Shipping Up to Boston: The Boston Red Sox continue to stay busy this off-season as recent reports indicate the Sox and free agent outfielder Jonny Gomes are close to finalizing a two year contract. Financial terms have not yet been disclosed.
Gomes would certainly offer depth to the outfield and is regarded as a leader throughout the MLB, both on the field and in the clubhouse. Gomes would also provide needed experience back in the warning track as he’s a 10 year veteran. He played well for the Oakland Athletics last season batting .262 with 18HR and 47RBI. Gomes is a career .244 hitter with 136 HR, and 411 RBI.
Fun Fact: Jonny Gomes has similar career numbers against lefties to that of 2012 Red Sox outfielder/ current free agent Cody Ross.
Gomes against left handed pitchers: .284AVG, .382 OBP, and .512OPS
Ross against left handed pitchers: 284, 353OBP, 575OPS
If nothing else signing Gomes for cheap (much like the Sox did with cather David Ross) will provide needed flexibility to the outfield for little cost. Also to be noted, the BoSox are still working to try and resign Ross. If the Sox could get Gomes and Ross, the outfield would be in good, possibly even great, shape for next season.
Final Thoughts: I want to hear from the Fenway Faithul. Who do you think the Red Sox should go after next? Should the Red Sox take a stab at a high-dollar free agent this off-season? Leave a comment below.
Boston Sports Blog 
Overall, I like where the Red Sox are going with the signing of Gomes, John Farrell, Butterfield, etc. It shows me that they are really trying to rebuild this team into a title contender once again. Even if they lack the big names right now, these players will grow and fill roles, well if the Red Sox can capitalize on player strengths.
A winning attitude is greatly needed in Boston, so I’d like to maybe see one big name player, most likely a pitcher, come in and help the Red Sox in some games this season. The resigning of David Ortiz is nice, and I hope he still has some gas in the tank to hit those home runs we all look for. Maybe one standout gold glove fielder would be a nice addition to the Red Sox. The Red Sox just need to find that new identity and become a team the fans can truly believe have a chance. I don’t know if it will happen this year, but I know Red Sox fans are pushing for a fantastic season with all of the changes.
-Darrik M