The Depth Factor by Jared Carrabis
Sox re-sign Kotsay, Lowell update, Buchholz on lock



The key ingredient to the Red Sox success in 2008 undoubtedly was their depth. Well, as far as the 2009 team is concerned; the bench has gotten even deeper.

With the additions of John Smoltz and Rocco Baldelli on Thursday, the Red Sox have agreed to terms with free agent Mark Kotsay to bring him back to Boston. Kotsay, who was traded midseason to the Red Sox to strengthen the Red Sox bench was a key contributor in Boston’s postseason run that fell just one game shy of their third World Series in five years.

The one-year deal is for a drastically cheaper sum of $1.5 million compared to Kotsay’s $8 million earned in 2008. The pay cut seen in his pay can be attributed to slim market that Kotsay was looking to find a job in as a starter. Kotsay will rejoin the Red Sox as the ultimate utility man filling in at both infield and outfield positions. The signing of Mark Kotsay provides Boston with a bench consisting of Rocco Baldelli, Julio Lugo and of course Kotsay himself. Manager Terry Francona will be faced with the difficult task of distributing playing time throughout his bench player because if you notice, these are all players used to being full time starters. Regardless of their previous roles, the trio provides the Red Sox with one of the strongest and most versatile benches in the game.

The Boston Globe had a chance to catch up with Red Sox general manager, Theo Epstein, in regards to third baseman, Mike Lowell. Theo reassured Red Sox Nation that Lowell’s recovery process is being taken very cautiously to assure that he will be in the lineup come Opening Day.

"He's definitely going to show up [at spring training]," Epstein told reporters. "His routine may or may not be readjusted a little bit. What we're looking at as an organization is what is Mike like at the end of spring training. We want to be smart about this and not rush him back out there."

Certainly good news on the Lowell front. It seems as though the Red Sox have a plan for Lowell and they are sticking to it. If the former World Series MVP can return to form in 2009 he will join a formidable infield full of youth, Gold Glove caliber defense and Silver Slugger worthy offense.

It’s also worth noting that the Red Sox still refuse to trade right-handed pitcher, Clay Buchholz. The touted Red Sox prospect has been coveted by the Texas Rangers for quite some time but Boston refuses to part with their young gun for a catcher or anyone else for that matter. In regards to acquiring Jarrod Saltalamacchia, the names more probable of being moved would be that of Michael Bowden or Daniel Bard.

-Jared Carrabis

Published on January 09, 2009

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