One-Year Wonder Pt. 12: Jim Leyritz

Every once in awhile, the Red Sox pick up a veteran player for a year, or just the stretch run that was a star at one point that I become fascinated with. It's a player that is basically only a role player at that point in their career, but may show flashes of their old brilliance. It's so unusual to see them as a member of the Red Sox, that I try to find as many of their cards as possible. This series will be about some of those players.
JIM LEYRITZ
I liked Jim Leyritz and was excited when he was acquired. Leyritz was acquired in a trade with the Rangers along with Damon Buford for Aaron Sele, Mark Brandenburg, and Bill Haselman.

Leyritz was initially going to platoon at catcher with Scott Hatteberg and DH with Reggie Jefferson. The emergence of Jason Varitek and the good year by Reggie Jefferson limited his playing time though and he complained his way into a trade to San Diego.

It was unfortunate though, because Leyritz was having a great year. He hit .287/.385/.519/.904 in 52 games with eight home runs and 24 RBIs. Leyritz also played at first base.

Leyritz was traded in June for Carlos Reyes, Dario Veras, and Mandy Romero. Reyes was a decent bullpen arm, but neither of the other two did anything of consequence.