February 3, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Wilkerson agrees to minor league contract
In a move meant to add more veteran depth to the organization, the Red Sox and outfielder Brad Wilkerson have agreed to a minor league deal. According to Tony Massarotti of Boston.com, Wilkerson will earn a pro-rated portion of the major league minimum salary if he plies his trade with Boston in 2009, with the possibility of earning up to $2.5 million through various incentives based on days on the active roster and plate appearances. Last season, the 31-year-old outfielder batted a combined .220/.308/.326 playing for Seattle and Toronto, adding 4 home runs and 28 RBI in 264 at bats while battling shoulder trouble. For his career, the former first-round pick of the Montreal Expos owns a .247/.350/.440 line with 122 home runs and 399 RBI in 972 games for Montreal, Washington, Texas, Seattle, and Toronto. He may start the 2009 season in extended spring training to continue rehabbing his shoulder, but if healthy he would likely start the season at Triple-A Pawtucket, where he would see playing time at first base, DH, and in the outfield.