It will be Victor Martinez, and not Jason Varitek, behind the plate catching Josh Beckett for the Red Sox in Friday night's Game 2 of the ALDS.Marti...

The Chicago Tribune reports the Seattle Mariners could be interested in C Jason Varitek if the Boston Red Sox cut ties with him.

Varitek got off to a good start, clubbing 10 of his homers in the first two months, but it all went downhill from there, as the aging backstop hit only .190 with four taters and 29 RBIs the rest of the way. His playing time also diminished greatly once the Red Sox acquired Victor Martinez at the Trade Deadline. Considering Tek’s age -- he’ll turn 38 on April 11 -- and the ongoing presence of V-Mart, it’s safe to say his days as an regular catcher are in the past.

Kottaras (back) was activated from the disabled list, the Boston Globe reports.

Spin: Kottaras may be asked to catch Tim Wakefield on occasion, but he's serving mostly has an emergency third catcher behind Jason Varitek and Victor Martinez.Wed, Sep 2

George Kottaras has been activated from the 15-day DL following his bout with a strained back, according to TSN.

Our View: Kottaras does not merit fantasy consideration, as he won't see much action behind Jason Varitek and Victor Martinez.

News: The Boston Red Sox activated catcher George Kottaras and first baseman Jeff Bailey from the 15-day DL on Tuesday. Also, they added infielder Chris Woodward and starting pitcher Junichi Tazawa to the active roster. To make room on the roster, they designated Bailey for assignment. They have 10 days to trade, release or outright him to the minor leagues.

Analysis: Kottaras is nothing more than a No. 3 catcher for the Red Sox and the deepest of AL-only leagues in the season's final weeks. His production and playing time figure to be too limited to help in any Fantasy format

The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo reports one scout thinks Boston Red Sox C Victor Martinez should shorten his release behind the plate to be better at throwing out runners. The scout said "Martinez long-arms his throws. It just takes him too long to get the ball down to second base. In order to combat that, you either have to have pitchers who can hold runners on base, which the Red Sox don't, or have them do slide-steps and things of that nature, which they don't like to do, either"

After an injury-riddled 2008 campaign, Martinez returned with authority in ’09, racking up his third 100-RBI season while batting over .300 for the fourth time in the last five years. He particularly thrived after his trade to Boston, as he seamlessly slipped into the middle of a deep Red Sox lineup to hit .336 with 20 extra-base hits, 41 RBIs and 32 runs in 56 games. The 30-year-old backstop should once again be one of the first catchers off the board in most drafts next season.

Michael Silverman, of the Boston Herald, reports the Boston Red Sox are expected to exercise their $7 million option on C Victor Martinez for the 2010 season as soon as possible.

Bates was recalled to Boston then placed on the 60-day disabled list, the Boston Globe reports.

Spin: The move was made to clear a roster spot for Fernando Cabrera, who was recalled on Tuesday.Wed, Sep 30

Aaron Bates has been placed on the 60-day DL by the Red Sox, according to TSN.

Our View: Bates is dealing with a sprained left ankle. The 25-year-old corner infielder has some power, but does not look to push for playing time in Boston in the near future.

CBSSports.com reports the Boston Red Sox placed 1B Aaron Bates (ankle) on the 60-day disabled list Tuesday, Sept. 29, with a sprained left ankle.

News: From The Sports Xchange notes: SS Nick A. Green is making "minimal" progress on a bulging disk injury in his back that's causing weakness in his leg, according to manager Terry Francona. The reserve infielder has been rehabbing and playing catch at up to 90 feet at Fenway Park while the team finished up its road trip in New York City last weekend. Green hasn't played since drawing a bases-loaded walk in Boston's comeback win over the Angels on Sept. 16. "(It's) not drastic improvement, but he is minimally improved," Francona said. "We'll certainly get a better feel when we get home."

Analysis: Green is nothing more than a low-end reserve for the Red Sox and the deepest of AL-only leagues at this point in his career. He won't have any Fantasy value for 2010

News: Red Sox manager Terry Francona said Nick A. Green will remain in Boston to work with the team's physical therapist instead of joining the team in New York this weekend. He's been bothered by a disk problem since Sunday.

