Is Alan Embree Set For A Return Engagement With The Red Sox?

The Red Sox announced they have signed southpaw reliever Alan Embree to a minor league deal, just a few days after the club worked him out at his home in Washington state. It’s hard to imagine the 40-year-old has much left in his tank, especially in light of his unremarkable 2-2, 5.40, record with Colorado last season (the Rockies declined a $3 million option they held on Embree for the upcoming season). The question is whether the signing is an indication the club is wary of going with lefty Brian Shouse, who has a nifty 1.42 ERA in seven spring training appearances, or whether the front office is giving Embree some exposure in an effort to help an old friend land a big league job for 2010. Embree stated: “It’s been a very interesting 48 hours for me. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to come back and play in Boston… I can’t think of any place I’d rather be right now.” (Translation: I’m really glad someon is willing to pay...