The Boston Red Sox’ interest in free-agent first baseman Carlos Delgado seems to have intensified after the 38-year-old worked out for Boston today, and Delgado could sign as early as tonight, according to The Boston Herald’s Scott Lauber.
While several teams have demonstrated interest in the former New York Met, the Red Sox could have the most pressing need due to a season-ending injury to Kevin Youkilis. Even as Mike Lowell fills in at first base against the New York Yankees this evening in the Bronx, General Manager Theo Epstein may be considering platooning him with Delgado.
Surely Boston’s general manager would prefer to make such a decision after this weekend’s critical series with the Yankees, but surging interest in Delgado could force him into signing the multiple Silver Slugger before he’s certain of the Red Sox’ playoff potential.
Should the Sox sweep the Yankees this weekend, they would be right back in the playoff hunt, but anything less could signal an all-but-finished 2010 campaign.
Limited to just 112 plate appearances for the 2009 Mets, Delgado still managed a 914 OPS in that injury-shortened season. During his last full season in 2008, Delgado hit .271 with 38 homers.
If Delgado brings that kind of production to the stretch run, he could come close to replacing Youkilis and keeping the Sox in the playoff picture.
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