Analysis: Green is nothing more than a low-end reserve for the Red Sox and the deepest of AL-only leagues anyway. You likely don't want him for the final Fantasy Week 26 (Sept. 28-Oct. 4) at this point

News: From The Sports Xchange notes: SS Nick A. Green has left the Red Sox on the road and returned back to Boston to get examined by Sox medical people while he continues to fight the symptoms that caused him to experience "dead leg" in his right leg last week. The Sox believe the backup infielder might be suffering from a disc problem in his back that's causing strength problems in his legs.

Analysis: Green is nothing more than a low-end reserve for the Red Sox and the deepest of AL-only leagues anyway. You likely don't want him for the final Fantasy Week 26 (Sept. 28-Oct. 4) at this point

What I’d really like to see is a Major Leaguer go to Cuba to play.  Kevin Youkilis grows out his beard another five inches, jumps in a raft and paddles to Havana.  He tears up the Cuban Leagues on a steady diet of fastballs and plantains.  This could end the Cold War for good. (It [...]

While Youkilis failed to match the 29 homers and 115 RBIs he piled up in 2008, he was limited to 136 games this year because of an oblique strain that necessitated a trip to the DL. The rest of his season played out as expected, as the fiery first baseman put up rock-solid numbers across the board. 2010 will mark the beginning of his fifth campaign as an everyday player, which means Youk will be again be highly sought after in all drafts.

Kevin Youkilis went 1-for-3 with a double and two RBI in tonight's 6-2 win over Cleveland at Fenway Park.

Our View: Youkilis has a hit in five straight games, and is six RBI away from 100.

The Boston Herald's Michael Silverman reports Boston Red Sox SS Alex Gonzalez said he hasn't heard from the team regarding their plans on exercising his $6 million option. The team has up to five days after the World Series to decide.

BOSTON -- Alex Gonzalez walked into the clubhouse Friday night, just 10 minutes after the game ended. His right hand was wrapped in ice and covered wi...

Red Sox shortstop Alex Gonzalez keeps his eye on the ball, his heart with his ailing son.

Bay officially filed for free agency, the Boston Globe reports.

Spin: Bay and Matt Holliday are arguably the top position players on the free agent market, so Bay will find many suitors. However, he may also be Boston's top priority this winter.Fri, Nov 6

Bay officially filed for free agency, the Boston Globe reports.

Spin: Bay and Matt Holliday are arguably the top position players on the free agent market, so Bay will find many suitors. However, he may be Boston's top priority this winter.Fri, Nov 6

ESPN's Peter Gammons reports the Boston Red Sox would still like to re-sign OF Jason Bay after they acquired OF Jeremy Hermida. Bay has brushed off a four-year, $60 million offer thus far. If they can't sign Bay, the Red Sox would pursue OF Matt Holliday (Cardinals), who has a family connection with pitching coach John Farrell.

News: Red Sox OF Brian N. Anderson, who had yet to record a multi-hit game since coming over from the White Sox, went 3 for 3 with a home run, a walk, three RBI and two runs scored Saturday against the Indians.

Analysis: Anderson got to start mostly because the Red Sox are resting their regulars for the playoffs. At age 27, he's running out of opportunities to establish himself as a major-league regular, and he probably won't find them with the Red Sox

News: The Providence Journal reports that Red Sox OFs Brian N. Anderson and Joey Gathright, who has 79 career major league steals, will be called up on Tuesday.

Analysis: Gathright could provide some nice speed off the bench for Boston, but neither of these guys are likely to see enough at-bats to be worth using in seasonal play this September

Red Sox recalled outfielder Brian Anderson from Triple-A Pawtucket. Anderson is batting just .211 in 23 games with Pawtucket and isn't likely to steal playing time from any of Boston's regular outfielders down the stretch. He was acquired in late July for Mark Kotsay and cash.

Reddick started in left Saturday against the O's, going 1-for-2 with a walk and his second major league home run.

Spin: Thats two since being called up in September, and he seems to be making the transition to the majors quite well.Sat, Sep 19

Reddick was called up from Triple-A Pawtucket on Wednesday, the Providence Journal reports.

