Projected PawSox 2009- Paul McAnulty

One of the many veteran off-season moves by the Red Sox expected to make an impact in Pawtucket is that of outfielder Paul McAnulty.

The 28 year-old lefthanded hitting McAnulty was signed this past November as a minor league free agent after spending the first seven years of his professional career in the Padres organization.

Considered a solid hitter with average power, McAnulty spent parts of the last four seasons with the Padres.  In a total of 124 Big League games with San Diego McAnulty has batted .208 with 5 home runs and 21 RBI’s.

His call-ups to the Padres appeared warranted as McAnulty has put up some impressive numbers in the minor leagues.  Over his last four seasons in Triple A Portland of the Pacific Coast League, McAnulty has batted .315 with a total of 42 home runs and 187 RBI’s in 279 games.

McAnulty primarily plays left field and has had spots at first and third base as well as DH.  Scouts say McAnulty has a below average outfield arm and is considered slow on the base paths.

Expect McAnulty to get a considerable amount of playing time in McCoy’s left field, sharing that spot with Chris Carter.  He will also likely see time in the DH spot.

Photo courtesy sandiego.com