FORT MYERS, Fla., March 25 (UPI) -- The Boston Red Sox lost infielder Lou Merloni on Tuesday when he was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres.
Merloni, 31, became expendable because of a crowded Boston infield that includes Nomar Garciaparra, Jeremy Giambi, Shea Hillenbrand, Damian Jackson, David Ortiz, and Todd Walker.
The native of Framingham, Mass., hit .247 with four homers and 18 RBI last season. He was hitting .200 in 30 at-bats this spring.
"Lou is a good major league player and a good person," said Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein. "We thought the best thing to do would be to give Lou a (major league) opportunity. The Padres expressed some interest. We're happy that Lou ended up in a good spot."
"I'm excited and fired up," Merloni said through a pool reporter. "This is great for me personally. It's going to be tough (leaving the Red Sox), having grown up and played my whole career here. I have so many special memories and I've made so many friends here. The way the fans treated me was amazing. I have so many special memories. Being able to play with and watch guys like Pedro (Martinez) and Nomar (Garciaparra) and Manny (Ramirez) is something I'll never forget. It's been a great time."
The 5-10, 200-pounder has played parts of five seasons with the Red Sox, and has a career average of .271 with nine homers with 77 RBI.
He got an emotional goodbye from Garciaparra.
"Playing for a National League team, I'll get more playing time and I'm really excited," Merloni said. "Nomar knew what was going on. He called me to wish me luck."
