While the Boston Red Sox took a break from Grapefruit League action yesterday, things weren’t so quiet in camp. We had the release of Josh Bard, leaving George Kottaras as the likely backup to Jason Varitek. We also had the news that Kevin Youkilis is out of the WBC and will miss a few days with a sprained ankle. Brad Penny also threw 3 innings in a minor league game and came out feeling good.
The release of Bard came as a surprise to some but obviously the Red Sox weren’t comfortable with him behind the plate when Tim Wakefield pitches.
“(Kottaras) looked comfortable catching Wake the other day, which shouldn’t come as a surprise because he’s got good hands and he’s been very comfortable catching Zink in the minor leagues,” said Epstein. “He and Dusty have been throwing well. Jason has been throwing really well, too. That was really the biggest issue now—(Kottaras’) throwing.”
“He’s got a strong throwing arm. He’s got really good hands,” Epstein continued. “He’s got some life in his bat. He’s got some knowledge of the strike zone. He’s not going to hit for a really high average, but between his walks and his power he still manages to bring something to the table offensively.”
Bard had signed a $1.6 million non-guaranteed contract and the now the Red Sox only have to pay him around $263,000. Had they waited until today, they would have have been on the hook for just over $300,000.
There does always remain the possibility that the Red Sox go out and make a trade for a younger backup catcher who could take over for Varitek once his time is done in Boston.
Obviously the news about Youk is troubling because of the fact that he injured his ankle 3-4 days ago. While he is playing for his country, he didn’t look at the big picture. By trying to play through the ankle injury, he’s costing himself time with the Red Sox.
Having the new long-term contract, he really should have thought this through a little better. His first priority should be the Boston Red Sox who were kind enough to allow to him to play in the WBC in the first place. Now he’ll spend the next few days in a boot and miss some time on the field as he recovers.
Penny took the mound in a game for the first time and was able to throw 3 innings. From his account, he was happy with the outing and felt strong, which is his main concern.
“I’m not too worried about that, if I’m commanding and I feel strong,” Penny said. “That’s all, for me, that I need to know.
“[I] had a little trouble with the breaking ball today. I was leaving it in to righties, instead of getting my arm out and away. But for the most part that was it.”
Encouraging to see Penny on the mound, now hopefully he’ll be ready for the start of the season.
The Red Sox are back in action tonight when they head to Sarasota to take on the Cincinnati Reds. Jon Lester will get the ball to start the game. The game will be shown on the MLB Network and FSN Ohio. It will also be broadcast on WRKO on your AM dial in the Boston area.
Breaking News: Red Sox Cut Josh Bard [SOX & Dawgs]
Why George Kottaras is Boston’s Backup Catcher [Full Count]
Kottaras responds to his new role [Projo Sox Blog]
Youk Out Of WBC With Ankle Injury [SOX & Dawgs]
Penny pitches to Minor Leaguers [redsox.com]
A Look at Kevin Youkilis Through the Years [Full Count]
Kevin Youkilis adds doubt [Boston Herald]
Kotteras makes the catch [Providence Journal]
Bell knocks in three to lead PawSox to victory in exhibition opener [Projo Sox Blog]
World of hurt for Youkilis [Boston Globe]
Catch and release: Bard let go [Boston Globe]
Penny outing is on money [Boston Globe]
The Golden Local Goes Down to the Wire [NBCconnecticut.com]
