Projo Sox Blog

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- George Kottaras will make his first major league start behind the plate Friday night for the Red Sox.

"I bet his heart is beating now," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona.

The 25-year-old catcher won the backup job during spring training over Josh Bard and will serve as Tim Wakefield's personal catcher. Kottaras proved he can catch Wakefield's knuckleball.

"I think George has really good hands to begin with," said Francona. "I thought he handled it, and again, it's been a pretty short sample size when you talk about spring training. This will be a good test for him tonight."

The Angels are a team that likes to run, especially with Wakefield on the mound.

"Regardless of who catches Wake, there are going to be passed balls and stolen bases," added Francona. "I think George has done a good job trying to learn Wake in a hurry."

It's no secret the Red Sox are looking for their catcher of the future and this season will be a good opportunity for Kottaras to show management he's the guy. He will also, from time to time, work with other pitchers in order to lighten Varitek's work load.

Kottaras, a left-handed hitter, who was a September call up last season, spent the year with the PawSox and compiled a .243 average with 22 homers and 65 RBI in 107 games.

 Tags  George Kottaras Jason Varitek Red Sox

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