Red Sox Josh Reddick Experiences Several Firsts in 4-0 Win Against O's

Boston Red Sox prospect Josh Reddick experienced a handful of firsts in yesterday's 4-0 victory over Baltimore at Camden Yards. Reddick recorded his first major league game, the first two hits of his major league career and got his first shaving cream meringue pie courtesy of David Ortiz.

"I don't know how long I'm going to be here," said Reddick, in his post game interview. "I'm going to try to enjoy it, whether it's three days or three weeks."

Reddick, a 17th-round selection in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, started the game in right field in place of J.D Drew, who is nursing a sore right groin and will be out for at least the next few games.

"That was a nice little time. I enjoyed it," said Reddick, who grounded out in his only at-bat Friday night against the Birds.

"It kind of made my heart [jump] a little bit. I'm going to try to treat it like a normal baseball game. I know it's going to be tough. I'll just take a deep breath, relax, and try to do my thing."

Reddick is expected to start again in this afternoon's finale against Baltimore as left fielder Jason Bay exited last night's game early with a cramp in his thigh.

Reddick was batting .277 with 13 home runs and 29 RBI in his first full season with Portland before his call-up.

He spent parts of last season in Single A Greenville and Lancaster before getting called up to finish his season in Portland.

While with the Greenville squad in '08, Reddick hit .340 with hits in 12 of the 14 games he played. After his promotion to Lancaster, the wiry rightfielder hit .343 with 17 HR and 58 RBI in 76 games with the Jethawks. 

He was promoted to the Eastern League (Double A) where he struggled, hitting .214 with 6 homers and 25 RBI with Portland.

Soxprospect.com describes Reddick as a "naturally gifted athlete who can put the bat on the ball.  He's a contact hitter with a quick bat and very good present power. He has a sweet-looking uppercut swing...starts with his hands held high, then brings them low-and-up through the zone."

The scouting report explains that Reddick has "shown some resistance to the Sox disciplined approach, but his pitch recognition and approach have improved after some seasoning." 

In the field, Reddick has "above-average range to go along with excellent arm strength and outstanding accuracy.  Great hustle, always goes all out.  Reads the ball well coming off the walls.  Can play all three OF positions well, probably best suited for right field."

"However, some scouts have commented that Reddick has the range to be a full-time major league centerfielder."

Todd Civin is a freelance writer for the Bleacher Report. He can be reached at [e-mail] for hire or comments. He is a supporter of A Glove of Their Own, the award winning children's story that teaches sharing through baseball.