So who's in center field?
With the loss of Johnny Damon to the Yankees, the Red Sox will have to start a search for a center fielder and potential leadoff hitter. A handful of possibilities:
Coco Crisp, Cleveland: Indians don't plan on dealing him after they missed out on Nomar Garciaparra, who they pursued as an outfielder . . . Rumors persist the 26-year-old's name did indeed come up in discussions with the Red Sox, and the Indians might reconsider for the right package of pitchers . . . Batted .300 with 16 homers, 69 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases in outstanding 2005 season, his third full year in the majors . . . Switch hitter and deft bat handler who could fill Sox' need for a leadoff hitter . . . Played left field last season, but played center in '04 and has the glove to handle the job every day.
Dave Roberts, San Diego: Might the Sox replace one hero of the '04 postseason with another? . . . Roberts, who once stole a base of some importance for the Sox, recently re-signed with the Padres for one year and $2.25 million . . . His name has come up in trade rumors involving pitcher David Wells . . . Coming off one of his best offensive seasons: .275, 8 homers, 23 stolen bases . . . At 33, Sox may look to go younger, but don't underestimate the positive public relations from bringing back a folk hero.
Torii Hunter, Twins: The most accomplished player of those who might be available . . . Put his house on the market in September, saying he expected to be traded, in part due to his $10.75 million salary . . . Broke his ankle July 29 at Fenway while crashing into the center-field wall and missed the remainder of '05 season . . . When healthy, rivals Atlanta's Andruw Jones for title of best defensive center fielder in baseball . . . Not consistent at getting on base, but has hit more than 20 homers four times and would be ideal for the No. 5 spot in the order.
Jeremy Reed, Seattle: Mariners might be willing to send him to Boston for Bronson Arroyo or Matt Clement, according to some reports . . . Batted .254 with 3 homers and 45 RBIs in 141 games as a rookie in '05 . . . Line-drive hitter who was considered a mild disappointment after much hype in minors . . . Scouting reports are mixed: some say he projects as a Steve Finley type, others don't expect him to ever hit with power . . . Prized piece acquired by Mariners in Freddy Garcia deal in '04 . . . Has excellent range and instincts in center field, and has an above-average throwing arm
Corey Patterson, Cubs: Chicago offered him a contract Tuesday, but general manager Jim Hendry said he plans on shopping the talented but underachieving 26-year-old . . . After a season in which he batted .215 with 118 strikeouts and was temporarily demoted to Triple A, the asking price can't be too high, particularly considering Cubs' recent acquisitions of Jacque Jones and Juan Pierre . . . Best season was '04, when he hit .266 with 24 homers and 32 stolen bases, but struck out 168 times . . . Can go get the ball in center, but overall lackadaisical approach might make him something less than a favorite at Fenway.
Joey Gathright, Tampa Bay: Speedster has been shopped by Devil Rays, who have depth in the outfield with the expected arrival of top prospect Delmon Young, and Rocco Baldelli's return from injury . . . Among fastest players in big leagues, but .316 on-base percentage in '05 is proof of old adage that you can't steal first base . . . Great bunter, has never hit a big-league homer; similar in skills and style to former Sox outfielder Otis Nixon . . . Unlikely to be high on Sox' shopping list, considering organization's general disregard for speed and traditional difficulty of dealing with Devil Rays.
CHAD FINN