Spin: Reddick was in Pawtucket preparing for a game when he got the word. He'll travel to St. Petersburg to meet the Red Sox, who are in the middle of a series against Tampa Bay.Thu, Sep 3

Josh Reddick has been recalled by the Red Sox from Triple-A Pawtucket, according to TSN.

Our View: Reddick holds a dismal .188 average over 32 at-bats this season, and does not look to see much action in Boston's well-stocked outfield in his latest stint with the club.

News: Red Sox OF Rocco Baldelli, still nursing a hip injury, didn't play in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Angels. Since the Red Sox were eliminated, his season is over.

Analysis: Baldelli is just a platoon player at this stage of his career and likely won't have another opportunity to live up to his once lofty potential. He'll go undrafted in mixed leagues in 2010

News: Boston DH Rocco Baldelli did not play Game 2 of the ALDS at Los Angeles on Thursday as he continues to deal with a hip injury. He remains questionable for Game 3.

Analysis: Baldelli is just a platoon player at this stage of his career and likely won't have another opportunity to live up to his once lofty potential. He'll go undrafted in mixed leagues in 2010

The Red Sox waited as long as they could to see if Rocco Baldelli's injury could improve enough to include him in the ALDS, but the outfielder simply didn't have enough time to heal. There's a chance he'll be able to return if the Red Sox advance to the ALCS.

The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo reports one scout thinks Boston Red Sox C Victor Martinez should shorten his release behind the plate to be better at throwing out runners. The scout said "Martinez long-arms his throws. It just takes him too long to get the ball down to second base. In order to combat that, you either have to have pitchers who can hold runners on base, which the Red Sox don't, or have them do slide-steps and things of that nature, which they don't like to do, either"

After an injury-riddled 2008 campaign, Martinez returned with authority in ’09, racking up his third 100-RBI season while batting over .300 for the fourth time in the last five years. He particularly thrived after his trade to Boston, as he seamlessly slipped into the middle of a deep Red Sox lineup to hit .336 with 20 extra-base hits, 41 RBIs and 32 runs in 56 games. The 30-year-old backstop should once again be one of the first catchers off the board in most drafts next season.

Michael Silverman, of the Boston Herald, reports the Boston Red Sox are expected to exercise their $7 million option on C Victor Martinez for the 2010 season as soon as possible.

Lester got off to a bumpy start, carrying a 5.65 ERA into June and dropping five of his first nine decisions. After that, though, he was one of the nastiest hurlers in the game, as he went 11-3 with a 2.35 ERA in 21 starts after June 1. Since winning the clinching game of the 2007 World Series at age 23, the hard-throwing southpaw has rounded into a bona fide staff ace. Owners can expect even better things from Lester in 2010.

Lester threw less than a side session on Saturday in preparation for a potential Game 4 start on Monday against the Angels, the Boston Globe reports.

Spin: Red Sox manager Terry Francona hasn't declared Lester will start Game 4, should Boston extend the series on Monday, but it's looking like he's leaning that way. Should that occur, Lester will be pitching on three days rest. He's done that once before in his career, giving up four earned runs on nine hits (two homers) and four walks in five innings.Sun, Oct 11

Expect Jon Lester to take the hill for the Red Sox in Game 4, if it's played. "We’ve already talked with him... we’d like to bring him back (in Game 4)," manager Terry Francona admitted. Lester is due to throw a side session Saturday in preparation for the start, which would come Monday on three days' rest. The Angels are likely to put Joe Saunders on the mound to oppose Lester.Source: Boston Herald Related: Joe Saunders

There’s no doubt that 2009 represented a major step back for Dice-K, as he was very poor out of the gates (8.23 ERA through his first eight starts) and ended up spending nearly two months on the DL with a tired shoulder. It’s clear that the heavy workload -- both mental and physical -- he endured in the World Baseball Classic seriously affected his preparation for the season. With that said, he came back from his stint on the shelf a different pitcher, going 3-1 with a 2.22 ERA and 20/12 K/BB ratio over four starts and looking much more like the guy who won a combined 33 games in his first two years a big leaguer. Considering he’s opted to more strictly adhere to the strength and conditioning program advocated by the Red Sox, a big comeback could be in store for the talented righty in 2010.

