Adam Stern Makes Red Sox Roster Temporarily

Red Sox OF Adam Stern, who has had a strong camp while opening eyes with his outstanding defensive play and timely grand slam for Canada in the World Classic games, will make the opening day roster but likely will be sent down by May. Stern, a Rule 5 pick stolen from Atlanta, was required to remain on the team for all of last year or be offered back to the Braves. The Red Sox had little difficulty stashing him away as he was injured for most of '05, but Boston must continue to carry him for 18 more games before he loses his Rule 5 status. His spot on the roster means acquisitions such as 1B Hee Seop Choi, picked up by Boston after being cut by the Dodgers, has no choice but to start the year in the minors. Choi, regarded as a sensational prospect when he was with the Iowa Cubs, batted .253 with 15 HR in 320 AB with Los Angeles last year, but now ranks behind 1B J.T. Snow and 1B/3B Kevin Youkilis and cannot be regarded as much more than a deep reserve.