Red Sox Sign Infielder After Stellar Season In Yankees Farm System
Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow appears to be intrigued by the New York Yankees farm system after poaching the organization for the third time in a matter of a week or so.
The Red Sox continue to stockpile for Yankees' prospects and have now just added the most enticing bat of their haul.
Infielder Jamie Westbrook was one of seven players to receive a non-roster invite to spring training on Monday.
The 28-year-old hit .294 with 41 extra-base hits including 21 home runs, 81 RBIs and a .897 OPS in 117 games for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last season.
He flashed some serious pop while getting on base consistently. If his bat translates to the big leagues, the Red Sox could have a diamond in the rough on their hands. We've seen many Four-A types in recent years that struggle at the highest level and dominate Triple-A -- but we haven't seen which side of the fence Westbrook falls on.
Westbrook spent the majority of his career at second base but has a considerable amount of time played in left field as well. He's sprinkled in time at third base, first base and shortstop along the way.
The Red Sox need as much second base depth as possible and Westbrook appears to be a solid option to start with Triple-A Worcester and potentially earn a spot on the roster down the road.
Westbrook joins a plethora of Yankees added this winter. Right-handed pitchers Richard Fitts, Greg Weissert and Nicholas Judice came over in the Alex Verdugo trade. One day later Boston added former Yankees catching prospect Mickey Gasper in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 Draft.
Now Westbrook joins the surge of former rivals joining the organization.
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