Michael Silverman, of the Boston Herald, reports the Boston Red Sox have indicated that they won't have much patience with SP Daisuke Matsuzaka if he shows up next season not in shape. "He did accomplish something in a condensed offseason, in the late summer, but that's not the time to do it; the time to do it is throughout the winter," general manager Theo Epstein said. "That's been clearly communicated and there will be follow up, and there are strong expectations that he shows up in fantastic shape on Day 1 of Spring Training next year. I see it as a necessity, not really an option."

The Boston Globe's Peter Abraham reports Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said he expects SP Daisuke Matsuzaka to show up to camp in shape next season.

The Boston Herald's Michael Silverman reports Boston Red Sox SP Paul Byrd isn't sure if he will retire in the offseason.

Six of Byrd's seven outings for the Red Sox this season came as a starter, but he can provide length in case one of the other starters gets in trouble or is injured. Game 2 starter Josh Beckett recently had a bout with back spasms, so Byrd's presence could give Boston some additional depth if the ace has a setback.

Byrd will be available out of the bullpen for Boston in the American League Division Series against the Angels, WEEI.com reports.

Spin: With Byrd on the roster, Manny Delcarmen (neck, back) will be left off.Wed, Oct 7

Michael Bowden was knocked around for seven runs on seven hits over three innings in his first big-league start of the 2009 season on Monday night. Bowden had posted a 7.84 ERA over six relief appearances for the Red Sox this season and looked no better tonight than those numbers would suggest. He struck out three and issued only one walk but yielded seven hits and four of them went for extra bases. He might get another start but clearly should be avoided.

News: Boston SP Michael Bowden, who got the nod on Monday against Toronto with Josh Beckett getting scratched, did not resemble Beckett in the start against the Jays. Bowden gave up seven runs on seven hits and a walk and lost as he lasted just three innings in a game that went seven and was shortened by rain. This was Bowden’s first start of the season as he had been pitching in relief. He’s now 0-1. Bowden allowed two homers and struck out three. His ERA is at 10.80 on the year.

Analysis: Bowden is unlikely to see another start this season as the Red Sox hope Beckett can return for his last start. Even if Beckett cannot return, Boston might chose another spot starter. Bowden is likely to open the 2010 season back in Triple-A, but he will be a candidate for the No. 5 starter's spot next spring, barring a trade

Bowden lasted just three innings in Monday's spot start against Toronto, allowing seven runs and seven hits.

Spin: Bowden also gave up seven runs on August 21 in a two-inning relief appearance and for the season, Bowden has an ERA of 10.80 in 13.1 innings. Bowden might get another start on Saturday if Josh Beckett (back spasms) is unable to go again, although it's hard to recommend Bowden at this point.Mon, Sep 28

Bard, Boston’s prized flame-throwing prospect, transitioned quickly and seamlessly to the big leagues upon his callup in early May. Of course, having a fastball that routinely touches 100 mph certainly helped him settle in. What happens with him going forward is something owners will want to monitor. There’s no doubt the Red Sox envision him as their closer of the future, but that future could suddenly become 2010 if the club opts to deal Jonathan Papelbon. While that scenario is possible, it’s unlikely. For the time being, it looks like Bard will be one of the most dominant setup men in the game.

Bard, Boston’s prized flame-throwing prospect, transitioned quickly and seamlessly to the big leagues upon his callup in early May. Of course, having a fastball that routinely touches 100 mph certainly helped him settle in. What happens with him going forward is something owners will want to monitor. There’s no doubt the Red Sox envision him as their closer of the future, but that future could suddenly become 2010 if the club opts to deal Jonathan Papelbon. While that scenario is possible, it’s unlikely. Regardless, at the very least Bard will be one of the most dominant setup men in the game next year.

