Welcome Back, Red
Our own World Series Game 4 homerun-hitting, outfield wall-hitting, troll doll lookalike (and I mean that with nothing but affection) will be back in the outfield for the Sox in 2008.
Bobby Kielty and the Red Sox have agreed to a (nonguaranteed) one-year contract for 2008, to the tune of $800,000 if he makes the Sox roster with up to $300,000 in incentives based on games played and at-bats. Bobby had similar offers from other (unnamed) clubs – but he wanted back on the defending World Champion roster.
Throughout the offseason I received a couple of similar offers but I really wanted to get back to the Red Sox. I enjoyed my time there. They like me hitting from the right side and I should see a lot of at-bats from there. (Manager Terry Francona) wants me to hit against some left-handed pitching.
The contract’s not guaranteed, so that means he’s not assured of making the 25-man– but signing a fifth outfielder also likely means there’s a trade for Coco Crisp in the works.
“I think their focus now is that Coco and Jacoby will compete for a job,” [Bobby] said from his California home. “I don’t think they’d tell me anything of their plans but I think even with Coco there, I’d still get right-handed at-bats against left-handed pitching.”
Total wishful thinking – but a Crisp for Taylor Teagarden trade would be great. I’d love to get Jarrod Saltalamacchia, but that ain’t happening – and Teagarden would fulfill the catching prospect role we need badly. I don’t think the Rangers are necessarily in the market for a CF, though – so it would take some serious wheeling and dealing.
I can’t be the only one who is over the moon about this. Yay! I love a B.Kielty!
At a minimum, we needed him to fill our quota of gingers on the team.
I am completely ecstatic. I’m quite (um, overly) fond of Bobby’s One Home Run in the WS. I also love his bright, bright red hair.
Me = sucker for redheads.
That’s great! Bobby was great with the Sox this year, and he’s not bad on the eyes either.
Great news! He’s one of those bit players ya always hope will get the chance to make some noise. Loved his WS HR.