Waive good-bye or waive hello?

Juan Uribe has been released…on waivers. It doesn’t necessarily mean he’s gone but I’d say it’s the Sox saying they are ready to give Alexei Ramirez the job. Apparently the waivering of Uribe could just be to “test his market value”. He just signed that $4.5 million dollar contract so if that can be lost I think they’ll go for it. I doubt that .250 hitting shortstops with 5 million dollar contracts are in that high of demand. I’m not 100% clear on how it all works, but if they don’t pull him back and nobody claims him, he’s just a free agent after that, but Kenny will have to pay his contract anyways. I wouldn’t go so far as to call that worst case scenario but paying something for nothing certainly isn’t the best thing that could happen. The Orioles are apparently without a serviceable shortstop and looking but I don’t know what they would want to give. They want pitching for Brian Roberts. That’s one thing we definitely don’t have extra of.

Ozzie says that the roster will be set by next Thursday. Really of the 3 big question marks (to be honest I don’t count this Wasserman in bullpen question) second base is of the least concern. I fully expect my man Joe Crede to be officially awarded the starting third baseman’s job. He’s still struggling to catch back up at the plate but it shouldn’t be long before he’s back to getting those clutch hits. Center field is the real issue. Brian Anderson has been absolutely raking all spring long, and we already know he is solid defensively. But we need a lead-off guy. Jerry Owens has had a quality spring, can cover plenty of ground in center, and is sure to burn up the basepaths a bit. I have no idea what the decision will be on this, though I think I lean in the direction of Owens, just hate to see Anderson not get another shot. No leadoff hitter. No wins.

For your "as expected" file:

Kerry Wood is experience back trouble. He is day to day.