According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Red Sox have signed OF/1B Brad Wilkerson to a minor league deal with roster and playing time incentives. Last year, he split time with Toronto and Seattle by hitting a combined .220/.308/.326 in 309 plate appearances and fighting nagging shoulder and back injuries.
Although he may only be 6th or 7th on the outfield depth chart, Wilkerson provides solid depth if his shoulder is healthy. He’s always been a solid player when he’s been on the field. He’s only a year removed from hitting 20 home runs, gets on base at a decent clip, and possesses the rare ability of being a left handed hitter who hits lefties better than righties. He plays both corner positions above average as well as first base, which may be best suited for him because of his shoulder. With the fragility of Lowell, Drew, and Baldelli, it’s a solid pick-up in case of the inevitable injury. He’ll begin the year in Pawtucket where his shoulder will be closely monitored.
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Pawtucket may not be the worst mlb team given a chance. I’d add the fragility of Mark Kotsay to your list as well…he has had a ton of back problems. I was fine with Bailey and Ambres as back-ups but another option with decent pop/bb rates isn’t a bad thing I guess.
If he can get his bat back in Pawtucket, he will be an important piece of this puzzle. With Kotsay recovering from back surgery, and Bailey sent to AAA to make room for Tek, he may be called upon before he gets his groove back, which might not be a good thing.