Player Previews: Mike Cameron

Today we will look at Mike Cameron. Much like Adrian Beltre, Cameron is entering his first year in Boston, and hopefully he'll provide superb defense in center. Ideally, the friendly confines of Fenway will aid to increase his offensive output as well. We will focus on his 2009 statistics, his career highs in parentheses, and a 2010 outlook.

Games: 149 (158 - 2002)
Average: .250 (.273 - 2005, career average of .250)
On-Base Percentage: .342 (.365 - 2000, career average of .340)
Slugging Percentage: .452 (.482 - 2006, career average of .448)
On Base plus Slugging: .795 (.837- 2006, career average of .788)
Home runs: 24 (30 - 2004)
Runs Batted In: 70 (110 - 2001)
Runs: 78 (99 - 2001)
Doubles: 32 (34 - 1999, 2006)
Walks: 75 (80 - 1999)
Stolen Bases: 7 (38 - 1999)
UZR/150* in CF: +10.3

*UZR/150 is a sabermetric number of runs above or below average a fielder is, per 150 defensive games. Zero is an average fielder.


2010 Outlook: The 37-year old signed on with Boston this offseason for two years and $15.5 million. We know exactly what we're getting with Cameron: he's been remarkably consistent at what he does and will bat right around .250. Most likely he'll belt around 25 homers and strike out a ton. He should slide into the lineup in the 7th spot behind Ortiz and Drew, so he should get plenty of run producing opportunities.

His presence in the outfield will allow the Sox to slide Ellsbury to left, which strengthens their outfield defense dramatically. Still moving well late in his career, Cameron's defense is the main reason he is here for this year and next.

Previous previews:
Kevin Youkilis
Dusin Pedroia
Jacoby Ellsbury
Marco Scutaro
Victor Martinez
David Ortiz
J.D. Drew
Adrian Beltre

That wraps it up for the Red Sox starting nine. The bench will be comprised of C Jason Varitek, UTL Bill Hall, OF Jeremy Hermida, and possibly INF Jed Lowrie.

In case you were wondering about Mike Lowell's role on the team, so are we. Once the veteran proves healthy during Spring Training, the Sox will likely look to find a trading partner for the aging third baseman.


Next up we will begin to preview the team's starting rotation beginning with ace Josh Beckett.