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Casey Kelly will pitch and play the infield next year.

Boston Red Sox 2008 first round draft pick Casey Kelly will start the 2009 season as pitcher in the minor league system. Kelly played shortstop this year during his time in the Gulf Coast League and short stint with the Lowell Spinners.

Mike Hazen, the Red Sox farm director, spoke about the plans for Kelly.

“He’s going to transition into a pitching role for next year,” said farm director Mike Hazen. “We’re going to look at it like a first-year pitcher coming out, in the 100-inning range.”

Alex Speier of WEEI.com adds that after Kelly reaches 100 innings, he will go back to being a position player.

This is very interesting to hear. I’d have to assume that Kelly would probably take batting practice a few days of the week as well to keep his timing for when he makes the transition from the mound to the plate.