All-Aughts Team of the Decade bOF: Gabe Kapler

We’ve known that Alex Cora was the All-Aughts Team of the Decade backup infielder for a while now. But how about his counterpart in the outfield?

Well, that was a rather easy choice. What is a Red Sox team of the decade without the Hebrew Hammer, Gabe Kapler?

Kappy was purchased from the Rockies on June 28, 2003 and immediately made an impact on the club. On that day, Kapler went 4-5 with two doubles and a triple, driving in three. That wasn’t all, though. The next day, Kapler found himself in the lineup again and cranked out two home runs en route to three hits, three runs and four RBI. How about that for endearing yourself to fans?

Wakefield, Hoyer, and Squinting at Free Agents

Wake Undergoes Surgery

Tim Wakefield underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a herniated disk and loose bone fragment in his back. Wakefield is expected to pitch next year and should be ready for Spring Training. The 43 year-old vet was visually hampered last year, turning in a 4.58 ERA and 4.58 FIP despite his woeful last three starts (14 IP, 14 ER, 8 K, 12 BB).

Squinting at Free Agents

While we have gone at length discussing the top free agents and mapping out blueprints for the Sox’ offseason, there are a number of intriguing names on the market that are flying under the radar. Not all of them are the safest bets, with varying levels of performance or injury history, but they do have some sex appeal. Here are a few names to mull over. Special thanks to Eddie Bajek of MLB Trade Rumors.

OF Rick Ankiel: Ankiel came off a sub-par season in 2009, as his power was down, his walks were down, and his K’s were up en route to a .231/.285/.387 line.

Know Thine Enemy 2009: Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays are coming off their first successful season in the history of the franchise. Finally, they’re not considered doormats with no vision of the future. Now the Pirates stand alone there. (Even the Royals are much improved!)

This club is scary in the pool of young talent they already hold plus more on the way in the minor leagues. The Rays will compete for a very, very long time. But will they be able to withstand the Red Sox and Yankees assault in 2009?

Fourth Outfielder Candidates: Brad Wilkerson

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.

Kapler 2.0? Brewers sign veteran Nixon

In a signing that wasn’t exactly the lead story in the national news, the Milwaukee Brewers have signed veteran outfielder Trot Nixon, 34

This continues a trend of Milwaukee signing forgotten Red Sox outfielders that started last year with the signing of former minor league manager Gabe Kapler. Kapler hit .301 before injuries ended his 2008 season, and Brewers manager Doug Melvin told Trot he hopes he is “next year’s Gabe Kapler.”

Nine Up, Nine Down: Getting to know the Brew Crew

With the Milwaukee Brewers coming to town, I went looking for some information on the Brewers. Al’s Ramblings was more than happy to answer my questions…
The Brewers were considered by [...]

“Who’s on Deck?” with The Bottom Line

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Kapler goes National

National League that is.
Gabe Kapler agreed to terms with the Milwaukee Brewers on a one-year non guaranteed contract banking him $800,000 if he makes the team.
With the recent loss of [...]

The Low-Down on Arbitration

So, who got offered arbitration by the Red Sox?
Trot Nixon did not get offered arbitration. Mark Loretta, Gabe Kapler and Doug Mirabelli were also not offered arbitration. The lone offer [...]

Gabe Kapler is Baaaaack

I have a friend in Austin who just said that their sports station, The Ticket announced Gabe Kapler is back in Beantown.
Welcome back, Gabe. We missed you.
Thanks to Meredith for [...]