Kapler remains in Sox's plans

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

By KEVIN THOMAS, Staff Writer

The unofficial word out of Boston is that Kapler has either signed a minor-league contract with the Red Sox, or will soon. Kapler, 30, was once thought to be out for the 2006 season after rupturing his left Achilles' tendon last September. But he may make it back after all.

Kapler, one of the most physically fit players in baseball, is scheduled to report to Fort Myers, Fla., for spring training, although he will be there strictly on a rehab basis. When Kapler will put a bat in his hands is not known.

Of course, the signing of Kapler isn't big news, especially with the Red Sox relieved by the addition of center fielder Coco Crisp. But Kapler's tangibles the way he hits left-handed pitching, his fielding and his ultra-positive presence in the clubhouse may come in handy if he can return this summer.

For now, Boston's primary options as backup outfielders are two major leaguers who signed minor-league contracts Willie Harris (from the White Sox) and Dustan Mohr (from the Rockies). There is also Adam Stern, who figures to spend most of the year at Triple-A Pawtucket, though he'll be with the Red Sox for the first few weeks of the season to fulfill his obligation as a Rule 5 draft pick after being hurt much of last season.

Maybe when Kapler is ready to play, he will get a rehab gig in Portland. The Sea Dogs like to claim Kapler as an alumnus, because he played one game with Portland on a conditioning stint after he signed with the Red Sox in the middle of the 2003 season.

Kapler stayed with Boston through 2004. He started 2005 in Japan, but returned to the Red Sox last July. FEW PROSPECTS? The latest Baseball America Handbook just came off the presses, listing the top 30 prospects in each organization. Last year, the Red Sox chapter was full of Portland Sea Dogs.

Of Boston's top 30 prospects this year, perhaps five or six will be in Portland, starting with outfielder Brandon Moss (ranked No. 14), who will likely return for a second season. Moss, listed as the No. 2 prospect a year ago, batted .268 for the Sea Dogs with 16 home runs and 129 strikeouts.

Reliever Edgar Martinez, who has made better-than-expected progress after he gave up catching, is ranked 15th. Martinez was called up to Portland late last year and looked good in his 15 appearances, posting a 1.50 ERA. He will likely be Portland's closer.

Starting pitcher David Pauley is No. 16. He put in a solid year in Portland, going 9-7 with a 3.81 ERA, but he is only 22 and may start the season back with the Sea Dogs.

If outfielder Jeff Corsaletti (No. 19) comes to Portland, it will be a big jump for the sixth-round draft pick last year out of the University of Florida. Corsaletti skipped the short-season league and opened in lower Class A, where he batted .357 in 59 games.

Starting pitcher Jose Vaquedano (No. 22) went 8-7 with a 3.75 ERA in advanced Class A last season, with 117 strikeouts in 146 innings. His promotion should be automatic.

Third baseman Andrew Pinckney (No. 30) stayed in lower Class A last season, but he put up some of the best numbers in the Red Sox system .311 average, 21 home runs and 98 RBI. He has a shot at being in Portland in April. DIME A DEGREE: Early-season weeknight games are not overly popular at Hadlock Field, so the Sea Dogs are trying to spice things up for a home game on Monday, May 1. From now until Feb. 10, tickets for that game will be priced according to the temperature a dime for every degree.

If the temperature is a balmy 50 degrees on the day you buy a ticket, the cost is $5. If it is only five degrees, then 50 cents will do.

The Sea Dogs did not say what they would do if the thermometer reads below zero. How about a free cup of hot chocolate?

Staff Writer Kevin Thomas can be contacted at 791-6411 or at: kthomas@pressherald.com

To top of page