Mike Cameron: Goat

I may not be right about much this season as most of my predictions have bombed at this point, but there is one thing I was certainly more than right about: Mike Cameron was a waste of time and money for the Boston Red Sox. Cameron called it a season earlier citing an abdominal tear that has hurt him since the early portion of the season. This deals the fledgling Red Sox another blow at a crucial time when it appears they're trying to turn their season around and make the playoffs. Can Nava, McDonald, Kalish, and the rest of the scrubs crew get it done? My answer is yes--but by a miracle. That miracle of course, the Yanks falter(unlikely) or the Rays choke up(more likely, but still unlikely). One player doesn't impact an entire team as evidenced by the play of the Sox without Youkilis.

The problem is the Red Sox locked themselves into an unnecessary contract (2yr/$15.5M) with a limited range OF in his decline. Had this been pre 2007, Cameron would be the value he's currently being paid to ride the pine. Worse off is the fact Cameron has hurt since spring training. The Sox never thought, "Maybe we should cut ties now?" Manager Terry Francona credits Cameron with "fighting an uphill battle to return" and help the beleaguered Sox. Cameron did nothing in the first two weeks before injury and was less impressive in spring training. Nothing redeeming have I seen in him. Pedroia is doing more even though he's struggling to get back in the swing of things. Ellsbury in his short return did more. Youk stated earlier this week, "I'd love to return if we can make the post-season." Meanwhile, Francona and Cameron are worried about 2011. Cameron should be gone by 2011 and Francona and Epstein should be discussing a new OF.

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