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Doug Mirabelli will return to his customary specialty with the Red Sox in 2008 - handling Tim Wakefield's knuckleball. (Jim Davis/File/Globe Staff) |
Though it will require a pay cut, it appears Doug Mirabelli will return to the Red Sox as their backup catcher.
The team was close to consummating a deal yesterday to bring Mirabelli back for a $550,000 base salary with incentives that could bring his compensation up to $1 million for 2008. A few details are left, including a physical, before the deal is official.
With good backup catching hard to find, the 37-year-old Mirabelli was the best option to continue as Tim Wakefield's personal catcher.
Mirabelli has mostly served in that capacity since he came to the Red Sox during the 2001 season from the Rangers, though he did have a brief fling with the Padres at the start of 2006, being traded to San Diego, then reacquired by the Sox, a return that included a police escort to Fenway Park.
Mirabelli's one-year contract is a reduction from last season's base salary of $750,000. He had a subpar offensive season in 2007, hitting .202 in 114 at-bats over 48 games. He also had five home runs and 16 RBIs. With the Red Sox in 2006, Mirabelli hit .193 in 161 at-bats, with six home runs and 25 RBIs.
Mirabelli also struggled with injuries the past two seasons. He strained his calf muscle Aug. 17 while running the bases, forcing the Red Sox to call up Triple A catcher Kevin Cash to catch Wakefield, as Mirabelli was limited down the stretch. Mirabelli was also injured in August 2006, which forced the Red Sox to acquire Javy Lopez from the Orioles.
Catching is an area the Red Sox need to address after next season. The four-year, $40 million deal signed by Jason Varitek after the 2004 World Series expires after 2008. The Red Sox captain turns 36 in April. The Sox signed Cash, 30, to a minor league deal in December, which includes a spring training invitation.
As for prospects, George Kottaras had a disappointing, injury-prone season in Triple A Pawtucket. Dusty Brown, who was in Double A Portland most of the season, has a good defensive reputation, but isn't as developed offensively. Mark Wagner has promise, though he spent last season in Single A Lancaster, far from being ready for the major leagues.
The club announced an autograph session Monday to benefit the Red Sox Foundation. For a $20 donation, fans can collect autographs from 4:30-5:45 p.m. at the Official Red Sox Store at 19 Yawkey Way across from Fenway Park. Participating players, from the rookie development program, include pitchers Clay Buchholz, Devern Hansack, Justin Masterson, Michael Bowden, Hunter Jones, and Dustin Richardson. Brown, along with infielders Jed Lowrie, Aaron Bates, and Chris Carter, and outfielders Bubba Bell and Jonathan Van Every, are also scheduled to appear. The signing is on a first-come, first-served basis, with one autograph per player allowed for each fan. Items to be autographed can be brought or purchased.
Amalie Benjamin can be reached at abenjamin@globe.com.
© Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company.
