Red Sox’ Right-Field Search Should Focus More on Personality, Less on Big Names

by abournenesn

Nov 11, 2011

Red Sox' Right-Field Search Should Focus More on Personality, Less on Big NamesWhat's the biggest need for the Red Sox this offseason? A manager? A closer?

How about a little personality?

The team needs a new right fielder following the departure of J.D. Drew. It's a prime opportunity to bring in a big name to replace him, but that might not be the solution the Red Sox need right now.

Watching last year's Red Sox team play was frustrating at times. They often appeared too business-like. They looked as if they were just going through the motions on the field.

That's not to say that they weren't trying to win. Of course they were. It just didn't look like they were having much fun doing it.

The Red Sox didn't miss the playoffs last year because of a lack of production from right field. Their offense still scored the most runs in the majors without eye-popping stats from Drew or Josh Reddick or Darnell McDonald.

So why not roll the dice on a role player who might be able to provide a little levity? A little charisma in the clubhouse might come in handy if dark clouds roll in like they did last September.

Say what you will about Manny Ramirez, but when he was at his best, the man looked like he enjoyed playing baseball. You could see his enjoyment whether he was flopping around in the outfield attempting to catch a fly ball, taking cutoff throws or high-fiving opposing fans. Who on the 2011 Red Sox could you say that about?

Maybe Dustin Pedroia? But who comes next?

In the words of Rick Pitino, Kevin Millar is not walking through that door.

Even the New York Yankees know the value of some energy around the clubhouse. They had a potential opening in right field, too. Instead of pursuing a Carlos Beltran or a Grady Sizemore, they re-upped with Nick Swisher, a guy that isn't going to turn many heads with his .260/.374/.822 splits.

Swisher's attitude in the locker room is what makes him so valuable.

"He had an impact on the clubhouse," said one member of the Yankees in 2009, Swisher's first season with the team. "When I came over, this place was kinda dead, you know? I almost had to watch everything I said. I didn't want to upset anyone."

That former Yankee? None other than Johnny Damon, Millar's partner-in-crime during the fun-loving "Idiot" World Series run in 2004.

Theo Epstein may have taken his number-cruncher Carmine with him to Chicago, but new general manager Ben Cherington is sure to have his own numbers to crunch. The hope here is that this season, some chemistry finds its way into all those math equations.

Previous Article

ESPN’s Michelle Beadle, Colin Cowherd Bet on Patriots-Jets Game With Highway Billboard (Video)

Next Article

North Carolina, Michigan State Wearing Special Camouflage Jerseys for Carrier Classic (Photo)

Picked For You