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Not sure I like keeping Piniero and losing Romero
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I would have designated Pineiro for assignment instead; he's been the weakest link in the bullpen. Look at the potential damage Romero escaped the other night in Oakland, when he got out of a no-out bases loaded situation. One would think he'd be granted a reprieve after that effort.
I can understand why the Red Sox designated Romero for assignment, though. Javier Lopez has been highly effective this year as a secondary lefthander out of the bullpen, and Epstein probably doesn't want to admit mistake with signing Pineiro to a $4 million deal. It's unclear whether any team would claim Pineiro, in which case the Red Sox would be forced to absorb his salary if he opted for free agency rather than accept a minor league assignment.
Romero's numbers weren't too impressive outside of ERA. In 20 IP, he walked 15 batters and struck out 11. Opposing batters were hitting .308 against him, and reaching base at an almost 40% clip. Pineiro has been slightly better in nearly every category except ERA. In 24 IP, Pineiro has walked 12 batters and struck out 11, with a .280 BAA. There are about a half dozen guys in Pawtuckt who would be better than either one of them.