Mark Malaska

Malaska showed some promise with Boston early in 2004, but was eventually dispatched to Triple-A Pawtucket after some shaky summer outings. He walked too many batters and got himself into immediate trouble in too many outings (.409 BAA in pitches 1-15). Touted as a lefty specialist, Malaska held left handed batters to a .188 average, but the club needed him to do more than retire the occasional lefty. On a team that prides itself on the versatility of its players, specialists who are not that special will have a hard time making the team. There's an opening for a second lefty after Alan Embree, but the Red Sox will not reserve a spot for a southpaw. Malaska will have to earn his way onto the roster.