MVN: Most Valuable Network

With Coco's departure, the Red Sox are in the market for a fourth outfielder. Ryne took a look at some possible candidates at Fire Brand of the AL last week.

But the Sox have more than one spot on the bench to fill with Alex Cora, Mark Kotsay, and Sean Casey all currently testing the free agent market. FBoAL regular Gerry suggested taking a look at the options for the other bench spots, so I thought I'd do just that.

Over the next week or so, I'll take a look at a few internal and external candidates for the 1B/OF and utility IF spots on the Red Sox roster. The lists below will become active links as the posts are written.

Some of you may be saying "Only a crazy Red Sox fan would bother to write an analysis of the open bench spots on their team." But any Sox fan will be quick to remind you that having a quality player at roster spot number 25 can be just as important as your ace or clean up hitter.

With Mike Lowell and Sean Casey nursing injuries, Mark Kotsay surprised us with his versatility, making some stellar defensive plays at first base in the 2008 playoffs. Jed Lowrie made us forget that there has been a revolving door at short stop since Nomar left. And veterans like Cora and Casey can be key members of a clubhouse, especially when its full of talented youngsters like we have hear in Boston.

So who will be manning the bench in 2009? I've listed three options for both positions below. If you've got a suggestion that you don't see listed below, leave a comment and we'll make sure to add it to the discussion.

Keep in mind, we're simply looking at the options here, so have fun and roll with it.

First Base/ Outfield - Click the link to read the breakdown on that player.

Jeff Bailey (Pawtucket)
Mark Kotsay (FA)
Ty Wigginton (FA)
Kevin Millar (FA)
Eric Hinske (FA) 

Utility infielder - Click the link to read the breakdown on that player.