Sean Casey Signs with Red Sox in a Reserve Role
Posted by redsoxstats on February 1, 2008
Theo Epstein brought in yet another great clubhouse presence in Sean Casey who will be used as corner infield insurance and as a bat off the bench in 2008. Casey will be able to play some first base early in the season in an attempt to keep Kevin Youkilis from fading in the second half of the season as he has done in each of the last two seasons. Plus, in the event of a Mike Lowell injury, you could feel somewhat comfortable with Casey at first base and Youkilis shifting to third base.
Casey’s power is pretty much gone at this point, however, he is still a good average hitter with on-base skills. He should also benefit from hitting the ball towards the Monster when playing at home.
It will now be interesting to see what happens with Coco Crisp. Casey essentially replaces Eric Hinske, but is not an outfield option like Hinske was. Thus, the Sox seem a little thin in that area. Brad Wilkerson, who spurned the Red Sox to sign with the Mariners, has the ability to play both first base and in the outfield, received a one year $3 million deal, while Casey signed for $800,000.
