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Wilkerson Leaves Red Sox
Rob Bradford reports that Terry Francona confirmed Brad Wilkerson's departure from the Red Sox earlier this morning.
Wilkerson, 31, was in camp on a minor-league deal, competing for the job of the fifth outfielder and backup first baseman. His contract allowed him to opt-out prior to April 1, which he elected to do after hitting just .119 through 42 ABs, with 18 strikeouts. The position battle will now likely come down to Chris Carter and Jeff Bailey, both of whom are having strong a strong Spring Training, hitting .350 and .357, respectively.
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This was in the Globe this morning. Thanks for linking it here.
Wilkerson did nothing this ST and both Carter/Bailey did better. Either would be a vast improvement over him with the bat and Baldelli can fill in at CF if they need a emergency CF, with both Carter.Bailey able to play 1B/LF/RF and both are cheaper as well. let Wilkerson go sulk somewhere else, his time is done.
Posted by: johns | March 29, 2009 at 03:14 PM
It is too bad Wilkerson has sucked so bad lately. I really liked him with the Expos. He had speed/power and a good batting eye. Wonder what happened? (PED'S?)
Posted by: ellisburksrocks | March 29, 2009 at 03:29 PM
Wilkerson could not even establish a league average this ST. I'm excited about both Carter and Bailey. I think it might be in the Red Sox interest to trade one of them. I think Bailey could be a solid starting OF somewhere right now. Carter is a good hitter with pop so I think he could also get some consideration on a team with a 1B/DH vacany. Either way I am happy my Sox got some extra bats.
Posted by: manny24 | March 29, 2009 at 03:32 PM
Both Carter and Bailey can hit, Carter is younger with more potential but Bailey is better defensively. Hard choice and neither is guaranteed a slot, but if Boston wants a well-rounded in-house backup player for present needs (between these two) then Bailey might be the better choice. As already mentioned, either would make good tradebait in a package deal.
Posted by: Lock | March 29, 2009 at 03:41 PM
Im kind of holding my breathe that Drew gets injured so Bailey can get a shot a starting and Carter can back him up
Posted by: 04Forever | March 29, 2009 at 04:08 PM
carters major league career, if there is to be one, is at DH and that about it. i know hes trying very hard to get better defensively, but his strong bat already makes him good enough to fill a DH role
Posted by: 04Forever | March 29, 2009 at 04:09 PM
jeff bailey and chris carter are AAAA players. throw either one anything but a fastball, they won't hit. and neither can play defense.
yikes...
the bench for the sox come opening day...
c - george kottaras
inf - nick green
1b/dh - jeff bailey/chris carter
of - rocco baldelli
...good thing the starting nine are really healthy.
Posted by: Boston Belongs To Me | March 29, 2009 at 05:15 PM
"the bench for the sox come opening day...
c - george kottaras
inf - nick green
1b/dh - jeff bailey/chris carter
of - rocco baldelli"
Unfortunately, will be adding Lowrie to that and subtracting green to that list with the hapless Lugo as the starting SS sometime later on.
Pitching and defense is going to have to be the strongpoint this season with batters 1-6 for the Sox this season, which do line up as well as anyone, along with a rotation that is as good as it gets and a BP as well.
Posted by: johns | March 29, 2009 at 05:21 PM
04Forever, I agree with both of your posts. Not that I don't like J.D. Drew but I also sort of believe he's blocking some good talent the Sox have. Although very iffy, I'd love to see Rocco do well as a starter on the Sox and I want to give a chance to Carter and especially Bailey. The guy was just plain amazing in AAA.
Maybe next year, if the Sox decide not to pursue Bay or Holliday, maybe they can go in the house. Not saying they should but it would be very interesting to see how Carter or Bailey shape up as starters.
Posted by: Umair | March 29, 2009 at 06:27 PM
Hopefully this is the last Whiffkerson post we will ever see. Why anyone would give this guy another chance, instead of a young minor-leaguer, is beyond me.
Hang it up Whiff!
Posted by: HoratioAlgae | March 29, 2009 at 08:47 PM
"jeff bailey and chris carter are AAAA players. throw either one anything but a fastball, they won't hit. and neither can play defense."
Bailey in particular could develop into a pretty decent MLB player if given some playing time, but that's not happening in Boston. The Sox already decided not to look for a bat (something that could haunt them) and Bailey is their closest thing to a healthy bat+glove utility bench player. Its possible they could deal for more offense later this spring and if so trading Bailey could make some sense, but moving him now puts them in a riskier position. I'd keep Bailey unless/until that missing bat is found. Carter seems more expendable.
Posted by: Lock | March 29, 2009 at 09:02 PM
Carter definitely has more upside as a hitter, but when considering defense, I'd argue that Bailey deserves the backup 1B/corner outfielder spot.
Posted by: scribbletone | March 30, 2009 at 08:53 AM