Red Sox Surprise By Promoting Two Players

It had long been expected that the Red Sox would promote Clay Buchholz for game one of tomorrow's double header. That wasn't the only promotion the Red Sox announced today however. In a bit of a surprise move, the Red Sox have decided to promote outfield prospect Jacoby Ellsbury as well.

The role that Buchholz will play is rather clear. He will make a spot start and then be sent back down to the minors to make room for Ellsbury. The role of Ellsbury however raises some questions. With the Red Sox needing to make room on the roster for Buchholz, it was rumored that Wily Mo Pena was on the way out.

It seems strange however that the Red Sox would promote Jacoby Ellsbury if that was the case. Ellsbury would give the Red Sox two left-handed backup outfielders. The move's especially strange considering that the Red Sox signed Bobby Kielty to play against left-handed pitchers. It's possible that the Red Sox could be releasing Eric Hinske for the time being. Hinske has struggled at the plate this season, hitting below the Mendoza line. He'll be a free agent this offseason.

This will be Ellsbury's second major league stint. He made his major league debut earlier this season and hit .375/.444/.438 in 16 at bats. For Buchholz, it will be his major league debut.

Red Sox Showcasing Murphy

The Red Sox today called up center fielder David Murphy, to replace the injured Curt Schilling on their roster. The Red Sox have better outfield prospects in Jacoby Ellsbury and Brandon Moss, but it's David Murphy that's drawn the most interest from other clubs. Perhaps it's because he's the only center fielder who the Red Sox would be willing to part with.

Murphy has drawn interest from both Florida and Houston, but San Diego would be a logical landing spot for him as well. Not only are the Red Sox calling Murphy up for their series this weekend in San Diego, but the Padres are in need of a center fielder. Their current center fielder, light-hitting Mike Cameron, is being paid $7 million in the last year of his contract.

The Padres could save quite a bit of money replacing Cameron with David Murphy. Murphy could also probably provide some extra offensive production for a team likely to be in contention for the playoffs. While Cameron is hitting .260/.318/.425 at the major league level, Murphy is hitting .283/.362/.423 at the Triple-A level.

If the Padres are interested in Murphy, they could attempt to deal him straight up for Mike Cameron. Such a deal seems unlikely however given that Red Sox center fielder Coco Crisp has finally begun to come around offensively and has been solid on the defensive side of the ball all season. What would make more sense would be for the Padres to send a relief arm to the Red Sox.

The San Diego Padres currently have the best bullpen ERA in the majors. It's possible that the Red Sox would want Cla Meredith back, but he's actually been one of the least effective Padres relievers this season. The Red Sox could use a righty power arm for the back of their bullpen and either Linebrink or Bell would fit the bill. They should be warry about picking up NL West relievers though after the performances of Rudy Seanez and Luis Vizcaino in the AL East.

A trade with the Houston Astros seems unlikely as their young center fielder Hunter Pence has been a revelation. They are however looking to unload relief arms. And if they were looking to upgrade their right field situation, Pawtucket Red Sox outfielder Brandon Moss would make sense. Moss has hit .298/.397/.539 in 70 games at the Triple-A level this year. His power has been impressive with 24 doubles, a triple and 12 home runs in 258 at bats.