Red Sox make minor move for Puffer

By Jim Callis
July 2, 2004

While Red Sox fans have been hoping for a major trade to right their reeling team, the club has made a series of minor pitching moves this week. On Wednesday, Boston signed free agent Pedro Astacio to a minor league contract. Early on Friday, the Red Sox picked up Triple-A lefthander Jimmy Anderson from the Cubs for high Class A righthander Andrew Shipman and a player to be named later. Later in the day, Boston added another reliever, Brandon Puffer, from the Padres in exchange for a player to be named.

Puffer, a 28-year-old righthander, was with San Diego at the time of the trade and had gone 0-1, 5.50 in 14 big league appearances this year. Opponents had roughed him up for a .320 average and three homers in 18 innings, during which he posted a 12-11 strikeout-ratio. He also had gone 1-1, 3.34 in 22 appearances at Triple-A Portland. A sidearmer, Puffer was let go by four organizations and spent time in independent ball before reaching the majors with the Astros in 2002. He throws two- and four-seam fastballs and a sweeping slider, but still is looking for a way to combat big league lefties, who have hit .301/.473/.500 against him. In 82 career appearances in the majors, he owns a 3-4, 4.75 record. The Red Sox optioned Puffer to Triple-A Pawtucket rather than using him to fill in for Scott Williamson, who went on the disabled list Friday with a strained right forearm.

July 10 update: The Padres received second baseman/first baseman Peter Ciofrone to complete the trade. A 16th-round pick out of a New York high school in 2002, the 20-year-old Ciofrone stands out most for his ability to get on base. In 67 games at low Class A Augusta this year, he hit .286/.383/.387 with one homer and 33 RBIs.