(Source: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images North America)
By: Thomas Joyce
It's easy to become caught up in all the depth the Boston Red Sox possess at this time of year but unfortunately Red Sox fans, they might not be able to retain all of it.
Three veterans who come to mind are right-handed relievers Anthony Varvaro and Carlos Marmol and outfielder David Murphy. All three have an opt-out date or two in their contracts so while they may look to be huge assets on the depth chart right now, there is a chance that they do not stay with the organization. Of course, they would really only likely do that if it gave them a guaranteed shot at the big leagues.
Accoring to MassLive.com, Murphy has a March 27 opt-out date and another in June if he stays with the organization. He hit .283 with 10 home runs and a .739 OPS in 132 games at the big league level last season with most of his work coming against right-handed pitching.
Certainly, he'd make a nice platoon option and it was puzzling that he was available when the Sox signed him on February 29. If he does not make the big league club, he should be the least likely to stay in the organization because while he has regressed a little, he can hit righties and he would come cheap.
And for what it's worth, he has four hits in nine at-bats this spring.
If he cracks the Red Sox big league roster, he is set to earn a base salary of just $2 million.
Both Varvaro and Marmol have at least one opt-out date right before the start of the regular season. Varvaro said he had another at some point (but did not disclose) while Marmol said he was unsure.
Varvaro, who cracked the Red Sox Opening Day roster last season, was told that if he had a great spring he would be up with the big league club in no time. That just hasn't been the case for the 31-year-old Staten Island native as he battles back from surgery on a torn flexor tendon. So far this spring, he has allowed four runs in four outings (in 3.1 innings).
Spring Training stats really don't matter too much. But Varvaro's would make if tough for any big league club to want him. If he stays in the Red Sox organization, his reverse splits and ability to shut down left-handed hitters could come in handy. After all, left-handed specialist Tommy Layne is out of options. so he is also a DFA candidate.
Keep in mind: from 2013-2015, lefties hit just .192 off Varvaro in 2014 at-bats. Righties, on the other hand, hit .280 off of him.
Marmol did not pitch in the majors last season. But he did post a 2.03 ERA in 28 triple-A outings last season. He also struck out 48 batters in 31 innings. Now, if that's any indication, then he is probably capable of pitching in the majors again at some point.
He hasn't been seen much so far this spring because of visa issues. He has everything straightened out now and took advantage of his first opportunity, striking out the side in the fifth inning of yesterday's game.
That late start to Marmol's spring could actually work in the Red Sox' favor because now, he does not have as much time and as much of an opportunity to prove himself to other big league clubs.
Carson Smith has not pitched since March 6 so if he is actually injured, then Marmol, the former Cubs closer, could be a candidate to take that spot.
Marmol's biggest problem is that like Varvaro, he is not on the 40-man roster.
For what it's worth, SoxProspects.com projects that he will opt-out.
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