| 02 March 2009
Since the starting nine are pretty much locked in, I've spent more time that is probably needed discussing the battle for the last spot on the Red Sox roster over the past few months.
Brad Wilkerson, Jeff Bailey and Chris Carter are the front runners for that spot and my vote has always been for one of the kids. The Globe's Amalie Benjamin had some thoughts about this "battle for the 25th spot" in her live chat today:
Q: Why wouldn't they keep Bailey instead of Wilkerson.. Bailey looks like a hitter.
Amalie:The Sox are definitely giving Bailey a shot to make the team in that last spot on the roster. Terry Francona is a big Bailey fan.
Q: What about Chris Carter? It seems he can hit at the MLB level, but is his defense that bad that there won't ever be a spot for him?
Amalie: There are certain teams on which Carter would be a good DH candidate. Defense is his weak point, and he would have to get significantly better to be able to find a position at the MLB level.
Q: I was wondering if you could shed some light on the Sox apparent resistance to giving Chris Carter a shot - rather than spend $ on a guy like Wilkerson. Is his veteran status worth that much more - really? Thanks...
Amalie: It's not the veteran status. It's the defense.
Bottom Line: Bialey looks like he has a leg up on the competition, but both he and Carter played left field in the bigs last year... Bailey spent more time in the major, but spent most of that time at first base (12 games)... Wilkerson logged 64 games in right and 29 in right last season and is a right fielder by trade. If he keeps hitting ding dongs and proves he's not the .240 hitter he's been as of late... it will be a tough decision for Tito and the Sox come April.
Who do you guys think should be the 25th man?
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