Red Sox Reportedly Sign Paul Byrd

The Red Sox must not feel very confident about the depth in their rotation. According to a report by FOXSports.com, Boston has signed Paul Byrd to a minor-league deal for the rest of the season.

Byrd, who the Red Sox acquired from Cleveland for the stretch run last season, has not pitched at all this year, and according to the report will need time to get back into game shape. It's unlikely he will be ready for the major leagues before September.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about this signing is what it tells us about Boston's own view of its starting pitching.

Despite entering the season with nine pitchers capable of starting in the major leagues, the cracks have been apparent for weeks.

Justin Masterson was part of the trade that brought Victor Martinez to the Red Sox. John Smoltz and Brad Penny, both coming off of shoulder injuries and transitioning from the National League to the American League, have not been effective. Clay Buchholz, despite his dominance in the minor leagues, is a major question mark. And Tim Wakefield and Daisuke Matsuzaka are on the disabled list, with no clear timetable for their return.

The Byrd signing, coupled with Boston's rumored activity at the deadline (it was involved in discussions about Roy Halladay and Felix Hernandez), indicate just how nervous the Red Sox are about having a healthy and effective five-man rotation as they duke it out with the Rays and Yankees in the AL East.

Byrd is depth for now, and nothing more. But if he makes more than a start or two, Boston might be in a bunch of trouble.