Sorry for not getting this up any earlier but with a migrane the past day and half it wasn’t easy to look at the computer.
As most of you probably know, there’s been some news the past day or so involving the Boston Red Sox.
On Tuesday afternoon, Joe McDonald of the Providence Journal first reported the news that Jacoby Ellsbury will man left field and newly signed Mike Cameron will play center.
“The thought being, Cameron has played center most of his career and he’s got those long strides. Ells, kind of like [Rays’ left fielder] Carl Crawford, has the short burst of speed and I think doing it like this, we’re going to have a spectacular outfield.”
When Francona called Ellsbury with the decision, the 26-year-old outfielder was a bit disappointed.
“He was worried that it was a demotion, which it is not,” explained Francona. “I kind of ensured him of that. I just think we’re tying to put guys where we think they can make the biggest impression. Cam was great, for a guy who is 37-years-old and played center field his whole life, he said, ‘Hey, I’ll play anywhere.’ So it was just a decision based on what’s best for our team.”
Ellsbury has played 80 career games in left field but didn’t play there in 2009. He’s made one outfield assist and hasn’t made an error in left. It also makes sense given that Cameron has only played three games in left field in his 15 year career.
If anything, this could help Ellsbury steal more bases. He had 70 last season and since he won’t have to cover as much ground, at least at Fenway, his legs will be a little more rested.
I like the move as it gives the Red Sox three top quality defenders in the outfield. It should be fun and interesting to see them patrol the outfield at Fenway all season long.
With the Adrian Beltre signing, Casey Kotchman was most likely going to sit on the bench and play sparingly with the Red Sox. Now it looks he’ll be the starting first baseman for the Seattle Mariners.
The Red Sox will receive 3B/OF Bill Hall from the Mariners, a minor leaguer and cash to cover most of Hall’s contract. Hall will make $8.4 million in 2010 in the final year of his contract but the Mariners are expected to send $7.5-8 million.
It now looks like the only move the Red Sox need to make now is to trade Mike Lowell. And that will most likely come during spring training.
Also the day we all look forward to here in New England is Truck Day. It will be held on February 12th signifying the unofficial start to spring here in the New England states.
