Red Sox To Sign Jesse Carlson

The Red Sox have made their first meaningful signing of the offseason (not counting re-signing Scutaro and Ortiz), signing lefty reliever Jesse Carlson. Carlson did not pitch in 2011, after undergoing an injury to his left rotator cuff. In 2010 with the Blue Jays, he went 0-0/4.61/8 in 20 games and 13 2/3 innings. His best season came as a rookie in 2008 when he showed his potential, going 7-2/2.25/55 in 69 games and 60 innings. Carlson signed a split contract-- meaning he will make more money if he makes the team out of spring training than otherwise. He would be competing with Franklin Morales as a lefty in the bullpen as in 2010, he held lefties to a microscopic .158 batting average. I think that Carlson is a good sign for the Red Sox. I can't imagine that he costed very much to sign, and he has been a fairly average relief pitcher. He also has AL East experience, as he pitched for three years with the Blue Jays. I'm glad they made one move, now let's see some more!