Roberto

Petagine

Petagine would have been a terrific signing for a U.S. team a couple of years ago, but he’s now 33 and coming off his worst season since heading to Japan in 1999. He’d still be a nice pickup if he comes cheap, but the Red Sox already have three players with hardly anything in the way of defensive value. It might be hard to carry a fourth.

Petagine was overeager initially. After Edgar Renteria and David Ortiz walked with one out of the first, Petagine grounded into a double play on a 2-0 pitch. He then hit another fairly weak grounder to second in his second at-bat. His walk was important, as it followed an intentional pass to David Ortiz and preceeded Jason Varitek’s grand slam. After one more groundout, Petagine was removed in favor of Doug Mirabelli with lefty Jeremy Affeldt pitching. Whether Petagine starts again tomorrow figures to depend on Manny Ramirez’s status.

With Manny Ramirez sidelined, Petagine is playing first base and batting cleanup today.

Petagine is batting .333/.400/.556 with eight RBI in 18 at-bats for the Red Sox. With Kevin Millar approaching 200 at-bats since his last homer, Petagine needs to be Boston’s first baseman against right-handers even after Trot Nixon gets back.

We’re mystified by the decision to DFA Jose Cruz Jr., but if it means more Petagine, it might not be such a bad thing. At least until John Olerud returns, the Red Sox will likely use a platoon of Petagine and Gabe Kapler, with Kevin Millar alternating between right field and first base. Petagine should be picked up in AL-only leagues.

John Olerud played first yesterday. Tonight, manager Terry Francona has Kevin Millar at first base and Gabe Kapler in right field. With Jason Varitek out because Tim Wakefield is pitching, Tony Graffanino, who has grounded into three double plays the last two days, is batting fifth behind Manny Ramirez. We really thought the Red Sox were going to give Petagine a chance, but since he’s sitting now and Trot Nixon still isn’t back yet, it looks nearly hopeless.

It’s amazing that a team struggling as much for offense as the Mariners would keep a guy like Petagine strapped to the bench. He had just 18 at-bats in the team’s first 53 games.

In 2004, the 33-year-old Petagine hit .290/.413/.561 in what was easily his worst season since heading to Japan in 1999. It would have been very interesting to see what Petagine could have done in the States had he elected to return two years ago. Now that he seems to be on the downside of his career, there’s no reason for him not to stay in Japan.

He might not get a lot of playing time initially, but Petagine would still be a nice $1-$2 pick in AL-only leagues. He should be about as good offensively as Kevin Millar. This move would seem to eliminate whatever chance David McCarty had of keeping his roster spot. Also, there is only going to be room for Kevin Youkilis if the team goes with 11 pitchers initially.

It’s not a guaranteed deal, but the 33-year-old Petagine should serve as a backup first baseman, designated hitter and left fielder for Boston. Expect a .270-.280 average with good power. He should be one of the game’s best reserves.