The Red Sox announced they’ve signed pitcher Joe Nelson to a minor league deal for the 2010 season. Nelson will be heading to Fort Myers, FL to join the Red Sox’s spring training and compete for a spot in the bullpen. The 35-year-old was a Red Sox previously from 2002-2004, but only saw three major league appearances. Since then he’s bounced around the major and minor leagues with streaks of both good and bad form. His “Vulcan” pitch is his trademark change up pitch named after the death grip of “Star Trek” fame. Nelson has pitched his way onto to big leagues rosters before as was the case in 2008 when he won a spot on the Florida Marlins.

After a good year pitching in 54 innings with a 2.00 ERA, Nelson earned a deal with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. After getting off to a good start to the 2009 season, Nelson underwent a terrible month of May where he had a 8.53 ERA.  The right hander had offers from other teams, but felt that the Red Sox’s current roster make up gave him the best chance to make a MLB team in 2010. Nelson will have plenty of competition this spring in Florida, but don’t be surprised if you see his name on the Red Sox roster come opening day.