FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Red Sox pared down the roster once again on Tuesday, optioning Jose Iglesias and Lars Anderson to Triple-A Pawtucket. The team also reassigned Justin Germano, Josh Kroeger and Doug Mathis to minor league camp.
As a result of the moves, the Red Sox now have 41 players on the major league roster, including 30 from the 40-man roster, two on the 60-day disabled list and nine non-roster invitees.
But Anderson’s performance in the spring left a lasting imprint with Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine.
“Great camp,” Valentine said of Anderson. “He added to a scouting report that we had gotten before with his ability to drive the ball to center and left-center. He added to his resume with his ability to play left field. Even though you only saw him a little in the game, we’ve seen him in practice. He’s a good guy on a team. On another team, he could have made the big leagues.”
Boston’s infield is seemingly stacked at the moment. With Adrian Gonzalez at first –– and Kevin Youkilis a viable backup –– there’s little need to promote another. Even if Youkilis manned first base, the team would likely elevate top prospect Will Middlebrooks.
With those factors in mind, Valentine is leaning toward shifting Anderson to the outfield in Triple-A.
“I think he will,” Valentine said. “I think he should.”
The Red Sox manager will discuss the possible move with general manager Ben Cherington and his brass in the coming days.
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