FORT MYERS, Fla., March 14 (UPI) -- The Boston Red Sox have released veteran catcher Doug Mirabelli.
The release was a surprise because the 37-year-old backup signed a one-year free agent contract worth a reported $550,000 in the off-season.
"It's not a fun day," said Manager Terry Francona when Mirabelli's release was announced before Thursday's exhibition game against Tampa Bay. "It's tougher on Dougie. He did a lot of things for us. We acknowledge that. We still have to make decisions as you go and (do) what you think puts the organization in the best light."
Mirabelli joined the Red Sox in June 2001 and his primary duty since 2002 was to catch knuckleballer Tim Wakefield.
In his 12-year career with San Francisco, Texas, Boston and San Diego, Mirabelli has batted .231 in 566 games with 58 home runs and 206 RBI.
He played on two World Series winners with the Red Sox in 2004 and 2007.
