Boston Red Sox to make use of Mike Cameron in 2011
It was highly anticipated that the management in the Boston Red Sox would have to deal with Mike Cameron heading into the coming season, following the acquisition of Carl Crawford. The 38 year old veteran, who has been part of the team’s line up was going
to face a trade option or a bench role in the coming season. Instead, he was called in by General Manager, Theo Epstein, and was told that his role was imperative to the club.
"Cam was really excited and the ultimate class guy and ultimate teammate," Theo Epstein said on Saturday morning when he introduced Carl Crawford Fenway Park. "He said, 'Whatever, whatever you guys need me to do to fit in this team, I'll do."
Cameron has been with the team for a long time and while he’s a figure expected to be less active next season, he has a quality that cannot be found in any other player in the Red Sox line up. Carl Crawford, J. D. Drew and Jacoby Ellsbury are all outfielders
who operate the bat with the left hand. The only person with the right hand hitting option is Mike Cameron. The veteran has a good batting average against the southpaws and in 2010, that value went up to .357. His on base plus slugging percentage goes up to
.866 against left hand pitchers.
The other additional attribute in the player is his ability to play anywhere around the outfield area. With Ellsbury out of the team with an injury, it’s logical to think Theo Epstein would want a veteran ready for a call in the back line. Red Sox would
be more than wise to hang on to the experienced outfielder as the season continues into later half in 2011.
"This role is something he can embrace and really make the most out of and have a tremendous impact on this club with all the left-handed hitting that we have," General Manager Theo Epstein said.
Cameron, however, provides one drawback to the Boston team. He’s an expensive player and his $7.25 million salary in 2011 would leave any manager wondering whether his role would be cost worthy. Nevertheless, he may be featured in the fixtures when the club
goes up against the south paws. It’s only logical to think his value gets an appraisal from the fact alone.
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