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1.24.2004
Womack to the Red Sox Why the Red Sox would do this? I understand that there's a clause in this minor league contract that stipulates that if Tony Womack doesn't make the 40-man roster, he'll be free to sign with a team that'll give him a shot at a major league job and I understand this is a minor league deal (so there's not much risk involved)...but what's the purpose of this from Boston's standpoint? Womack can play three positions: shortstop (where Nomar Garciaparra does quite well), center field (where Johnny Damon is effective both in the field and as a leadoff man) and second base (where the Red Sox already have their fast, no-hit Pokey Reese, who is a better defensive player). So where does he fit? He's not a good enough hitter at this point to make the bench as a pinch hitter, and while he's an excellent pinch runner (he's been a high percentage base stealer his whole career), I don't see how the Red Sox can make space for him on the roster. A look at the Red Sox, by position: C: Jason Varitek 1B: Kevin Millar 2B: Pokey Reese 3B: Bill Mueller SS: Nomar Garciaparra LF: Manny Ramirez CF: Johnny Damon RF: Trot Nixon DH: David Ortiz Utility: Mark Bellhorn Backup catcher: Doug Mirabelli Backup outfielder: Gabe Kapler That's 12. I don't know exactly how the team is going to construct its roster in terms of numbers of pitchers vs. position players, but I would think you're now looking at one or two more spots, likely to be filled by someone or some combination from Brian Daubach, Terry Shumpert, Adam Hyzdu and ex-Yankee farmhand catcher Michel Hernandez. I guess Womack is now added to this list, but I have a hard time seeing him on the roster to open the season in Boston. So what's the point of this? Obviously, it's to a) deny Tony a shot to resurrect his career somewhere and b) to irritate me, who now has to watch his favorite player play (if he does in fact make it to Boston) for the hated Red Sox. Bastards. - |