December 7, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Kelly to pitch full time
According to numerous sources, Theo Epstein announced at a press conference this afternoon that Casey Kelly has elected to pitch full time in 2010. Epstein indicated that he received the call just a few days ago, following a meeting with Kelly in Fort Myers last week. At that meeting, the parties discussed whether Kelly would resume his career as a full time pitcher or shortstop in 2010, a question that has been on everyone's mind since Kelly signed with the Sox as a two-way player in August 2008 and then split time at both positions in 2009. While the Sox brass undoubtedly preferred Kelly choose to continue his career on the mound, they ultimately left the decision to Kelly himself. Epstein expressed a great deal of excitement about Kelly's ultimate decision. In terms of what's next, Kelly will attend the Red Sox Rookie Development Program this January and will be invited to big league camp this spring. According to the Sox general manager, Kelly should see time in the "high minors" in 2010 and could work his way onto the major league radar in the next year or two. The question is whether the 20-year-old pitcher will start the 2010 season in High-A Salem or in Double-A Portland. Ultimately, that may not be decided until March.