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General Lotso
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1.) David Ross
Signed as the backup catcher, Ross is solid defensively, has some pop in his bat and is known for his preparation and ability to handle a pitching staff. How badly did the Red Sox want this career backup? Enough to guarantee him $6.2 million over two years, hardly the going rate for reserve receivers.
Manager John Farrell has already said Ross's role will go beyond the traditional backup workload of catching just once a week. And if Ryan Lavarnway struggles to hit or Jarrod Saltalamacchia is traded before the season even starts, Ross's playing time will only increase.
2.) Steven Wright
Wright will be one of the depth starters at Pawtucket, but at some point, the Red Sox rotation will need some reinforcements. The last time the Red Sox got more than 30 starts from five different pitchers came back in 2004. And with John Lackey coming off Tommy John surgery, Felix Doubront being asked to pitch more than 130 innings in his professional career, the Sox will need some help with their rotation along the way.
Wright, a 28-year-old knuckleballer, could emerge as a factor. Obtained last July in a minor deal for Lars Anderson, Wright could follow the knuckle-baller's typical profile and have success as a late bloomer. If the Red Sox want to give their younger starters (Rubby De La Rosa, Allen Webster) more time to develop, Wright could be called upon the deliver some innings at the big league level.
3.) Lyle Overbay
Without any proven backups at first base, Overbay was signed last week to a minor league deal. If Mike Napoli's hip flares up -- and it concerned the Sox enough that they withdrew their original three-year, $39 million deal and instead offered a one-year, $5 million deal with incentives, Overbay is the logical choice to step in at first.
There aren't a lot of other options, frankly. The Sox have no one else in the system near major league ready at the position. Overbay has a decent glove and a proven left-handed bat. It's hard to see him making the team out of spring training, but if he's willing to accept an assignment in the minors, his chance could come.
4.) Brock Holt
It's widely assumed that Ciriaco will win the job as the team's utility infielder. But if Ciriaco, who has fewer than 300 at-bats in the majors, stumbles, Holt, part of the deal which brought closer Joel Hanrahan to Boston, could step in.
He's got decent experience at second, and he's lefthanded to boot, a nice contrast to the right-handed swinging Will Middlebrooks at third and Dustin Pedroia at second base.
5.) Ryan Sweeney
When we last saw Sweeney, he was breaking his hand on a clubhouse door in a fit of frustration late last July. A few weeks ago, he didn't have so much as an invitation to anyone's camp, but then Ryan Kalish was found to have another shoulder surgery, forcing him to the sidelines for six months.
That, in turn, opened the door for Sweeney, who got a minor league deal from the Sox. Switch-hitter Daniel Nava is in line to make the team as an extra outfielder and could share playing time with Jonny Gomes in left. But if Nava falters, Sweeney -- an excellent outfielder, albeit one with virtually no power -- could be the beneficiary.
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Agree, Disagree?
Signed as the backup catcher, Ross is solid defensively, has some pop in his bat and is known for his preparation and ability to handle a pitching staff. How badly did the Red Sox want this career backup? Enough to guarantee him $6.2 million over two years, hardly the going rate for reserve receivers.
Manager John Farrell has already said Ross's role will go beyond the traditional backup workload of catching just once a week. And if Ryan Lavarnway struggles to hit or Jarrod Saltalamacchia is traded before the season even starts, Ross's playing time will only increase.
2.) Steven Wright
Wright will be one of the depth starters at Pawtucket, but at some point, the Red Sox rotation will need some reinforcements. The last time the Red Sox got more than 30 starts from five different pitchers came back in 2004. And with John Lackey coming off Tommy John surgery, Felix Doubront being asked to pitch more than 130 innings in his professional career, the Sox will need some help with their rotation along the way.
Wright, a 28-year-old knuckleballer, could emerge as a factor. Obtained last July in a minor deal for Lars Anderson, Wright could follow the knuckle-baller's typical profile and have success as a late bloomer. If the Red Sox want to give their younger starters (Rubby De La Rosa, Allen Webster) more time to develop, Wright could be called upon the deliver some innings at the big league level.
3.) Lyle Overbay
Without any proven backups at first base, Overbay was signed last week to a minor league deal. If Mike Napoli's hip flares up -- and it concerned the Sox enough that they withdrew their original three-year, $39 million deal and instead offered a one-year, $5 million deal with incentives, Overbay is the logical choice to step in at first.
There aren't a lot of other options, frankly. The Sox have no one else in the system near major league ready at the position. Overbay has a decent glove and a proven left-handed bat. It's hard to see him making the team out of spring training, but if he's willing to accept an assignment in the minors, his chance could come.
4.) Brock Holt
It's widely assumed that Ciriaco will win the job as the team's utility infielder. But if Ciriaco, who has fewer than 300 at-bats in the majors, stumbles, Holt, part of the deal which brought closer Joel Hanrahan to Boston, could step in.
He's got decent experience at second, and he's lefthanded to boot, a nice contrast to the right-handed swinging Will Middlebrooks at third and Dustin Pedroia at second base.
5.) Ryan Sweeney
When we last saw Sweeney, he was breaking his hand on a clubhouse door in a fit of frustration late last July. A few weeks ago, he didn't have so much as an invitation to anyone's camp, but then Ryan Kalish was found to have another shoulder surgery, forcing him to the sidelines for six months.
That, in turn, opened the door for Sweeney, who got a minor league deal from the Sox. Switch-hitter Daniel Nava is in line to make the team as an extra outfielder and could share playing time with Jonny Gomes in left. But if Nava falters, Sweeney -- an excellent outfielder, albeit one with virtually no power -- could be the beneficiary.
Photo Gallery | Comcast SportsNet - CSNNE.com
Agree, Disagree?
