Gabe Kapler signed a one year deal worth 2 million dollars with the Yomiuri Giants yesterday. Obviously, this means he will not be back with Boston in 2005.

While some would have you believe that Gabe Kapler was more instrumental to Boston’s 2004 success than Pedro Martinez, I am not quite so high on him. Still, he seemed to be one of the team’s more popular players and he was always very accepting of his role. Kapler excelled as Trot Nixon’s platoon partner and his superior glove and speed also made him a valuable item off the bench. Over the past two seasons, Kapler has essentially proven himself useless against righthanded pitching while actually quite capable against southpaws.

2003
Overall: .271/.336/.391
Vs. RHP: .233/.301/.353 (146 PA’s)
Vs. LHP: .326/.386/.446

2004
Overall: .272/.311/.390
Vs. RHP: .238/.294/.305 (175 PA’s)
Vs. LHP: .317/.333/.500 (130 PA’s)

In his notebook this morning, Bob Hohler wrote, “Kapler, 29, believes he could play professionally for as many as eight to 10 more years but considers it essential to prove himself again as an every-day player, Cohen (his agent) said.” I can’t blame him. Kapler is 29 and quite possibly the most fit player in all of baseball. He very well could play for a good long while if his skills hold up. If he can play everyday and improve against righthanders, he may very well net himself another long-term deal here in the States. Gabe’s stint in Japan may be the difference between Kapler retiring from baseball set for life and retiring needing to coach in the Independent League somewhere on the merits of his positive clubhouse influence - not that there’s anything wrong with that. But Kapler is sensible to take a sober view at where he is at in his career. A one year contract for more money than he would have received in the U.S. with regular at bats against lesser competition sounds like the perfect opportunity to resuscitate a career that otherwise was destined for one-year deals and 200 at-bats each season.

Gabe provided some memorable moments and his good looks will leave a lasting mark on, at the very least, the many lovely female inhabitants of Red Sox Nation. I know Johanna could care less that he couldn’t hit Mike Mussina or Tim Hudson to save his life. My lasting memory of Kapler will be his first two games in a Sox uniform in which he went 7 for 9 with 2 doubles, a triple and 2 home runs. After a start like that, he pretty much clinched permanent, undying support.

I have to admit, the overwhelming support for Kapler rankled me at times. I remember a game I went to in July where the Fenway crowd booed Mark Bellhorn and cheered Kapler. Still, he was a true professional, adored by fans and peers alike. I think everyone would like to see him succeed in the Land of the Rising Sun.