Chris Cotillo @ChrisCotillo 21s
#RedSox have signed Ryan Roberts to a major league deal, according to @BHSCouncil
Chris Cotillo @ChrisCotillo 21s
#RedSox have signed Ryan Roberts to a major league deal, according to @BHSCouncil
Roberts’ signing comes a day after Boston placed third baseman Will Middlebrooks on the disabled list. Roberts possesses significant third-base experience — more so than possible Middlebrooks replacements Jonathan Herrera, Brock Holt and Brandon Snyder — and strong platoon splits against left-handed pitching.
As such, Roberts would represent an upgrade as Herrera’s platoon partner in Middlebrooks’ absence. Herrera is a better left-handed hitter than right-, and Holt also only hits from the left side.
http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/red-sox/content/20140407-red-sox-sign-if-ryan-roberts.eceThat Roberts was given a major-league deal suggests Middlebrooks’ right calf strain might require more than just the two weeks on the disabled list. Manager John Farrell classified the injury as a Grade 1 strain — the least severe on the grading scale — on Sunday.
The Red Sox will need to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Roberts. The team could move right-handed pitcher Steven Wright from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list to do so, as Wright figures to be out until May recovering from sports hernia surgery.
Corsi said:Can't be a good sign for WMB..
Yes, though if your comparing career numbers he is actually slightly better than Herrera against RHP as well (.672 vs. 667 career OPS)..SouthernBoSox said:He is okay vs. left handers with a carrer .785 OPS against them.
I'm expecting a platoon with Herrara.
http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2014/04/07/red-sox-sign-versatile-ryan-roberts-to-help-fill-will-middlebrooks-void/Per an industry source, Roberts will receive a $1 million base salary in the big leagues. He has no minor league options remaining.
Boston Red Sox @RedSox 53s
#RedSox today signed free agent infielder Ryan Roberts, who will be active for tonight’s game at Fenway Park, wearing No. 7.
benhogan said:Roberts definitely fills a hole now, but he has to stick around with no minor league options.
Maybe, and I just throwing this out there, its bad news on the Victorino front.
If WMB comes back in 2 weeks, then Roberts can replace Herrera.
Down the road we could potentially see a Nava/Roberts platoon in RF till Victorino is back?
Once again I'm just guessing here.
Red(s)HawksFan said:
With JBJ, I don't know that they'd be all that worried about Victorino right now. I think Roberts only finds playing time in the outfield in a late game emergency situation or if Sizemore goes down (before Victorino returns) and necessitates JBJ playing full time in center. But such a situation probably results in calling up Brentz or Hassan before Roberts gets handed even half of an OF platoon.
benhogan said:Roberts definitely fills a hole now, but he has to stick around with no minor league options.
Maybe, and I just throwing this out there, its bad news on the Victorino front.
If WMB comes back in 2 weeks, then Roberts can replace Herrera.
Down the road we could potentially see a Nava/Roberts platoon in RF till Victorino is back?
Once again I'm just guessing here.
Lose Remerswaal said:
For $1 million, if WMB comes back quickly and healthy, they really don't have to keep Roberts around any longer than they want to. Especially if it's not all guaranteed.
DennyDoyle'sBoil said:I have partial season tickets for the Diamonbacks so got to watch him a fair amount in 2011 and 2012. He's a fan favorite, and seems to be a good club house guy.
I think of him as a guy who doesn't hit that well for average, but has sneaky power at times. He's a very competent fielder -- reliable with an occasional web gem.
But my perception might not be too reliable on other stuff, looking at stats. I think of him as a patient hitter, but fangraphs suggests he's middle of the pack -- 3.868 pitches per PA in 2011 and 3.723 for 2012. I also think of him as a good baserunner, but again it looks as though he rates at only a bit above average. He bothers pitchers when he's on first, and will steal a base for you, but his attempts are lower than I would have thought.
Corsi said:He'll fit right in
Michael Silverman @MikeSilvermanBB 1m
Roberts expected in lineup tomorrow vs lefty. To be used in platoon. Not temporary call up. Does not mean Middlebrooks injury more serious.
rembrat said:So can someone explain why Roberts hadn't found a team yet and if this isn't WMB insurance why did the Sox wait until now to sign him? Really odd timing.
rembrat said:So can someone explain why Roberts hadn't found a team yet and if this isn't WMB insurance why did the Sox wait until now to sign him? Really odd timing.
DennyDoyle'sBoil said:
I believe that he was under contract with the Cubs until the end of Spring Training. I think he was probably expected to make the team, but it looks like maybe they went with a young guy (Olt) to be 3B platoon/utility guy -- it probably was imagined they would send Olt down given that he has options. So, Roberts hasn't been on the market very long.
yep. I'm wrong.Red(s)HawksFan said:
With JBJ, I don't know that they'd be all that worried about Victorino right now. I think Roberts only finds playing time in the outfield in a late game emergency situation or if Sizemore goes down (before Victorino returns) and necessitates JBJ playing full time in center. But such a situation probably results in calling up Brentz or Hassan before Roberts gets handed even half of an OF platoon.