Red Sox spare part outfield options

Sep 29, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Rajai Davis (20) reacts after popping out on a bunt attempt during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Rajai Davis: 112 G, 341 AB, .258/.306/.440, 8 HR, 30 RBI, UZR/150 8.8, WAR 1.8.

Davis has long been a semi-regular, but at age 35 the right-handed Davis may be seeing a bit less playing time. Davis is traditionally a lead-off hitter using his speed as his main weapon with 322 career steals. The downside is a 2015 BB% of 5.9 and a K% of 20.5 and that is true throughout his career.

The defensive skills of Davis may not be of a Gold Glove caliber, but he is a capable defender who is usually in center field, although he has considerable career time at all three outfield positions. An interesting statistical notation is that after ten seasons Davis’ defensive runs saved figure is exactly zero.

One nugget that stands out in the statistics is Davis is a career .290 hitter at Fenway Park. Davis also pilfered 18 bases in 26 attempts in 2015 so his speed, although diminished, can still be a game factor.

Davis has never been the outfielder that one would expect to be a regular in Boston. The power numbers certainly would not justify any regular status and his speed may be lessened to where that very valuable part to his game – especially infield hits – start to depreciate. Simply put is if Davis becomes a regular outfielder in Boston your season is in a world of trouble.

Coming off a two-year and ten million dollar deal one would expect a substantial reduction in pay for 2016. For Boston, Davis would best fit as a one year bridge to see if the minor league prospects take a step up and to provide short-term backup in case of DL issues.