Red Sox sign Kielty, Pave Way to Move Crisp?

The Red Sox made an interesting move yesterday in signing outfielder Bobby Kielty to a non-guaranteed minor league contract. The move comes as a bit of a surprise considering the Red Sox already have a surplus of outfielders with Coco Crisp currently holding the role of fourth outfielder.

The Red Sox bench now includes first baseman Sean Casey, backup catcher Doug Mirabelli, switch hitting outfielder Coco Crisp and outfielder Bobby Kielty.

Kielty endeared himself to many Red Sox fans with his solo home run in the 8th inning of game four of the World Series in Denver. It proved to be the winning run.

The head scratching aspect of the deal is where it leaves Coco Crisp. He was all but gone in the trade for Johan Santana had the Twins chosen the Sox offer, but when that fell through it left questions regarding his role on the team.

Now with Kielty back on board, it seems as though Crisp's days in Boston might really be coming to an end.

Crisp was the best defensive center fielder the Red Sox have had in recent years, by far, but his bat left much to be desired and he was eventually bumped in favor of Jacoby Ellsbury in game 6 of the ALCS against Cleveland.

The list of prospective trade partners seems to be headed by Minnesota, which lacks a true center fielder after Torii Hunter left for the Angels. However, they might be willing to stand pat and let recently acquired Delmon Young and Carlos Gomez duke it out for the position.

Another option would be the Texas Rangers who lost Gary Matthews Jr. to free agency last off-season and are left with Marlon Byrd and David Murphy as their only players speedy enough to cover the gaps.

The A's might also be a worthwhile suitor, though their dismantling (trading Nick Swisher and Dan Haren away) this off-season might lessen their interest in trading for a veteran versus letting their kids play.

The value of Crisp has likely less than it was earlier this year, as most teams with needs at the center field position have filled them with free agents such as Aaron Rowand--$60 million (Giants), Andruw Jones-- $36 million (Dodgers), Torii Hunter--$90 million (Angels) and Mike Cameron--$7 million (Brewers).

Crisp represents a much cheaper option than any of those mega deals at just $10-million over the next two seasons.

Crisp needs to be moved. He won't be happy here as an extra outfielder, and his talents don't warrant him getting the job over Ellsbury. He is a commodity and the Sox need to unload him before spring training. The last trade I remember being made during spring training of any significance, was, well, there aren't any I can think of.

And maybe this one won't be of much significance either, but in holding onto Crisp the team risks a Jay Payton situation. Payton was all too happy to come to a contender in exchange for Dave Roberts, but quickly fell into displeasure over not playing every day and had to be moved after multiple outbursts.

I don't know what the Sox can expect to get back. Honestly, Coco's value would probably be higher before the trade deadline with his speed and value off the bench or in replacement of an injured guy on a contender, but the Sox can't afford to wait until then.

The to get something for him and avoid placating him is now. Bobby Kielty is the team's fourth outfielder. All signs point to an early exit for Crisp.