Boston's search for infield depth led them to a familiar place. Yesterday, the Red Sox dealt RHP Rene Miniel to San Diego for UT-R Lou Merloni. The Red Sox signed Miniel as a nondrafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 1998. After a season with their Dominican Summer League affiliate and two with their Rookie-level Gulf Coast League team, Miniel spent 2001 with A Augusta in the South Atlantic League and 2002 at A+ Sarasota in the Florida State League. Prior to the trade, the 24-year-old compiled a 20:12 K:BB with 27 H and 2 HR allowed in 25.2 IP for a 2.45 ERA over 15 appearances at AA Portland in the Eastern League after opening the year back at Sarasota. Miniel could develop into a major league reliever in the next few years, but the Red Sox don't need him and could use a boost to their bench now.

While playing for the Padres this season, Merloni hit .272 with a .362 OBP and .364 SLG on 41 H, 7 2B, 2 3B, and 1 HR with a 22:33 BB:K and 2/5 SB% in 151 AB. The 32-year-old had a marginally better season at the plate thanks to improved plate discipline, but Boston didn't acquire him for his bat. Merloni will provide them with an alternative to IF-R Damian Jackson when they want to rest a middle infielder or their third baseman.