| 17 February 2009
When Coco Crisp was traded to the Royals, I thought Jeff Bailey, Chris Carter and/or John Van Every might get a shot in the bigs in 2009. Then the Red Sox re-signed Mark Kotsay and added Rocco Baldelli.
Then Kotsay surprised us with back surgery and I thought: "Okay, maybe one of the kids take advantage in April and earn a bench spot while Kotsay is out..."
Then the Red Sox signed Brad Wilkerson to a minor league deal.
Amalie Benjamin addressed this topic in her most recent Ask Amalie mailbag:
Did the Sox know about Kotsay's back when he was signed? Any chance Jeff Bailey will get a legitimate shot to take his spot, or is he considered a Triple-A lifer? David T., Carrboro, N.C.
A: No, the Sox didn't know that Mark Kotsay would have to have back surgery when they signed him in the middle of January. It was a bit of a surprise when he had the arthroscopic procedure just a couple of weeks later. It's unlikely that Jeff Bailey will take the spot vacated by Kotsay on the major league club with the signing of Brad Wilkerson. Of course this is all dependent on the team's health when it heads up north in March, but it's far more probable that Wilkerson will fill the backup first base/fifth outfielder vacancy that opened up with Kotsay's surgery. Kotsay is expected back somewhere at the end of April or beginning of May, so it won't be a particularly extended absence from the club -- but still, a surprise.
What I want to know is: Why is Wilkerson the favorite to earn the open bench spot?
Here's a look at the stats:
Bottom Line: "Wilks" hasn't hit above .250 since 2004 with the Expos... he did hit 32 ding dongs that year, but he's been hurt or ineffective since. He'll turn 32 in June and appears to be a .230 hitter with limited pop... so, I ask you: Why is he likely to get the nod over Carter or Bailey? And other than adding depth, why was he signed at all?
Carter and Bailey have hit between .280 and .300 in the minors and proved they could play with limited time in the bigs last year. Wilkerson provides a left-handed bat, but so does Carter he's only 26.
I know Amalie was just stating her opinion above... and I know we're only a few days into camp... but who do you guys think should be the on the bench while Kotsay is out?
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