Defense, Defense, Defense!

Reading about the Kotsay issue brings up a rant I wish to make. There are legitimate injuries that most clubs will sustain over a long season, but there are also “hypochondriacs” who are too afraid of risk to be good players. When we saw injuries to Big Papi and Lowell, we knew they were real injuries, and could see these guys struggling to play even with the injuries. Then there are the JD Drews and others who ALWAYS seem to find problems to keep them out too much IMO. The sox would be better equipped without such liabilities, but unfortunately, they seem to have attracted a record amount of these either “hypochondriacs” or uncommitted players, again IMO. I believe this load of poorly committed “professionals” along with the real chance injuries that are bound to happen, will cause this season to be problematic.

Scouting Reports from SoxProspects:

Carter

 Extremely intelligent, Carter is a real student of hitting, and has demonstrated success with the bat at every level. Excellent power with the potential for more. Hits for average and consistently gets on base at a very good clip. Hits lefties and righties well. Below average speed. In the field, Carter has spent much of his career at 1B but was essentially converted to a full time leftfielder in 2008. He has always been known as a poor fielder. He has focused on his glove and footwork and has improved slightly, but still not enough. His arm is likely not going to be strong enough to play right.

Bailey

Bailey mainly plays 1B and corner outfield these days after previously spending a lot of time as a catcher. He is adequate defensively, with below average range, a decent glove, and a good arm. With the bat, he has outstanding power and strength. Good contact and plate patience. Slow on the basepaths, but runs intelligently – about what you’d expect from a converted catcher. Strikes out a little too much, but that has improved over the years. Has potential to be a versatile backup and off-the-bench bat at the major league level. Probably could start for a lot of small market teams. Bailey has been a team leader and model teammate with the Red Sox organization for five seasons.

Career stats from Baseball Cube
Carter:
Minors .308 / .384 / .519 .903 OPS (2351 At-bats)
Majors .333 / .400 / .333 .733 (18 AB)

Bailey
Minors .266 / .369 / .456 .825 OPS (3832 At-bats)
Majors .254 / .353 / .458 .811 OPS (59 AB)
[Note the very small # of major league AB for both.]

Finally, AGE:
Carter = 25
Bailey = 29

CHRIS CARTER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GET ON THE BANDWAGON

He is going to suprise some people.

Hmmm. . . . I can’t figure out where I’ve seen this before. . . .

Anyway, I think this battle comes down to who fills the role better. If they are auditioning for a DH/PH/5th outfielder, then I think Carter gets the nod. If they are looking for a reserve 1B, then Bailey probably gets it.

On the other hand, if they’re just trying to figure out who will help the team more, then Carter probably gets it by a hair.

Defense in this situation is completely overrated, it’s not like the guy is going to get enough playing time to cost us wins. Stop overthinking and just give the spot to the better player, and that is Carter.