| 04 March 2009
On Monday we talked about that 25th roster spot that is up for grabs while Mark Kotsay rehabs from back surgery. Jeff Bailey, Chris Crater and Brad Wilkerson have been the front runners for this spot since Christmas, but Paul McAnulty has been making a case for himself this spring. We've beaten this horse almost to death here at The Bottom Line, but Adam Kilgor took an updated look at the four players... here's the scoop:
Brad Wilkerson probably entered as a slight favorite based on his past credentials, but he hit only .220 last season and has battled shoulder problems in recent seasons. So far this spring, he has two singles in 10 at-bats. He had great seasons with the Expos/Nationals in 2004 and 2005, but he's tailed off since, especially last season, when he posted an OPS+ of 70, 30 points below what is considered league average. That said, he's the most proven of the four.
Jeff Bailey was named the International League MVP last season while playing for Pawtucket, and he's had a great spring so far at the plate. In his 27 games with the Red Sox last year, Bailey had an OPS+ of 118. His defense will be key. Bailey actually came up as a catcher, but has had to learn first base owing to a throwing disorder.
Chris Carter is known around the Sox clubhouse for his extreme intensity; Francona joked last season that he worried for his safety when walking past a batting cage occupied by Carter. He is smart, works hard, and has a great swing. Like Bailey, he needs to prove this spring he's a capable defensive player. Carter hit a long home run yesterday against the Reds.
Paul McAnulty also distinguished himself yesterday, driving in four runs with a two-run double and a two-run home run. He played sparingly with the San Diego Padres over four seasons. He is versatile -- he's played 45 games in left field, 21 in right, and one at first base in the majors, but he's also played a good amount of first and third in the minors. Yesterday, McAnulty said he feels comfortable at any of those spots.
Bottom Line: McAnulty seems like the most versitile of the group and if he keeps hitting like he did yesterday he just might win the job. The 28 year old McAnulty hit .305 over three different seasons with the Portland Beavers (AAA Padres), but struggled when he was called up to pros: 2007 - 8 for 40 (.200) 1 HR, 5 RBI ... 2008 - 28 for 135 (.207), 3 HR, 13 RBI.
Carter and Bailey are not going to make it easy for him, but McAnulty may be ready to breakout...
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
