By Jeff Louderback
Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington has said that he wants to pursue free agent outfielders whose contracts will not hamstring the organization in terms of length while also adding players who will help the team cultivate a favorable clubhouse presence. The club believes it will accomplish both objectives by signing Jonny Gomes.
According to multiple media reports, the Red Sox are nearing a two-year agreement with the 31-year-old Gomes, who hit .262 with 18 home runs, 47 RBI and a .868 OPS in 333 plate appearances in 2012 with the Oakland A’s.
Primarily a left fielder whose defense is average at best, the right-handed Gomes mashes left-handed pitching. A career .284 hitter against southpaws, Gomes recorded a .974 OPS against lefties and belted 11 home runs against them in 2012.
If the signing of Gomes is completed, they could still pursue Cody Ross, who is another right-handed power bat who thrives against left-handed pitching. Boston is more likely to either acquire a right fielder via trade or free agency, or give Ryan Kalish a chance to win the position.
Gomes is likely to serve as a platoon candidate in left field for the Red Sox, which also need a first baseman in addition to a right fielder.
Probably too repetitive to re-sign Ross since he and Gomes are fairly similar.
In a way they are similar, but in a way they are not. Ross can play all three outfield spots while Gomes is limited to left field. Ross is a guy who can play in right and platoon with Kalish. Of course, Kalish can also platoon in left with Gomes. I still think there will be a trade for an outfielder.
I agree that a trade for an OF will happen. And I’m hoping that outfielder’s name is Alex Gordon.
Another difference between Gomes and Ross: Gomes is better at drawing walks. If his average is decent, the OBP should be nice. He might be able to handle RF and 1B occasionally.
Ross and Gomes do offer similar offensive options and IMO the big play on that is the potential nightmare for a left handed pitcher especially at Fenway.
Signing Gomes for two years is far less risk both for performance and financially.
Next up will be Napoli and that could cement 1B and catching and then comes the possible trades of a catcher, a few prospects and Ellsbury.
They still need some starters.