--OF Mark Kotsay underwent back surgery in late January to remove a displaced disk fragment, a procedure that was performed by Dr. Robert Watkins. The surgery took place in Los Angeles, and Kotsay is expected to miss at least the first month of the season. Kotsay was signed for depth purposes to come off the bench and spell the outfield as well as first base, so the injury doesn't significantly weaken the club during the first portion of the season when the starters are still fresh.
--C Jason Varitek and the Red Sox finalized a one-year contract for the 2009 season with mutual team and player options for 2010. The signing of Boston's captain represented the final need filled by the club during the offseason and could be its final move with spring training right around the corner. "I think we're probably done. There is always something else that might fit as we round out our spring training roster and there's always trade discussions as well," general manager Theo Epstein told 850 WEEI last week. "I wouldn't rule anything out, but nothing is that hot or active right now." --LHP Jon Lester was the first Red Sox player of note to report to their Fort Myers spring training facility last week -- more than a week before pitchers and catchers are required to report to camp. The 25-year-old was eager to get a jump on his 2009 season and continue building on his 16-6 record last year, which included a team-high 210 1/3 innings pitched and a 3.21 ERA. "It's kind of a routine now," Lester said. "End of January comes, it's time to start packing up and heading down. It's something that I enjoy doing. I get used to being on the grass and in the sun. It's just nice to be able to get down here."
--1B Jeff Bailey was outrighted to Class AAA Pawtucket to make room on the 40-man roster for the signing of C Jason Varitek and then signed a free agent minor league deal with the Red Sox along with an invitation to major league spring training. Bailey hit .280 with two home runs and six RBI in 50 at-bats for the Red Sox during a handful of call-ups from the minors last season, and he won the International League MVP Award after hitting .301 with 25 home runs for the PawSox.
--OF Brad Wilkerson signed a one-year minor league deal with the Red Sox to round out their outfield depth. Wilkerson batted .220 with four home runs and 28 RBI for the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays last season while battling injuries and ineffectiveness. According to the Boston Globe, Wilkerson can make as much as $1.5 million if he reaches all of his contract incentives for the 2009 season. Wilkerson's signing gives the Red Sox more depth given the news that Mark Kotsay needed back surgery last month.
BY THE NUMBERS: 5 -- The number of Red Sox players who are out of minor league options for the 2009 season: RHP Manny Delcarmen, LHP Javier Lopez, RHP Wes Littleton, C George Kottaras and RHP Ramon Ramirez.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think (the Yankees) are going to get that player, because they just have a bigger margin for error than we do. I'm not complaining -- we have tremendous resources and so many teams look up at us and wish they could be in our financial position -- but in respect to the Yankees, history has borne out that they're going to get the player if they want him on the true open market, and that's fine." -- Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein, talking to 850-WEEI about Boston's mentality competing with the rival Yankees on the free agent market.
Play FOX Fantasy Baseball today
