December 23, 200322 yr 12/22/2003 6:46 PM ET Kapler agrees to one-year deal By Ian Browne / MLB.com BOSTON -- Gabe Kapler earned instant fame among the Fenway faithful in late June, putting on a two-day explosion (7-for-9, two homers, seven RBIs) in his first chapter in a Red Sox uniform. In 2004, Kapler hopes to provide similar heroics for the Red Sox. The versatile and hard-nosed outfielder re-signed with the Sox on Monday, agreeing to terms on a one-year deal. While the Red Sox non-tendered Kapler on Saturday -- meaning he was technically eligible for free agency for a day -- they did so with the knowledge that they were on the verge of re-signing perhaps their most versatile reserve from last season. Kapler can play all three outfield spots at a high level and has a solid bat from the right side. Though he has been a starter in the past and had the opportunity to pursue that opportunity again for another team, Kapler instead chose a return engagement to the Red Sox, where he seemed to fit in almost immediately after being claimed off waivers by the Rockies on June 26. The 28-year-old Kapler will likely serve as the primary backup for Trot Nixon in right field and Johnny Damon in center. Both of those players are left-handed hitters, which means Kapler is likely to start against almost every left-handed pitcher, and will be mixed in against righties as well. With his speed, Kapler is also a valuable pinch-runner. Kapler hit .291 in 158 at-bats for the Sox, and is a .272 career hitter with 55 homers and 248 RBIs. The Sox have also come to terms with right-handers Jason Shiell and Edwin Almonte, both of whom were non-tendered along with Kapler on Saturday. Shiell rotated between Boston and Pawtucket last season, going 2-0 with a 4.63 ERA in 17 outings for the Sox. Almonte was claimed off waivers from the Mets last month and will compete with Shiell for a long reliever spot. Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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