The Red Sox are attempting to recover from a disastrous collapse in 2011. They have chosen to employ the band-aid method, retaining all of the players that were successful while attempting to patch up some of the holes which developed on the team last season. One area with a returning player is left field.
1. Carl Crawford: Crawford had a decent season last year, batting .255, although he didn't provide much of a punch at the top of the order and he struck out an alarming 104 times, compared to only 23 walks. So far his season this year is in jeopardy, as he underwent wrist surgery in the off-season and is expected to miss the beginning of the season, at least. The Red Sox are hoping that Crawford can recover his health and return to his Tampa Bay form.
2. Cody Ross: Ross was signed as a free agent from San Francisco in the off-season. He had a bad year for San Francisco last season, batting .240 and struggling in the spacious AT&T Ballpark. The Red Sox are hoping that Ross can provide good defense in the corner outfield spots and some right-handed power off the bench, possibly in a semi-platoon role with DH David Ortiz.
3. Darnell McDonald: The Red Sox brought McDonald back from 2011 to serve as the team's fourth outfielder. McDonald did not fare well last season, as he batted .236 in 157 at-bats. But McDonald will have bigger shoes to fill this season as he is expected to be the team's starting right fielder.
The Red Sox look okay in left field. Expectations on Crawford are still high, and even if he doesn't reach them (as they are a bit unrealistic) a decent average and more steals would be welcome. Ross has a ton of power and has been a good player in the past and could be a good bench player for Boston. McDonald is a good fourth outfielder, although starting in right field may be a tall order.
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