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Sox claim Hee Seop Choi on waivers

Hee Seop Choi, the Korean first baseman who has bounced from the Cubs to the Marlins to the Dodgers in the last three years, was claimed on waivers by the Red Sox this afternoon.

Choi, who turned 27 last week, had his best year in Florida in 2004, when he hit 15 home runs in 95 games and hit .270 with a .388 on-base percentage and a .495 slugging percentage. He went to Los Angeles in the Paul LoDuca trade, however, and was never a favorite of former Dodger manager Jim Tracy. He got into 133 games last year but, used many times as a pinch-hitter, only had 320 at-bats. He hit .253/.336/.453 with 15 home runs and 42 RBI.

Choi is a left-handed hitter, as is free-agent acquisition J.T. Snow. There was no immediate word as to the Sox' plans for him.

Posted by Art  at 4:49 PM | Permalink

Foulke goes one-two-three

In his first live action of the spring, Boston Red Sox closer Keith Foulke struck out all three batters he faced during the eighth inning of a minor-league game against the Ottawa Lynx at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers. Journal reporter Sean McAdam said Foulke needed only 11 pitches to polish off the Lynx. After the game, Foulke was upbeat, telling reporters he felt good and thought he had made some good pitches.

Curt Schilling started the game for the Pawtucket squad, pumping strikes for seven innings. He gave up five runs and eight hits, striking out 10 and walking none.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:41 PM | Permalink

Andy Marte to start in Triple A

Andy Marte, the 22-year-old third base prospect picked up by the Red Sox in the Edgar Renteria trade -- and then promptly shipped off to Cleveland -- has been optioned to the Indians' minor league affiliate in Buffalo, the Associated Press is reporting. Marte was demoted despite having a sensational spring training: he batted .359 with six doubles and nine RBIs, but the Indians intend to start the season with veteran Aaron Boone at third base, and allow Marte to get consistent playing time.

The Indians also sent down former Red Sox infielder Lou Merloni, who missed almost all of last season with torn ligaments in his ankle.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 11:09 AM | Permalink