McAdam: Red Sox in search of 'the next Ryan Brasier' as spring training gets underway

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- About a year ago, a 29-year-old journeyman reliever held a tryout in Arizona for scouts, hoping to attract interest from major league clubs.

Weeks later, he had heard from just one and that team's interest was limited to a minor league deal with an invitation to big league camp. The pitcher, bereft of other options, accepted.

By midseason, he was part of the Red Sox bullpen. By August and September, was one of their most trustworthy relievers.

Now, a year later, the Red Sox are hoping they can find the next Ryan Brasier -- that is, an undervalued, inexpensive piece to help solidify their bullpen. After spending lavishly on the rest of their roster (the starting rotation alone will earn more than $88 million), the Sox have made the decision to limit their financial commitment to the bullpen.

Their thinking is two-fold. First, relievers are notoriously unpredictable when it comes to their performance and relievers given big-dollar commitments often fizzle. Secondly, they point to Brasier as an example that teams can sometimes find contributions in the unlikeliest places.

"Today, I saw a few guys ... interesting guys,'' said Alex Cora. "We do feel that their stuff is going to play at the big league level. We've got a whole spring training to figure that out, but as far as talent, I do feel that there's a lot of stuff there -- good fastballs, good breaking balls.

"As far as finding guys who might fit the program, we feel that we can maximize their potential. I feel very comfortable about that.''

So, who are these guys? BostonSportsJournal.com spoke with pitching coach Dana LeVangie to offer insight.

RHP Colten Brewer


The background: Obtained in a November trade from San Diego in exchange for Esteban Quiroz, Brewer is on his fourth organization, having been with the Pirates, Yankees and Padres. He's 26 and has appeared in just 11 games in the majors, all with the Padres in 2018, for whom he compiled a 5.59 ERA.

The scouting report: ''We're excited to have him. He does some things that we like and he's really successful with the cutter and has a dominating curveball. We like the opportunities we can present to him because we're going to tell him to pitch a specific way and allow him to dominate. He's really successful with the cutter at the top of the strike zone, to both righties and lefties, and he puts hitters away with curveballs underneath the zone. We want guys to pitch to their strengths and that's what he does well.''

RHP Zach Putnam

The background: Putnam, 31, is joining his fifth organization, having pitched for the Indians, Rockies, Cubs, and White Sox. He underwent Tommy John surgery during the 2017 season, but has recovered fully and comes into camp with no restrictions. As recently as 2016, he appeared in 25 games with the White Sox and pitched to a 2.30 ERA.

The scouting report: "He's excited about where he's at right now, considering what he's been through the past couple of years, dealing with some health issues. He's really comfortable about where he's at right now and he's excited about a new opportunity. He's a guy who's had success in the major leagues. He's got a dominating pitch (a split-finger fastball) that makes him successful. It brings a uniqueness to our bullpen and it's a nice look to have.''

RHP Erasmo Ramirez

The background: Of all the candidates, Ramirez has perhaps the most major league experience, having appeared in 192 games, divided almost equally between starter and reliever. He had two stints with Seattle sandwiched around three seasons with Tampa Bay. He's 28, and while he could provide some depth for the rotation at some point, the Sox figure they have enough options there for now and will utilize him out of the bullpen.

The scouting report: "I like him as a reliever, in shorter looks. He has a chance to use his weapons (two-seamer, cutter) more effectively in that role. I've had some good conversations with him already; nice guy.''

RHP Brian Ellington

The background: Ellington, 28, signed a minor league deal, but without an invitation to major league camp, so it's uncertain how much of a look he'll get. He was very effective for the Marlins in 2015 and 2016, combining for 55 appearances and a 2.64 ERA. The 2017 season, however, was a disappointment, as he compiled a 7.25 ERA in 42 appearances, and he was released last April. He signed with Arizona and pitched in their minor league system before being released in

The scouting report: "We like the potential he has and we think we can get him (to be the pitcher he was in previous seasons). He can get his four-seamer up to close to 100 mph. You never know who might help and it's all about having a chance to see him pitch.''

RHP Tyler Thornburg

The background: Thornburg, 30, is the only one of the players listed here with a major league deal. He missed all of 2017 after undergoing thoracic outlet surgery and returned to the Sox in July and appeared in 25 games before the Red Sox shut him down for the season in early September. He slowed flashes, but clearly wasn't himself for much of the season and the Sox hope he can again be the reliever they traded for (2.15 ERA with Milwaukee in 2016).

The scouting report: "He's had a chance to recover and get stronger. He's excited where he's at after his winter throwing program and really excited with the way he's throwing the ball right now. The training staff is very happy with where his shoulder is at. We'll see how he recovers (from one outing to the next), but the improved (shoulder) strength should help there.''