Goodbye, Doug Mirabelli. Hello, Kevin Cash

Word came this afternoon that the Red Sox have released catcher Doug Mirabelli. The 37-year-old has been with the team on and off since 2001, and served primarily as Tim Wakefield’s personal backstop.

We haven’t been this sad since Mr. Gobbles was put out to pasture in a similarly abrupt manner.

We never even got a chance to say our goodbyes. Apparently, neither did Wake.

The Sox informed Mirabelli of their decision during batting practice this morning, the player said. The move came while Wakefield was throwing a side session to Kevin Cash in the bullpen. After the session, Wakefield had a brief meeting with manager Terry Francona, presumably so Francona could inform Wakefield of the decision.

It seems that the police escort back to Fenway won’t be forthcoming because the team has been happy with minor-league catcher Kevin Cash’s defensive work. His hitting is less than impressive, but Mirabelli wasn’t known for his offensive prowess either.

Let’s hope this works out better than the whole Josh Bard fiasco.

Anyway, in honor of his departure, we call your attention to what one BoMag senior editor has long called “a classic gem.”