Mark Kotsay, after undergoing back surgery in the beginning of January shortly after signing a new one-year deal with the Red Sox, will be out of the lineup until at least the beginning of May. His versatility, what made him so attractive to the Sox in the first place, also causes a slight problem for the Red Sox. As I wrote yesterday in Too Many Boys (my apologies to Brad Wilkerson for leaving him off the list - and my thanks to him for reminding me with a grand slam to help beat the Pirates today, 15-14), roster space in Boston is rather tight these days. The Sox would be well-served if they could find a replacement for Kotsay who could first base as well as outfield.
Enter Jeff Bailey. The 30-year-old Bailey could be described as a lifetime minor leaguer, having played only thirty major league games in his 11-year professional career, all but three of those games coming in 2008. He’s done a respectable job in his limited opportunities in the bigs, batting .280 and slugging .460 in 50 at-bats in 2008. Although Bailey will never be a Gold Glove caliber in the field, he is dependable, making the routine plays while astounding no one with his range. He throws well, though, and his bat has always been his strong point. This spring he has batted an astonishing .524 and slugging .714. How’s that for convincing?
Bailey will never be an every-day player for the Sox, but his reputation - like Kotsay’s - is that of a consummate professional which will complement the Sox clubhouse. After eleven years in the minor leagues, his bat and professionalism have earned him a shot at the majors. He is the perfect fill-in for Kotsay: a strong bat and versatility in the field. Brad Wilkerson and Chris Carter are also making convincing cases for their place on the 25-man roster, but Carter is still young and Wilkerson has had extended time in the majors, something which Bailey may never have if he remains with the Sox. While all three players can play outfield, Bailey is the only one who has any experience at first base, one position where the Sox are a bit thin, having no real replacement should Youkilis get injured to need to fill in for Lowell at third base.
Let’s give Bailey a shot. The 2009 season is going to be about putting the right pieces in the puzzle at the right time, with so many capable players and so many potential injuries. What do you think? Should Bailey be given a shot to prove what he can do, even if only for a month? Or should Kotsay’s job be given to a player like Carter or Wilkerson who may have a greater potential to help the Red Sox long term?
