The name Cody Ross has begun appearing in pre-spring training columns. On Sunday, Nick Cafardo wrote: “I think Cody Ross will take the Red Sox’ right field job permanently once Carl Crawford returns. They need his righthanded power full time.” On Tuesday, Michael Silverman quotes GM Ben Cherington: “We think (Ross) can be an everyday player. He obviously hits lefthanders very well but he’s held his own against righties, he can play defense. If he’s playing every day we’re fine, and obviously he’s motivated to do that.”
The term “motivated” is interesting, since that was one of the big knocks on Ross’ predecessor in right, JD Drew. Ross, who was signed to a one-year contract by the Sox on January 23, has played for five major league teams, but did not hit his stride until 2007 with the Florida Marlins. In five seasons in Florida, he showed some power while establishing a reputation as a clutch hitter and above-average fielder, batting .265 with 80 homers and 297 rbi’s. Picked up by the Giants in 2010 after Florida had fallen out of contention, he starred in the NL Divisional Series, batting in the winning runs in two of San Francisco’s victories.. He went on to be MVP of the Championship Series, hitting .350 with 3 homers, 3 doubles, and 5 rbi’s. His homer off Roy Hallyday in game 1 was the first off Hallyday in 11 innnings, as he had thrown a no-hitter in his previous start.
Ross, like Drew, had a subpar season in 2011, but still had 14 homers and 52 rbi’s for the Giants. He will cost the team much less than Drew did, and has the reputation of being a clutch man (nickname: Ross the Boss), which his predecessor definitely did not. Since he hits from the right side, he is more of a threat in Fenway than Drew. If Jacoby Ellsbury could repeat his tremendous year and Crawford recovers from a disappointing 2011, the Sox outfield could do some damage.
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