Thurston

FORT MYERS, Fla. — There’s a lot that goes into developing prospects at the minor-league level, and the Red Sox are one organization trying to corner that market.

Not only do the Red Sox draft well, they usually find a way to complement those youngsters in the farm system. The goal is to provide a true professional atmosphere for the up-and-comers, so much so the Red Sox have a keen eye as to which veteran players to sign to a minor-league deal. Sure, these types of players would rather be playing at the major-league level, but being a part of the Red Sox family isn’t such a bad thing.

It may not be pretty from the outside looking in at the Red Sox, due to their solid lineup from top to bottom. Basically, there’s not a lot of room in Boston. If, however, the Red Sox need an emergency call-up due to injury, there’s always that chance a well-liked, professional veteran player will get the call. If that does happen, it’s a good possibility a World Series ring could be waiting.

Enter Joe Thurston.

The nine-year pro only has 154 days of major-league experience, mostly with the Dodgers, but his work ethic, personality and dedication could give him a chance to play in Boston this season. The 28-year-old utility man had one of the most impressive camps for the Red Sox this spring, but there’s simply no room for him in Boston.

Thurston knew that coming in when he signed as a minor-league free agent last December, but he’s willing to take that chance with the organization that has won two World Series titles in four seasons, and is the odds-on favorite to repeat in 2008.

“I think I can be a good fit as far as the utility guy if someone guys down,” he said after yesterday’s PawSox game at City of Palms Park. Hopefully, “they see me as a guy who can fill a lot of roles as far as defense, hitting and baserunning. Whatever it is they need, I can fill that role. I think I showed them a lot this spring training with the bat and my defense, being able to play different positions. My goal this year was to show them if they need a guy in an emergency situation, this is who they want.”

When he was assigned to Pawtucket before the Red Sox left for Japan, Red Sox GM Theo Epstein told Thurston he was pleased with his efforts, on and off the field, during camp.

Most recently, the Red Sox have had players such as Bobby Scales and Joe McEwing in Pawtucket to serve as an insurance policy, while helping the prospects develop. Scales and McEwing were not needed in Boston last season, but Thurston knows anything can happen.

“Regardless if I’m a veteran guy or not, I feel like I’m a team leader,” he said. “If anyone needs help, I’m always there to help. Whatever I see that would help my teammate get better, even at the big-league level because I don’t feel like I’m any different than those guys, if I can bring something that will make them better, and will also allow me to be better, why not say something?”

A career .293 minor-league hitter in more than 1,000 games, Thurston has a .259 average in 55 career major-league games. This spring he swung a hot bat, showed brilliant defense in both the outfield and infield, and was well-liked within the tight confines of the Red Sox clubhouse.

“I just need to come down here, do my job and play the game that I know how to play,” he said. “If they see the way I can play, good things will happen.”

jmcdonal@projo.com