Pedro Ciriaco

Ciriaco was a nice story in 2012, coming out of nowhere to become Boston's super utility option in the second half of the season. He impressed then-manager Bobby Valentine in spring training and did nothing but hit at Triple-A Pawtucket. He was eventually rewarded with a callup and increased his value by acquiescing to play the outfield. He played six positions and DH for Boston. Entering 2013, the Red Sox still have a need for a utility guy, though they may not require one that plays both infield and outfield.

The Pirates had no intention of giving Ciriaco regular at-bats, but manager Clint Hurdle took a liking to the versatile 26-year-old. Ciriaco can cover either spot on the left side of the infield or center field in a pinch. Speed represents his best fantasy weapon. Ciriaco stole a combined 15 bases between Triple-A (13) and the majors in 2011. He averaged 29 stolen bases in the minors prior to last year. Until and unless he improves upon his plate discipline -- he compiled a 6:55 BB:K ratio in 2011 -- there's little chance he sticks in the big leagues after landing with the Red Sox in January.

Acquired in the Chris Snyder deal last summer, Ciriaco's calling card is speed. The shortstop has stolen 143 bases in six minor league seasons. He has a glove that might play at the big league level, but his plate discipline needs work. Ciriaco compiled a 12:74 BB:K ratio at Triple-A in 2010. The 25-year-old middle infielder did see action in eight September games for Pittsburgh, going 3-for-6 with a double, triple and, yes, three strikeouts. The Bucs have no depth at shortstop in the upper minors, making it possible that Ciriaco gets recalled in the event of injuries. He could serve as a source of cheap steals from the waiver wire, but little else.

After making strides at the plate in 2008, Ciriaco posted similar numbers in his first season at Double-A Mobile. He's never going to hit for much power, but Ciriaco is a pretty good contact hitter, he runs very well, and his selectivity on the basepaths is above average (78-for-97 on stolen-base attempts over the last two seasons). Better plate discipline would fully unlock his skill set, but there haven't been many signs of improvement on that front, and it's unlikely he'll ever be more than a speedster with a decent middle-infield glove working from the bottom third of the batting order. Without a long-term answer at second base, Ciriaco will continue to transition toward the right side of the diamond. He'll likely start 2010 at Triple-A Reno after a .258/.296/.318 line in a 15-game stint in the Arizona Fall League.