FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Not the typical transaction path: cut from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, join the Boston Rex Sox at minor league camp.
But linebacker and would-be outfielder Brandon Magee is a confident enough athlete that he’s sought two-sport advice from Bo Jackson.
“Just told me to stay humble and try to keep working hard and outwork everybody out here,” Magee said, adding that the former superstar running back and outfielder told him he needs to get more flexible.
The 24-year-old participated in Red Sox camp last year but did not play in any games and has yet to play a spring training game this year. He was cut from the Bucs last week, then reported to the Red Sox a day later. He had seven tackles in nine games last year.
Magee said he’s curious to see what he can do if he focuses fully on baseball. He’s at Red Sox camp to try to be successful and make the most of the opportunity, he said.
“I’m not scared of anything,” Magee said. “I’m ready to go right now. … I’m going to keep grinding at it. I’m going to succeed.”
He played three seasons with Arizona State and was drafted in the 23rd round of the 2012 draft by Boston. He hit .103 over 27 games across three seasons with the Sun Devils.
He says he’s not sure whether he’ll play baseball or football this year.
“As of right now I don’t even know what I’m going to do next week,” he said. “I’m just taking it day by day and see where it goes.”
Magee’s agent Blake Baratz told profootballtalk.com (http://bit.ly/1HYnb5h ) that despite being at Red Sox camp, Magee is committed to playing in the NFL and ready to sign with a team as soon as possible.
Red Sox get Leon from Nats for cash considerations
WASHINGTON — Catcher Sandy Leon has been traded to the Boston Red Sox by the Washington Nationals for cash considerations.
The deal was announced Monday.
Leon was the third catcher on Washington’s depth chart, behind starter Wilson Ramos and main backup Jose Lobaton.
In 34 major league games with the Nationals over the past three seasons, Leon hit .189 with three doubles, one homer and five RBIs. He is a career .236 batter in the minors.
The Red Sox said Leon will be assigned to major league camp. They put catcher Christian Vazquez on the 60-day disabled list with a right elbow sprain, a move that made room for Leon on the 40-man roster.
Vazquez hit .240 with nine doubles, one homer and 20 RBIs in 55 games for Boston last season.
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