Red Sox Right Fielder

RF Trot Nixon put in over a decade with the Red Sox and was a fan favorite.  Although he had some good years, he was - by and large - only an average player.  When his career derailed due to injuries and diminishing performance the Red Sox moved on in right field.

1.  J. D. Drew:  Drew was signed as a free agent after the 2006 season and has been relatively healthy since joining Boston (at least considering his past injury history).  Last season he hit 22 home runs and had 68 runs batted in.  Drew should provide another 20-homer season for Boston and be a good source of left-handed power in the middle of their lineup.  His defense isn't great anymore but he'll get by in Fenway Park easily enough.

2.  Darnell McDonald:  McDonald was one of the players pressed into service due to injury last season.  Unlike most of the others, he more or less became an everyday player for Boston, hitting .270 in 319 at-bats and doing a pretty good job of filling in along the way.  He can play all three outfield positions and has a good shot to make the team as a fourth outfielder or as a reserve outfielder/right handed compliment to DH David Ortiz.

3.  Ryan Kalish:  Kalish was one of the many outfielders called up from the Minors to fill in for OF Jacoby Ellsbury and CF Mike Cameron last season.  He performed well in his rookie campaign, batting .252 with 10 stolen bases in 53 games.  Kalish can play all three outfield positions and has a pretty good shot to make the team as a fourth outfielder.

4.  Josh Reddick:  Reddick was recalled late last season and given a look at the Major League level.  Considered a top prospect by Boston, Reddick has yet to live up to his potential at any level.  He played center in the Minors, but the BoSox don't see him playing anywhere but right in the Majors.  He should be ready to take the next step to the Majors, but he's blocked by Drew and hasn't performed well enough to warrant a longer look.  Last season he batted .194 in 62 at-bats.

The Red Sox look pretty good in right field.  Drew never developed into a star and his best days are behind him, but he's still a good source of lefty power.  McDonald and Kalish are good options as reserves.  Reddick is a top prospect who's waiting for his opportunity at Pawtucket.