It looks like the rosters for the Red Sox organization are close to being finalized. Chris Carter will begin the season as the back-up 1B/OF for Boston and Nick Green will serve in the role of back-up infielder. Jeff Bailey was the tough luck loser, being sent back to the PawSox.
Carter will need to make the most of his opportunity if he wants to stick with the club when Mark Kotsay returns to action in early May. If he does impress, the Sox may very well have a difficult decision to make.
In terms of Green, he will likely only stay with the club until Julio Lugo returns from knee surgery. At that time we should see Green patrolling the infield at McCoy.
You can add righthander Rocky Cherry’s name to the list of veteran pitchers who may call the McCoy Stadium bullpen home in 2009.
Picked up earlier this months as a minor league free agent after being released by the Orioles, the 29 year-old Cherry will begin his seventh professional baseball season with the PawSox. Cherry has a 40 game Major League resume, with the Orioles and Cubs. In that span he has a record of 1-4 with a 5.77 ERA.
Originally signed by the Cubs after being selected in the 14th round of the 2002 draft, Cherry began his career as a starter but was moved to the bullpen in the 2006 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Cherry is one of those pitchers with solid minor league numbers who could not carry that success up to the Majors. He has a creer minor league record of 14-13 with a respectable 3.73 ERA. Last year at Norfolk Cherry was 0-1 aith a 2.89 ERA.
Scouts put Cherry’s fastball at the low to mid 90mph range with a plus slider. He has had command issues in the past, but last year only yielded 9 walks in 37.1 innings witt the Tides.
1B/C Sandy Madera split his time last year riding the shuttle between Portland and the PawSox. 2009 may be the same.
Madera was reccomended to the Red Sox by David Ortiz. He was acquired last April after he started the season with New Jersey in the independent CanAm League.
The 28 year-old Madera is no stranger to organized minor league baseball. Undrafted, Madera has seen minor league action with the A’s, Yankees, Rockies, and Orioles organizations since 2000.
The Red Sox signed Madera because of his potential at the plate. In 79 games for Portland and Pawtucket last season Madera batted .292 with 13 home runs and 54 RBI’s.
Originally signed as a catcher, Madera played first base and DH for Portland and Pawtucket in 2008. Reports from Fort Myers this spring indicate that the Red Sox may be giving Madera another shot behind the plate. Scouting reports indicate that Madera needs to improve his defense. Putting him back behind the plate may be an attempt by the Sox to make Madera more comfortable defensively.
The 2008 PawSox did not have a dedicated closer. RHP Mike James may be in the mix for the job in 2009.
Drafted in the 28th round by the Red Sox in 2004, the 27 year-old James has 64 saves in five minor league seasons. He earned 25 and 22 saves respectively for Wilmington and Portland in 2006 and 2007. James has also been consistent during his minor league career in keeping runners from scoring. In the last four years his ERA is a respectable 3.22.
James possesses a fastball in the low to mid 90mph range with an above average change-up and curveball. Command has been an issue with James in the past. With all those pluses and minuses, James will have the opportunity to make strides on the Triple A level.
Photo courtesy Portland SeaDogs
With the sidelining of Julio Lugo to injury, IF Nick Green will likely start the season with the Red Sox. But expect him to soon bring his versatility to McCoy.
Signed as a minor league free agent in Januray, the 30 year-old Green is another one of those veterans who can play multiple infield positions. He can also put in spot duty in the outfield and serve as DH.
Drafted in the 32nd round of the 1998 draft by the Atlanta Braves, Green has had Major League tours of duty with the Braves, Rays, Yankees, and Mariners. In 275 Big League games Green has averaged .240 with 10 homers and 59 RBI’s.
In 2008 Green played 112 games for Triple A Scranton-Wilkes Barre. He batted .233 with 12 homers and 50 RBI’s for the Yankees.
Green has made the most of his non-roster invitation to Red Sox spring training, impressing the coaching staff with his offensive and defensive skills. He will serve as the team’s utility infielder until Lugo returns.
Photo courtesy USA Today
