The Boston Red Sox have signed 26-year old righty swinging infielder Pedro Ciriaco to a minor league deal. Ciriaco played in 23 games for the Pirates last year and he was 10 for 33 (.303 avg, .748 OPS) with 4 runs scored, 6 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. He also played in 71 games in AAA-ball last year and he was 64 for 277 (.231 avg, .543 OPS) with 31 runs scored, 2 homers, 24 RBIs and 13 stolen bases. Ciriaco has now played in 31 games in his first two years in the majors and he is 13 for 39 (.333 avg, .863 OPS) with 7 runs scored, 7 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. He will likely start the season in AAA-ball, but he could help the Red Sox at some point in 2012.

The Red Sox have signed 32-year old righty starting pitcher Carlos Silva to a minor league deal. Silva pitched in 7 games (all starts) in A+AA+AAA-ball for the Yankees last year and he was 2-1 with a 2.75 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. Silva last pitched in the majors in 2010 with the Cubs. He has now pitched in 316 games (180 starts) in his first 9 years in the majors and he is 70-70 with 2 saves, a 4.68 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. Silva will be a longshot to win a spot on the Red Sox’ pitching staff in 2012.