Red Sox signed RHP Vicente Padilla to a minor league contract.
The deal also includes an invitation to spring training, where Padilla will get a legitimate shot at landing a spot in the Red Sox' starting rotation. The 34-year-old missed nearly all of the 2011 season due to neck surgery, but he posted a cool 4.07 ERA and 84/24 K/BB ratio across 95 innings in 2010 for the Dodgers. If he can't crack the rotation in Boston, he could be used as a long reliever.
Padilla will make $1.5 million if he makes the MLB team. Reports are saying that he has been hitting 95-96 mph this winter. If he can get past his neck issues, he could possibly make the team as a long reliever or even as the 5th starter.