Rich Hill reportedly has rejoined the Boston Red Sox on a minor league deal. It’s not a major splash, but it goes to show that the Red Sox valued the left-hander’s three years in the organization from 2010-12.
Hill wasn’t the only former (and now current) Red Sox reliever to make headlines over the last few days, as Daniel Bard inked a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers. Bard has struggled mightily over the last two seasons, yet most Red Sox fans continue to be intrigued by the 28-year-old’s attempt to work through his setbacks.
Such is the nature of Boston. Red Sox fans are like elephants in that they don’t forget a thing. Sure, there are plenty of, “What have you done for me lately?” cases for players who struggle, but Sox fans have a tendency to keep tabs on players even after they move on to new organizations.
Some players’ departures are encouraged, while other exits simply occur because of free agency or appealing trade ideas. Whatever the case, it’s obvious that there are some former Red Sox players still in the league who most Boston fans probably would welcome back.
The Red Sox, fresh off a World Series victory, are in great shape for the 2014 season. The major league roster appears mostly set, and there aren’t many holes for general manager Ben Cherington to worry about. That being said, it’s fun to look at which former Red Sox players likely would be welcomed back to Boston with open arms if they ever — for whatever reason — re-entered the picture.
Let’s be clear that this list is completely hypothetical, and also doesn’t take into account the Red Sox’ current strengths and/or weaknesses. In other words, a player’s position and/or the Red Sox’ current situation at that position really doesn’t matter for the purpose of this list. Why limit the fun?
Click here for 10 inviting Red Sox reunions >>
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