Red Sox add depth to the outfield by signing Cody Ross
The Red Sox have added some depth to their outfield by agreeing to a one-year contract with free-agent Cody Ross. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports first reported the signing and Gordon Edes of ESPN reports the deal is worth $3 million with built in performance incentives.
The Ross rumors gathered momentum today when the Mets and Braves were both reported to have pulled out of the running, making Boston the clear favorite. Ross now helps provide some much needed insurance for the Red Sox outfield that has seen Carl Crawford and Ryan Kalish forced to the sidelines. While Crawford is likely to return shortly after Opening Day, Kalish will be out until June. Ryan Sweeney and Darnell McDonald were said to be the tandem to cover right-field until Kalish was ready, but Cherington and the Sox obviously felt that Ross at the right price would be a better alternative. Having the former NLCS MVP hitting at Fenway will be that insurance.
Last season with the San Francisco Giants, Ross played all three outfield positions and struggled at the plate with an offensive line below his career averages. In 2011 his numbers were 240/.325/.405 with 14 homers and 52 RBI, below his career of .261/.323/.456. He’s played most of his major league years in a pitcher-friendly ballpark of San Fran, Miami and Dodger Stadium. Fenway Park will allow Ross to expand on his offensive skills and should see his numbers jump dramatically from last season.
The 31-year old has been in the bigs for 8 seasons, splitting time between five clubs, most noticably with the Giants where he won a World Series title in 2010.
Ross is said to be a “character” guy and brings a much needed leadership to the locker room, proving this club is once again heading in a different direction by bringing in Ross type players.
He’s tough on left-handed pitching, a much needed boost for a left-handed heavy Red Sox lineup. He provides versatility for manager Bobby V, allowing Carl Crawford to rest against southpaws by moving Ross to left field. For his career against lefties, Ross has posted the following line: .282/.349/.563. An upgrade to say the least.
According to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox will likely try to add another starting pitcher now that Cody Ross has been signed. Stay tuned, the Red Sox don’t appear to be finished just yet.
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