One of Theo Epstein’s stated goals this offseason was to strengthen the upper levels of the Red Sox minor league system by adding talent from outside the organization in order to bridge the gap until top prospects like Casey Kelly and Ryan Westmoreland arrive in Pawtucket.
Although the Red Sox have yet to make a big splash this winter, they have slowly been focusing on the aforementioned mission. Boston signed veteran reliever Scott Atchison on Monday and will either join Boston’s middle-relief staff or serve as depth in Triple-A. Similarly, right-hander Ramon Ramirez (not the Ramon Ramirez who was acquired for Coco Crisp) was claimed off waivers from the Rays on Wednesday and will serve as reinforcement should one of the big league bullpen arms struggle or get injured.
But adding organizational depth on offense is equally important, and according to the Kansas City Star’s Bob Dutton via Twitter, the Red Sox are interested in former Royals first baseman Ryan Shealy.
Shealy, 30, made his big league debut with the Colorado Rockies in 2005, and is a career .271/.335/.429 hitter in 538 at-bats. He has excellent power, highlighted by his 26 doubles and 19 homers over that span, but also strikes out a considerable amount (148 times).
In the minors, though, the former University of Florida standout has been tremendous. Shealy has amassed a .311/.401/.569 career batting line over parts of eight seasons, and hit a robust .345/.454/.425 in 87 at-bats for Triple-A Omaha in 2009.
The Red Sox hope to ink Shealy to a minor league deal and likely will invite him to spring training if he joins the organization.