Magglio Ordonez on Sox Radar

According to Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com, the Red Sox have shown some interest in free-agent outfielder Magglio Ordonez. In 14 seasons in the big leagues, Ordonez has a .312 average and an OPS of .883. The key for the Sox is that Ordonez is a righty, which would greatly balance the lefty-centered lineup thus far. After beginning the 2010 season with a .303 average, Ordonez broke his ankle in July and missed the remainder of the season. The Detroit Tigers and Ordonez seemed to be optimistic about signing a new deal this off-season, but nothing has come to fruition just yet, possibly opening the door for other clubs. This would be a great move for the Sox, who could use another anchor in right field and due to the injury and Ordonez’s age (36), the price would be fairly affordable. He’s no Carl Crawford or Jayson Werth, but he also won’t cost an arm and a leg.

Throughout Ordonez’s career, his power has come and gone, but he has still hit 25+ dingers in 6 seasons and 30+ 5 different years. Given the dimensions of left field at Fenway and the monster, Ordonez would fit in nicely and have a shot at 20+ home runs once again. Even if Ordonez didn’t regain his home run stroke, a .300+ hitter would be perfect to place in the 3-hole of the lineup as a table-setter for the big power bats behind him (Adrian Gonzalez, David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis). It would also allow the Sox to go left-right-right-left-right-left for their top 6 hitters, making it a match-up nightmare for opposing bullpens late in games. The best lineups in baseball also have a balance of speed, power and batting average hitters, which the Sox would have in that scenario. It’s tough to argue with that group of guys and their potential.

It is unknown right now if Ordonez is interested in coming to Boston or if his asking price is within the Sox budget, but he would be a great addition to an already impressive lineup. And let’s be honest, the Sox could use another long-haired outfielder…More to come as this story develops.