Last December, Sox Director of Player Development Mike Hazen released a statement to announce that the ultra-versatile Casey Kelly will both pitch 100 innings and play shortstop in a way that provides both the team and himself greater flexibility for the long haul, and help increase the likelihood that his professional career will ultimately progress at the position at which he is most valuable. Recently and similarly, another announcement was made that top prospect Lars Anderson will get a cup of tea as an outfielder when he gets promoted to Pawtucket some time this year.
What shouldn’t be taken from this is that Lars isn’t capable of playing first base full time in the major leagues. If that were the case, then Hazen and Co. wouldn’t be waiting until he hit AAA to test and see if he can sink or swim in the outfield. Rather, he’s probably going to be the best talent available come September and the first base position is blocked at the major league level, so it’s important to make him as versatile as possible for when that time comes. Also factor in the health issues of Drew and Baldelli, the Sox outfield depth isn’t exactly a strong point.
This was a move that was long expected by minor league followers. It isn’t one that’s unprecedented, either. A number of players, including Jeff Corsaletti, Chris Carter, and Jeff Bailey have switched positions when they’ve reached the AAA level to make themselves more valuable to the major league team. Boston is a tough team to crack into for prospects, especially if you’re only a fringe one at that. Obviously, Lars is not. So for guys like Chris Carter, who need to expand their availability to the club in order to stick, there’s Lars, who is simply being asked to play some outfield so they can get his bat in the line-up. He should at least play a passable left field and who knows, if he proves he can play as an above-average outfielder, it could make the Jason Bay contract extension talk moot.
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