Wilkerson out?
The Red Sox have not made a formal announcement yet, but Red Sox manager Terry Francona acknowledged this morning that Brad Wilkerson has at least temporarily left the club to assess his options, suggesting that he will not be part of the Red Sox' plans when the club breaks camp.
That leaves two men for what seems to be the one remaining spot on the positional roster: Jeff Bailey and Chris Carter.
Even then, the decision might be largely irrelevant, at least from the standpoint of the team. Regardless of which player makes the club to start the season, neither Bailey (minor-league contract) nor Carter (one option remaining) must be exposed to waivers in order to be demoted. As such, the Sox can keep both in the organization. Each will likely make an appearance and/or contribution with the team at some point.
The righthanded-hitting Bailey is batting .357 this spring entering today's game against the Phillies. The lefthanded-hitting Carter is hitting .350.
With regard to the final infield spot, all signs continue to point to Nick Green, who played right field Saturday and almost certainly will serve as the utility man with Julio Lugo's absence forcing Jed Lowrie into the starting role. Green's ability to play the outfield lessens the need for either Carter or Bailey to do so.
Signed to a minor-league deal after the Mark Kotsay injury, Wilkerson has had a dreadful spring at the plate, batting .119 with 18 strikeouts in 42 at-bats. His deal allowed him the option to leave the club April 1 if he wasn't on the big league roster, and it is likely that he left camp because the club informed him that he will not be making the team.
Today's game against the Phillies is due to start at 1:07 p.m. with Jon Lester opposing Joe Blanton. Designated hitters will be used.
Comment
Permalink
Email
Not a huge loss, they have great depth anyway..
The Sox are making a big mistake. I had Wilkerson on my fantasy team for years now and he's one of the most durable players out there. Hopefully he lands on another team soon because he's a future hall of famer and it's sad to see him not land a contract and go down like other future Haller's, such as Bonds and Sosa.
Since 3-15 Bailey is 3 for 17 and Carter is 14 for 30. I am a big Bailey fan but he is losing his stroke instead of gaining like Carter. Carter is 26, Bailey is 30 and it seems to me that the club would lean towards youth since they are both competing for a back up roll.
I'm not sure what else Chris Carter has to do to earn a spot on this team. He's hit well at both the minor league and major league level, has worked to improve his defense, and would be a superb addition to the roster with his left-handed power. He could spell Ortiz, play first to give Youk a break, and be a great pinch hitter should the need arise. Jeff Bailey also earned his stripes, so it's a tough call, but all Carter seems to do is hit - every Spring game, it seems, you look at the box score and he's racked up a few more hits and he's got a .700 slugging percentage! Get this man a uniform and put him on the roster!!
This what happens when you hit under the Varitek line!!
"Welcome to Burger King, may i help you...?
carter is the guy
Chris Carter has earned his shot. The kid can swing the bat.
Did Cafardo call this in this morning notes column?
One day, one to go . . . now if they show Kotsay the door, we'll have gotten rid of two pieces of very dead wood . . .
It would be great if congress, the financial industry and others would develop as stringent a merit-based systems as that which exists in pro sports. Either produce or get shipped out!
I'm not much on long good byes so see ya!
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
Red Sox Twitter
E-mail your question
browse this blog
by categoryINside Boston.com