Red Sox Bench

The bench turns once every year for most teams, especially those who operate a Moneyball franchise.  The Red Sox are not immune to this phenomena.

1.  Fourth Outfielder:  The fourth outfielder's primary role is to provide a late-inning defensive replacement.The favorite is definitely Mike Cameron, who is the strongest defensively of the players assembled to compete for a spot and is guaranteed a large sum of money after signing a multi-year deal following the 2009 season.  His main competition includes Darnell McDonald (who may be the best fit on paper) and Ryan Kalish.  Prospect Josh Reddick is also competing for the role.  Long shot candidates include foreign imports Che-Hsuan Lin (Chinese Taipei) and Juan Carlos Linares (Cuba).

2.  Utility Player:  A utility player's strongest attribute is versatility, and his two most important positions are shortstop and second base.  The front runner is undoubtedly Jed Lowrie.  His main competition for the role is prospect Yamaico Navarro.  Jose Iglesias and Oscar Tejeda are also competing for the spot on the bench.  Long shot candidates include veterans Hector Luna and Drew Sutton, and minor league veterans Brent Dlugach and Nate Spears.

3.  Reserve Catcher:  The backup catcher's job is simple, to catch day games after night games, provide late-inning defense, and perhaps serve as a personal catcher for needy starting pitchers.  The front runner is Jason Varitek, who adjusted to a backup role last season and will continue on that path in the future.  He doesn't have much competition, but prospects Luis Exposito and Mark Wagner will try their best to make the team.  Long shot candidates include Minor League veteran Paul Hoover and prospects Tim Federowicz and Ryan Lavarnway.

4.  Right-handed bat:  The right-handed hitter off the bench will pinch hit and could possibly split time with DH David Ortiz against tough left-handers.  The favorite here is probably McDonald.  His main competition will likely be Navarro.  Others fighting to make the team in that role are Exposito, Wagner, Iglesias, Tejeda, Federowicz, Hoover, Lavarnway, Dlugach, Luna, Lin, and Linares.