The Doug Mirabelli era is OVER!

Red Sox release catcher Mirabelli
Surprise move opens door for Cash to assume backup role
By Ian Browne / MLB.com

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- In a move that was somewhat surprising, the Red Sox parted ways with Doug Mirabelli, putting the veteran backup catcher on unconditional release waivers before Thursday's exhibition game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Mirabelli's top strength in recent years was his uncanny ability to handle Tim Wakefield's knuckleball.

In fact, aside from the first month of 2006 season -- when Mirabelli spent a short-lived stint with the San Diego Padres -- he had been handling Wakefield since the 2002 season.

Mirabelli was supposed to start for the Red Sox in Thursday's game, but was scratched about an hour before game time, leading to rampant speculation that he was on his way out. That speculation proved to be correct.

Dusty Brown replaced Mirabelli behind the plate for Bartolo Colon's Grapefruit League debut.

Though there has been no word from the Red Sox yet on a contingency plan, Kevin Cash would seem to be the favorite to replace Mirabelli. When Mirabelli went on the disabled list in August of last season, Cash caught Wakefield for three starts and did a solid job.

The Red Sox re-signed Cash to a Minor League deal during the offseason.

A right-handed hitter, Mirabelli was traded to the Red Sox on June 12, 2001, after starting catcher Jason Varitek had fractured his right elbow.

In the ensuing years, Varitek and Mirabelli formed a relationship that was close both on and off the field.

Mirabelli, once an occasional threat at the plate, declined sharply from an offensive standpoint over the last few seasons.

In 2007, Mirabelli hit .202 with five homers and 16 RBIs in 114 at-bats.

The 37-year-old Mirabelli has played in 566 games in his career, hitting .231 with 58 homers and 206 RBIs.

A free agent over the winter, the Red Sox re-signed Mirabelli to a one-year deal worth $550,000. Mirabelli had played in six games this spring, hitting .273 with one RBI in 11 at-bats.

--While this isnt COMPLETELY surprising, its time to cut bait and move on. This guy was a great clubhouse guy (ala Millar, Nixon) there comes a time when the skill just isnt cutting it, and when this guy plays, its an easy out 3 times a game. But kudos to Dougie, 2 rings, a memorable police escort to Fenway, and 6 years as a specialty player. Who gets the role now?? Kevin Cash? George Brouillette?? I mean Kottaras?? Or downtown Dusty Brown?