Red Sox rumors: Should Boston part ways with Alfredo Aceves?

While Jon Heyman of CBS Sports believes the Boston Red Sox should should cut ties with right-hander Alfredo Aceves, general manager Ben Cherington said he "would expect that" to happen.

Another "Red-Sox connected" person told Heyman they "can't see" the team releasing Aceves. Heyman feels the right-hander has done the team "enough harm" and that a "release from the Red Sox would be warranted."

Though he feels Boston would be right if they decided to cut Aceves, Heyman understands the team's reasoning if they retain him. Aceves has a track record of success in the American League East, and the Red Sox currently find themselves shorthanded in the bullpen with relievers Franklin Morales and Craig Breslow set to start the regular season on the disabled list.

But Heyman continues on to list the off-field reasons Aceves should be let go. The 30-year-old openly defied manager Bobby Valentine last season, got into a fight in the dugout with All-Star second baseman Dustin Pedroia and protested his relief role this spring by lobbing pitches to hitters during a live batting practice session.

After maintaining an ERA of 2.61 over 55 appearances in 2011, Aceves struggled to the tune of a 5.36 ERA last season. Over five years in the majors he owns a career ERA of 3.56 with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.35.