Mailbag: Did Stern boost his value?

03/13/2006
With Adam Stern performing so well for Canada in the World Baseball Classic, will his role increase for the Red Sox? -- Isaac B., Ontario, Calif.
I can assure you that the Red Sox won't make a snapshot evaluation of Stern's candidacy for the team based on one short tournament, as impressive as it was. However, there's a chance Stern will gain confidence from that experience and it will help make him a better player. Either way, Stern should see time with the Red Sox in 2006. Just how much is yet to be determined, though he does need 17 days of service time to fulfill his Rule 5 Draft requirement.
Is there any chance that Rule 5 pick Jamie Vermilyea doesn't get sent back to Toronto despite how full the bullpen is now? He's pitched well so far. I've been assuming he'd be shipped back, but a few more outings like the ones he's had and it would seem tough to do so.-- Steven G., Tolland, Conn.
Barring injuries, it's tough to see Vermilyea cracking what should be one of the deepest pitching staffs the Red Sox have had in some time. However, I wouldn't assume he will go back to Toronto. It is up to the Blue Jays whether they would pay $25,000 to reacquire Vermilyea. If they choose not to, the Red Sox could then try to sneak Vermilyea threw waivers, and if he clears, they could put him in their Minor League system. Stay tuned on this one.
How is Gabe Kapler doing? Do you think he'll make the roster? -- Erin M., Pembroke, Mass.
Kapler won't be able to start the season on time, either contractually or from a physical standpoint. Because the Red Sox released him and then re-signed him, he isn't able to play for the club until May 15. But the bigger issue is the rehab Kapler is undergoing from his ruptured Achilles. He hasn't been given clearance to run yet, though he is doing most other baseball activities. Kapler will do everything in his power to help the Red Sox as soon as he can. Just when that is, nobody knows.
What are the chances that Enrique Wilson makes the club? Would the Sox consider creating a roster spot for an official representative for Manny Ramirez? -- Grant K., Atlanta
Wilson definitely faces an uphill battle to make the club, because this team has plenty of infield depth. Alex Cora is on the team and Willie Harris also has a strong shot. And that is without even mentioning Tony Graffanino, who is likely to be traded, but remains in the mix until that point. While the Red Sox have always tried to make Ramirez comfortable, they would never compromise the roster of the club by doing so.
What do you think will affect the re-signing of Trot Nixon at the end of this season more: his health or performance? I find it hard to imagine him anywhere else, but it's always possible. -- Dave D., Enfield, Conn.
With Nixon, there's generally a good chance that his performance will be fine if his health stays intact. So by that line of thinking, his health figures to be the key to his success, and his chances of staying in Boston beyond this season.
Do you think J.T. Snow will be happy with his new role as a backup first baseman to Kevin Youkilis? -- Luke S., West Hartford, Conn.
I don't think the Red Sox are looking for players who are "happy" about being part-time players. A big reason the Red Sox acquired Snow is because they knew he would be professional about whatever role he was given. But, to answer your question, I think Snow will do a fine job off the bench. Youkilis can't help but learn from someone with Snow's experience.

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/