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Sox, Cody Ross reportedly in talks

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January 24, 2012|By Peter Abraham

Cody Ross hit a leadoff home run last September. (Getty Images )

The Red Sox are reportedly negotiating with free agent outfielder Cody Ross and could have a deal done by the end of the night.

A team source says the Red Sox “have made some progress” with Ross today.

Ross, who turned 31 in December, is a right-handed hitter who has primarily been a center fielder in his career but has experience in right and left. A postseason hero for the world champion San Francisco Giants in 2010, Ross hit a modest .240/.325/.405 last season with 14 homers and 52 RBIs.

Ross has fared better against left-handers throughout his career, hitting .282/.349/.563 against them, although he hit only .234/.336/.362 against southpaws last season.

With Carl Crawford not expected to be ready to start the season and Mike Aviles in line to play more shortstop than expected, Ross would give the Red Sox some much-needed depth in the outfield.

Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury New reported that Ross is ready to pick a team today.