Analysis: Dissecting impact of latest Red Sox roster moves and news

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- It's been a very busy morning here at jetBlue Park - contract extensions, roster cuts, disabled list moves. Here's a recap of the news and what it means:

ACTION: Alex Cora acknowledges that both LHP Eduardo Rodriguez and LHP Drew Pomeranz will open the season on the disabled list.

REACTION: This is far from an unexpected development. The Sox previously said Pomeranz hadn't built up sufficient arm strength earlier this week and would need a little more time. Cora had also termed Rodriguez's chances of being in the rotation at the start of the season at "less than 50-50.''

The Red Sox are doing the right thing here. While it would be nice to have Rodriguez available for the first road trip, Opening Day is something of an artificial deadline. If Rodriguez doesn't pitch in the first six or so games of the year, it's hardly catastrophic. Given his importance to the team, it's far more important Rodriguez remain healthy for an extended period, rather than sacrificing that in exchange for a first-week start against either Tampa Bay or Miami.

ACTION: Cora announces that, with Chris Sale, David Price, Rick Porcello and Brian Johnson confirmed as starters for the start of the season, the fifth spot will go to either Hector Velazquez, Justin Haley or Marcus Walden.

REACTION: Velazquez has been far from impressive this spring (ERA: 6.75), but he does have one advantage: he's already on the 40-man roster. The Sox are at their limit on the 40-man roster, and it would seem unlikely -- though not impossible -- that they would move somebody off the 40-man to make room for someone who won't be in the rotation for more than a week of the season. Walden has thrown far better than Velazquez, but the Sox may not be willing to go through all sorts of roster machinations for one or two starts.

ACTION: Both Robby Scott and Roenis Elias were optioned Saturday.

REACTION: These moves would seem to bode well for Bobby Poyner making the Opening Day roster. Cora has repeatedly said he's not 100 percent committed to having a lefty in the bullpen, but Poyner has earned the spot, keeping hitters to a .103 batting average. He hasn't pitched above Double-A before but has hardly looked intimidated by the surroundings. Cora has praised his ability and maturity and seems unafraid to give him the opportunity.

ACTION: Tzu-Wei Lin was also optioned and Deven Marrero was traded to Arizona.

REACTION: This merely confirms the obvious: Brock Holt is the team's backup infielder. The battle was down to Holt and Marrero, but with Marrero out of options, the Sox elected to retain Holt and deal Marrero for either cash or a player to be named later.

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