A deep and talented bullpen was an instrumental reason why the Boston Red Sox won the World Series last October. They expect to have the same level of success with their relievers in 2014, albeit with a few new names.
This weekend, the Red Sox avoided arbitration with 28-year-old left-hander Andrew Miller by reaching a one-year, $1.9 million deal. The club also signed veteran right-hander Francisco Cordero to a minor league contract.
Before a torn ligament in his left foot prematurely ended his season in July, Miller posted a 2.64 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 30.2 innings, allowing 25 hits. He joins veteran Craig Breslow as manager John Farrell‘s left-handed bullpen options.
Cordero will compete for a roster spot with fellow minor league free agents Rich Hill, Chris Resop, Shunsuke Watanabe and Tommy Layne. Likely, those five relievers will open the season at Triple-A Pawtucket.
A veteran of 14 Major League seasons, Cordero will be 39 in May and last appeared in the majors with Houston in 2012. He missed last season with a shoulder injury.
