Red Sox signed C Paul Hoover to a minor league contract.

Hoover, who turns 35 in April, batted .227 (5-for-22) in nine games with the Phillies last season. The veteran backstop has appeared in just 40 major league games over his 14-year professional career.

Paul Hoover has elected to become a free agent.

The 34-year-old catcher spent most of the 2010 season at the Triple-A level and went just 5-for-22 in nine games with the Phillies. He will probably struggle to find a legitimate big-league backup job.

Phillies sent C Paul Hoover outright to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

This clears a spot on the 40-man roster. Hoover, 34, spent most of the season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but went 5-for-22 (.227) with two RBI in nine games with the Fightins.

Phillies purchased the contract of C Paul Hoover from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Hoover got the call over Dane Sardinha, in part because he is more familiar with the team's pitching staff. The 34-year-old backstop is 5-for-18 (.278) with two doubles and two RBI in six games with the Phillies this season.

Phillies sent C Paul Hoover outright to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Hoover accepted a minor league assignment after successfully clearing waivers. He was 5-for-18 (.278) before being designated for assignment by the Phillies on Monday.

Phillies designated C Paul Hoover for assignment.

Hoover, 34, put up a .278/.381/.389 batting line in 18 at-bat this year for the Phillies and could definitely draw interest on the waiver wire. The catcher-needy Nationals would seem to be a good fit.

Phillies recalled C Paul Hoover from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Hoover probably won't see much playing time behind Carlos Ruiz, but he'll be there if the Phillies need him. The 34-year-old hit .269/.338/.403 in 19 games at Triple-A.