The Boston Red Sox have agreed to a minor league deal with pitcher John Maine and invited him to Red Sox camp (via WEEI.com).
Maine's agent says that the Red Sox plan putting Maine in the reliever role despite his client being a starter in virtually all of his major league appearances. The Red Sox weren't Maine's only suitor, but they won the battle according to his agent.
"There were other teams that were interested, but the Red Sox were out front," Gary told the Freelance-Star. "They flew down to meet him and flew him up to Boston to work out. There was a real level of interest."
Maine pitched in the majors from 2004-2010 for the Orioles and Mets. Maine has a career MLB record of 41-36 with an ERA of 4.35 and 492 strikeouts in 585.2 innings pitched. Maine was only 1-3 with an ERA of 6.13 in 9 games with the Mets in 2010. His best season was arguably his 2007 campaign with the Mets. Maine was 15-10 with a 3.91 ERA. In 11 starts with Triple-A Colorado Springs in 2011, Maine was 1-3 with a 7.43 ERA.
For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page or our blog, Over the Monster.