Ryan Rupe

Rupe, 27, was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay after a run with the Devil Rays that left him with a career 5.84 ERA in 83 major league starts. In 15 games with Tampa last season, he was 5-10 with a 5.60 ERA, but had some decent peripheral numbers (67/25 K/BB ratio, 83 hits in 90 IP), and is a low-risk gamble. He's shown a propensity to giving up the long ball (30 HR in 143 IP in 2001). He'll initially pitch out of the bullpen, and could be part of the Red Sox's closer-by-committee.