While the losses keep piling up for the Boston Red Sox this spring, at least there always seem to be some positive signs to focus on after each game.

Leadoff man Jacoby Ellsbury had 2 hits including a double for the Red Sox.  Brad Wilkerson and Chris Carter are both battling for a spot on the Red Sox bench, and each player came through with some big hits.  Wilkerson hit a solo home run, while Carter went 3 for 3 on the day.

Pitching-wise – Jonathan Papelbon through another 1-2-3 inning during spring play.  Young reliever Daniel Bard continues to impress – he pitched 2 scoreless innings against the Puerto Rico team.  Starter Clay Buchholz did not have his best stuff, but was able to limit the damage to just 1 run in his 2 innings of work.  Buchholz gave up 3 hits and had 2 strikeouts.

The Red Sox officially announced the signing of Brad Wilkerson to a one-year minor league contract down in Fort Myers today. He was also added as a non-roster invitee to the Red Sox spring training camp and has a good shot to make the team come April. With Mark Kotsay our for some time after undergoing back surgery a few weeks ago, and with J.D. Drew still pestered by a nagging back injury, the Red Sox will need another player who can fill in in the outfield or at 1st base in a pinch. Wilkerson fits that role.

The 31-year old Wilkerson played in 104 games for the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays in 2008. He batted only .220 with 4 home runs and 28 RBI’s, but he played solid defense at several positions – all 3 outfield positions and 1st base. His versatility is a huge plus for any major league team, including the Red Sox.

Wilkerson has played for 4 major league teams during his 8-year career. He has a career .247 average with 122 career home runs and 399 career RBI’s. Wilkerson is a very patient hitter with a career .350 on-base percentage – he has drawn at least 80 walks in 4 different major league seasons. He is only 1 of 4 active players to have hit for the cycle twice in his career.