Julian Tavarez designated for assignment, Boston Herald reports

My wish has been granted. Perhaps my e-mails to Theo Epstein have been read and my opinion strongly considered. OK, likely not, but according to the Boston Herald, Julian Tavarez has been designated for assignment to make room for Sean Casey, who will give Kevin Youkilis a breather tonight and start at first base.

The move means that Craig Hansen will remain in a Red Sox uniform for at least the short term. Boston will have another roster decision to make in the near future when Bartolo Colon is ready to make his Red Sox debut.

Like Kyle Snyder, who is in the Pawtucket rotation, and Bryan Corey, who was just traded to San Diego, Tavarez might not be claimed and subsequently accept an assignment to Pawtucket. That is not likely to happen, though. Many teams are in need of starting pitching, and Tavarez has appeal to National League clubs. The Red Sox have 10 days to work out a trade. If a deal is not made, Tavarez will probably become a free agent and sign with the team of his choice.

Tavarez did contribute to last season's American League East title by making key spot starts, yet he was rarely effective as a reliever in his Red Sox tenure. Hansen's presence, and Tavarez's departure, should strengthen a bullpen that has shown improvement recently, but is still shaky.