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As
MassLive.com's
Chris Cotillo points out, a serious roster squeeze could result in
the Red Sox dealing away major-league talent (not prospects) in any trade deadline transactions this month. Specifically,
Blake Swihart and/or
Brian Johnson could be "packaged" (don't you
hate that term?) in a deal that could net
Dave Dombrowski some needed bullpen help. The upcoming roster crunch will see
Tyler Thornburg,
Steven Wright,
Drew Pomeranz and
Dustin Pedroia returning soon. Some players will need to be moved out—and several do not have minor-league options left. Swihart continues to draw interest from multiple clubs, who still see up-side potential in the 26-year-old—particularly as a full-time backstop. The left-handed Johnson, who has pitched pretty well of late, could factor in as a fifth starter on several clubs. So, while the Red Sox have very little to offer from their farm system, their major-league roster (crunched by returning veterans) could be just as valuable.
