Cody Ross, Right Fielder

I'm watching the first inning of the Red Sox- Rays game right now.  It seems to be almost like a "futures" game, since many of the considered starters aren't playing today.  The Sox had split squad day games yesterday and a night game Friday night, so they're playing with an almost skeleton line-up right now.  Even so, the Sox are up 1-0 because of a home run by Cody Ross off top Rays prospect Matt Moore.

To say Ross has been impressive during Spring Training this year is an understatement.  Prior to today's game, Ross has hit .450 with 2 doubles and 1 home run (2 home runs at this point).  He has a .500 OBP as well, which even with a small sample size is impressive. 

Of course, we can't put too much faith into what equals half of Spring Training games.  But, Valentine has started to make cuts and re-assign players, which means the 40-man roster players will be playing more often and longer.  Since Ryan Sweeney has been sideline with a quad strain, Ross starting to emerge as the more likely right fielder.

I know there's been a lot of talk about Sweeney and Ross platooning in right field, especially after Crawford rejoins the team around the second week of the season, but I think Ross will become the right fielder for the season.  Darnell McDonald, who has also been having an impressive Spring Training, is the solidified 4th outfielder.  I do think there is a place for Sweeney on the team; and who knows, Ross might cool and Sweeney may have an incredible year.

At this point, though, I think Ross will be the right fielder.  He signed a 1 year, $3 million contract with the Sox in the offseason, and he seems to be really clicking the the Sox players.  When he was signed, the MLB Network analysts were saying that Ross has the personality for the Red Sox, and he really seems to be like a good guy.  He's always smiling, seems to have a great attitude, and he will be a great asset for the team this year.

Besides, he is wearing number #7.  For years, we, as Red Sox fans, have been accustomed to seeing #7 in right field-first with Trot Nixon, then JD Drew, and now, Cody Ross.  It just seems to make sense.