Red Sox release struggling Agbayani, Banks

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Boston Red Sox placed outfielder Benny Agbayani and pitcher Willie Banks on waivers Wednesday for the purpose of their unconditional releases.

Agbayani, acquired on waivers from Colorado in August, was hitting .235 with one home run this spring. He hit .297 in 13 games with the Red Sox last season.

Banks, a free agent signing in August 2001, had a 6.00 ERA in six innings this spring. The right-hander gave up nine hits, four earned runs and one homer in five appearances. He was 2-1 with one save and a 3.23 ERA in 29 games with Boston last season.

Banks had a $750,000, one-year contract and gets $122,951 in termination pay. Agbayani had a $610,000, one-year contract and gets $100,000 in termination pay.

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