General manager Theo Epstein said the Red Sox won't rush Daniel Bard into the closer role. "I think he has the physical ability to do that and I think we saw as he developed over the course of the year he has the mental make-up to do that as well," said Epstein. "...This is somebody who is still really a work in progress and while he may have the ability to do something it might not be the best thing for the long-term and his career if we force him into something." The 24-year-old right-hander posted a 3.65 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 63/22 K/BB ratio in 49 1/3 innings in his rookie season. Jonathan Papelbon certainly showed some warning signs in 2009, capped by his miserable performance in Game 3 of the ALDS, however if it is unclear whether the Red Sox will explore trading him.Source: WEEI.com Related: Jonathan Papelbon

The Quincy Patriot-Ledger's Mike Fine reports a massive housecleaning of the Boston Red Sox roster might be in order following this season. C Jason Varitek may be back at a lower salary or not at all; RP Hideki Okajima, RP Manny Delcarmen, RP Takashi Saito, OF Rocco Baldelli, OF Nick Green and OF Brian Anderson may be among those heading out of the lineup as free agents.

Okajima, who had some problems with an oblique muscle late in the regular season, is available and healthy for the American League Division Series against the Angels, the Providence Journal reports.

Spin: "We're really pleased with how quickly he's come along, and how strong he feels. They cranked him around pretty aggressively yesterday, and he didn't feel anything," manager Terry Francona said. Okajima underwent acupuncture therapy during the final week of September and made his last appearance on Sept. 30.Fri, Oct 9

The Providence Journal reports Boston Red Sox RP Hideki Okajima (oblique) should be available at some point during the American League Division Series as needed. "We're really pleased with how quickly he's come along, and how strong he feels. They cranked him around pretty aggressively... and he didn't feel anything," manager Terry Francona said.

The Providence Journal reports Boston Red Sox RP Manny Delcarmen (back/neck) is all right with his omission from the American League Division Series roster following a car accident last week. "Not really. It's understandable with the whole car accident and stuff. They know I want to be in there," he said. "I say I'm good, but they feel like I'm not 100 percent. Hopefully, we keep playing and get to the next round so I can get on the roster. I just have to stay ready because you never know what can happen."

Delcarmen has struggled mightily of late, posting a 7.27 ERA in 29 games after the All-Star break. But a car accident on Saturday, which left Delcarmen with some recurring back and neck stiffness for a couple of days, was the last blow that determined he wouldn't be a participant against the Angels. No word yet on whether the righty would be available if the Red Sox advanced to the ALCS.

Paul Byrd, not Manny Delcarmen, lands last pitching spot on ALDS roster.

Earlier this decade, OF Jeremy Hermida was pegged for stardom. But following yesterday’s trade to the Boston Red Sox for LHP’s Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez, Hermida may well have gone from franchise building block to bench warmer. Florida snagged the lefty hitter with the 11th overall selection in the 2002 amateur draft. Despite his [...]

Jeremy Hermida to the Red Sox: The first big move of the off-season involved old trading buddies, Marlins and Red Sox. Boston sent two young prospects - Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez - to the Marlins for a big-leaguer the Fish weren’t planning on rewarding monetarily. According to City of Champs, scouts were very pleased.

Jeremy Hermida to the Red Sox: The first big move of the off-season involved old trading buddies, Marlins and Red Sox. Boston sent two young prospects - Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez - to the Marlins for a big-leaguer the Fish weren’t planning on rewarding monetarily. According to City of Champs, the Marlins were very

The Boston Herald's Michael Silverman reports the Boston Red Sox transferred P Miguel Gonzalez (elbow) to the 60-day disabled list.

News: The Boston Red Sox optioned infielder Travis Denker to Triple-A Pawtucket after claiming him off waivers from the San Diego Padres. To make room for Denker on the 40-man roster, General Manager Theo Epstein said right-hander Miguel Gonzalez was being transferred to the 60-day disabled list after elbow surgery.

Analysis: Gonzalez, 24, spent last season in Double-A, going 8-4 with a 3.38 ERA in 30 appearances (19 starts). He's obviously not going to be playing this season, so don't bother with him in Fantasy

Gonzalez (elbow) was placed on the 15-day DL on Saturday.

Spin: The Red Sox will probably have to work out a deal with the Angels if they want to keep him, since Gonzalez is coming back from Tommy John surgery and they'll likely want to clear a spot on their 40-man roster later on this season. Alternatively, they could leave him on the 15-day DL (which will cost them a 40-man spot at least temporarily) for now and see if they can work out a trade with the Angels that will remove his Rule 5 status and allow them to place him on the 60-day DL.Sat, Apr 4