The Boston Red Sox signed Jonny Gomes to a two-year deal worth $10 million. He represents a low-cost insurance policy on David Ortiz. Given Ortiz’s age and the major injury he suffered in 2012, Gomes can step in as the DH if something happens to David. He could also platoon if Ortiz returns to his 2008-2010 numbers against left-handers. Jonny also gives the Red Sox another option in the outfield.
Gomes’s OBP is okay, about league average, but he does hit the ball hard with a career isolated power of .211. He should bang some balls off and over the wall at Fenway.
Gomes basically replaces Ross on the roster for more money than Ross made last year. He fields LF like Manny Ramirez and can not hit RHPers. Given he is coming off a career year in a contract year at 31, the similarities with Manny may not be limited to his fielding.
He does kill LHPers and like you said, he is insurance for Papi at DH against LHPers . Expensive insurance though given LHPers start only 30% of games.