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Opting Out of the ‘Kotsay Competition’

03.04.09 at 11:10 am ET

By Alex Speier

As discussed yesterday, there is currently a spirited open competition between Jeff Bailey, Chris Carter, Paul McAnulty and Brad Wilkerson for the role of the Red Sox’ fifth outfielder, a job that is vacant through at least the end of April as outfielder Mark Kotsay recovers from back surgery.

One additional item worth mentioning: both Bailey and Wilkerson have opt-out clauses should the Red Sox not purchase their contracts by specified dates. That being the case, here is a revised list of the contract status of all four players:

Bailey can opt out of his contract and become a free agent if he has not been called up by July 15.
Carter is a member of the 40-man roster, and so will remain under Red Sox control whether or not he is in the majors or in Triple-A.
McAnulty does not have an out clause.
Wilkerson has two outs: one on April 1, another on June 15.

Read More: brad wilkerson, jeff bailey, Paul McAnulty, Print | Email | Bark It Up! | Digg It

Jay

Chris Carter would have to pass through waivers if sent down no? Is that also the case for Bailey?
EP

Neither needs to pass through waivers. Carter is on the 40-man and has options, and Bailey signed a minor league deal after clearing waivers earlier this season.
http://www.weei.com Alex Speier

EP is correct – Carter has two options left, so would not need to clear waivers. So long as Wilkerson doesn’t use his opt-out on April 1, the Sox could assign him to a minor-league team to start the year, just as they can with Bailey and McAnulty, who are, like Wilkerson, signed to minor-league deals.