In some organizations, highly-rated prospects like first baseman Lars Anderson, outfielder Josh Reddick, pitcher Nick Hagadone and infielder Oscar Tejada might open at Triple A.
Because the Pawtucket Red Sox have so much depth and talent, players of this caliber have been assigned to teams farther down the minor league ladder.
That could make for a most interesting season for the PawSox.
According to a Boston.com news update, Brad Wilkerson has temporarily left the Boston Red Sox camp to pursue other options. Wilkerson hit just .118 this spring with 18 strikeouts in 42 at-bat’s. He was likely going to be sent down to Pawtucket with how Chris Carter and Jeff Bailey’s springs have gone.His deal allowed him to opt out by April first, and he could sign a minor league deal with another club in the next couple of days.
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| David Ortiz – Samara Pearlstein |
Sit down with a big cup of coffee, because have I a treat for you. I participated in a chat on Tuesday night and they have made the transcript available for Fire Brand to peruse.
I talk about which minor leaguers to keep an eye on… what the Sox need to do to win this year… how important David Ortiz is to us.
Oh, I also throw out predictions such as who will finish at first… scoff at the Yankees… and talk about who the heck can be our future catcher.
The Boston Red Sox revealed today that Mark Kotsay underwent surgery Jan. 29th to remove a displaced disc fragment (H/T Extra Bases). This makes the Brad Wilkerson signing yesterday (minor league deal) make more sense. Wilkerson is likely ahead of Jeff Bailey, Chris Carter and Jon Van Every for a bench spot.
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.
Brad Wilkerson will turn 32 next season, and is attempting to rebound from one of his worst statistical seasons of his career. Wilkerson was designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners on April 30th and signed by Toronto on May 9th after they lost Frank Thomas. A career 2.47 hitter, his numbers have not been the same since leaving the National League, where, from 2002-2005, he averaged 20 homeruns playing for the Montreal Expos and Washington Nationals. Considering his offensive ability, versatility in the outfield and first base, plus a little personal bias, I think Brad Wilkerson could be a great sign as a fourth outfielder for the Boston Red Sox in 2009.
With JD Drew, Jason Bay, and Jacoby Ellsbury all under contract for 2009, the Red Sox starting outfield is set in stone before pitchers and catchers report. Unless you consider Jonathan Van Every, Chris Carter, or Jeff Bailey a long-term solution, the team still needs to acquire a fourth outfielder via free agency or trade. Needing to acquire a fourth outfielder may seem like an exercise in gluttony, but let’s be candid about our current situation. JD Drew has played 135 games or less seven times in his ten year career and the Red Sox can afford to pay above market on some spare parts to sit the bench.
Even with the Patriots preparing for their fourth Super Bowl title and the revamped Celtics making their winning rounds at 33-6, you can
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