The 38-year-old Mike Cameron was designated for assignment by the Red Sox prior to their afternoon game against the Phillies on Thursday. Cameron was with the Red Sox for 1 1/2 years, leaving the fans with little to remember him by. His time spent with the team was unproductive and unsuccessful.
The Sox’ plan was to move Jacoby Ellsbury to left field and place the veteran Cameron in center with the intentions of mentoring the young Ellsbury. Both had 2010 seasons cut short due to injuries.
Coming into the 2011 season, Cameron knew his role as a platoon fourth outfielder. Hoping to counter left-handed pitching, he was to play when J.D. Drew, the Sox’ normal right fielder, was not in the lineup.
This season, Cameron batted .149 with three home runs and nine RBI. Some speculate his lack of production stems from his unfamiliarity with not starting. Cameron has been a starter throughout his career until this season.
With such a lack of production from the right field spot, it was only a matter of time until this move was made.
The Sox have called up infielder Yamaico Navarro from Pawtucket, but he does have some outfield experience, too.
Cameron was signed in December 2009 for $15.5 million.