At least two teams are interested in Boof Bonser, sources tell Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com. McAdam hears that the Cubs and D'Backs are interested in the right-hander. Bonser is out of options, so the Red Sox would have to attempt to put him through waivers if they want to send him to the minors.
The D'Backs are looking for starters, but Bonser is far from GM Josh Byrnes' only choice. Even within the AL East, there's plenty of selection. The Blue Jays (Dana Eveland and Brian Tallet) and Yankees (Sergio Mitre and Chad Gaudin) could deal pitching, too.
The 28-year-old Bonser missed all of 2009 after shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff, but he has shown promise so far this spring. The Red Sox don't have room for Bonser in their rotation, but McAdam says he could make the team as a long reliever.
Bonser, who was part of the A.J. Pierzynski trade in 2003, has a 5.12 ERA in 391.2 big league innings, with 7.3 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9. This winter the Red Sox acquired Bonser from the Twins for Chris Province.
The Cubs need to figure things out. This bullpen situation for the Cubs is getting crazy.
I wouldn’t characterize the situation as crazy. Things are a bit shaky until Lilly returns, but once he pushes a spot starter back to the ‘pen things will be alright. Certainly not the same bullpen without Guzman, but there are plenty of solid arms within the system that can contribute. It isn’t as if they’re hiding Patton on the big league club any longer.
Keeping that in mind, Ricketts/Kenney have stated that there will be available funds come July for perceived needs, ‘pen or otherwise. So stay tuned.
The Pierzynski trade has really turned out to be totally overrated. Nathan obviously worked out for Minnesota, but Liriano and Bonser have been more hype than production.
I think the Sox are pretty high on Bonser right now, at least as a reliever. Bonser figures to be that guy that will relieve in the beginning of the season, and then go to starting when the Sox loose 3 starters to injuries. He’ll definitely get some spot starts here and there, so I don’t think the Sox are going to part with him too easily. It might take a decent return to take Bonser from the Sox, probably more than what the Cubs or the DBacks are willing to give.
…Because Bonser isn’t very good.
I’d rather go with Auginstein anyways.
I think the sox really like what they saw in spring training. He’s someone who will fit in to a role for the sox. He may not make the team, but he’s got some interesting potential that they’d probably like to build upon.
The Cubs already have a boatload of average pitchers. We don’t need another, especially if it’s gonna cost a prospect.
I always wanted to write the headline “Interest In Boof Burgeoning.” Sounds like something you’d get at a French restaurant.