Projo Sox Blog

Backup catcher George Kottaras has been taking ground balls at third base lately, ensuring that in the emergency to end all emergencies, he could step in at third base if needed.

In a lengthy game during an injury-marred stretch earlier this year, Terry Francona almost needed an emergency player to man the shortstop position. His two options were outfielder Rocco Baldelli and Kottaras. He asked Kottaras if he could play short. Kottaras looked back, wide-eyed.

The team was equally light on infielders this week, with Dustin Pedroia and Julio Lugo both leaving the team for personal reasons. If Kottaras is forced into emergency infield action at any point this year, Francona wants to make sure he had a decent foundation.

"It isn't something we would do to pinch run and try to win the game. Just we had gotten a little thin a few days ago," Francona said.

"Just make sure that if the worst ever happened, we would put somebody out there, at least he had taken some grounders," Francona added.

Baldelli has also been taking ground balls at first base this week.

 Tags  Boston Red Sox Dan Barbarisi George Kottaras rocco baldelli

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