Boston Red Sox Sign John Maine to A Minor League Deal
In the on-going effort to stock the AAA Pawtucket Red Sox with every available question mark arm, Ben Cherington has signed John Maine to a minor league deal. Maine’s agent has been quoted say that the Red Sox are planning on using Maine in the bullpen if he makes the team. The 30 year old pitcher has been out of the major leagues since 2010 with chronic shoulder problems, but if healthy he could be excellent replacement for Alfredo Aceves, should Aceves stick in the rotation.
In 46 innings with AAA Colorado Springs last year Maine had serious control issues. Typcally a high walk, high strikeout pitcher, Maine walked more than he struck out .Declining velocity was the major issue behind those struggles and ifMainewere able to regain his arm strength and command, he could be a very effective ROOGY or long reliever.Bostonis once again take a modest upside bet, signing a low cost pitcher who could be a valuable addition if healthy but will not be in any position to hurt the big league club if he fails to regain his previous form.
When least took the mound for the New York Mets, John Maine looked done as a big league pitcher. At just 30, however, he could still have some life in his right arm and he has the arsenal to succeed in a new role .Maine has always been a hard worker and often pitched through pain as a Met. Fighting for a place in the Boston bullpen, Maine might just surprise everyone. It was not long ago that he was striking out 8.48 hitters per nine as a 191 inning starter. If he can return his fastball to the low nineties this pick up could be a steal for the Red Sox, if not, they are only out a minor league deal.
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