Kotsay brought versatility to the Red Sox last year as a backup at first base and in the outfield. Wilkerson fills those same roles. He agreed Monday to a minor league contract with an invitation to Boston's major league camp.

Wilkerson could earn up to $2.5 million if added to the major league roster. He would get a one-year contract for the minimum of $400,000, and could make $1.1 million more in roster bonuses and $1 million in performance bonuses.

With third baseman Mike Lowell still recovering from hip surgery, Kevin Youkilis could fill in at that spot, making room for Wilkerson at first.

It doesn't take "a rocket scientist to figure it out" where he might be used, Wilkerson said.

First, he must convince the Red Sox he belongs in the majors after hitting .220 with four homers and 28 RBIs in 104 games last year with Seattle and Toronto.

"It was really tough," Wilkerson said of his start with the Mariners. "Then I felt like I got off to a pretty good start there in Toronto and then they made some changes and that's the way the business of baseball is. But I felt like I rededicated myself to training and working hard and getting ready for this season."

Wilkerson was an everyday player for three seasons with the Montreal Expos and a fourth season when they moved to Washington in 2005. He hit a career high 32 homers in 2004 but said he tried to lose weight after last season "knowing that (the Red Sox) might need some help there in center field to give Jacoby (Ellsbury) some days off."

Kotsay underwent back surgery late last month that is expected to keep him out at least until May.

"There's a lot of opportunity for me to get the necessary at-bats to compete and to contribute to this team in a lot of ballgames," Wilkerson said.

Notes:Manager Terry Francona said J.D. Drew "feels great," despite the right fielder's remarks Sunday that he has stiffness in his back from a herniated disk but no serious damage. "I'm not saying that he was misquoted," Francona said. "I'm just saying somewhere in between what came out wasn't exactly like he felt." ... SS Julio Lugo said he'll wait until the end of spring training before deciding whether to ask for a trade. Lugo, whose season ended last July 11 because of a strained left quadriceps muscle, said he is healthy. He is competing with Jed Lowrie for the starting job. "We're going to have to wait and see what happens" during spring training, Lugo said.