In a low-risk slash a reward-exists move the White Sox are reported to have signed reliever Mitchell Boggs. The righty will receive $1.1M in the transaction after having virtually punted his 2013 season with an ERA of 8.10 between the Cardinals and the Rockies. His homerun rate, which averaged 0.6 per 9 over the previous 4 seasons noticeably swelled to 10.8, the heaviest of that damage coming while pitching for the Cards rather than allowing any blame on Coors Field.
Since being non-tendered by Colorado following the season, Boggs has drawn some mild interest from teams. He was slated to be the Cardinals 2013 closer out of spring training, a role that obviously did not quite work out for him. If he can reclaim any of his previous success he has the potential to be a solid late-inning addition.
For all the mumbling of retooling coming from the White Sox camp both inside and via media, the bullpen construction certainly looks ready to compete as Boggs joins a roster of experienced arms, many of whom possess the mystical “closer experience.” That of course being a drastic change over the last two seasons of rookie talent the Sox boasted from that corner of their roster to varying degrees of success.
At no great loss, Duente Heath draws the short end of this transaction. He is outrighted to make room for Boggs on the roster. He will still have the opportunity to attend camp as a non-roster invitee.