellent. As a member of the Double-A Birmingham Barons he posted a 3.92 ERA, stuck out 58 batters in 57 1/3 innings, and notched 22 saves, earning a spot on the Southern League All-Star team. Assigned to the Arizona Fall League, Carter continued to shine, posting a 3.60 ERA in ten appearances, making the AFL Rising Stars Team. The White Sox rewarded this performance by adding him to their 40-man roster in November 2010.

The right-hander slumped in 2011 with his promotion to Triple-A, posting a 7.23 ERA and struggling with his control. He got himself back on track after a demotion to Birmingham, and ended the season strong. In 2012, he again was given a shot at the Triple-A level. While he showed some improvement over his difficult 2011 with a 4.60 ERA and a lowered walk rate, it was not enough to survive the White Sox roster crunch, and Carter was non-tendered. 

Per scouting reports, the 6-foot-3, 210 pound Carter possesses a very good fastball, touching 98 on occassion and generally sitting at 95. Per John Sickels, his secondary pitches are a changeup and slider, both of which he rates as inconsistent. Carter is likely to begin 2013 with Pawtucket.

Photo Credit: Anthony Carter by milb.com

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