Jan. 9, 2011
Yes, the site is called Real Estate & Red Sox for a reason, folks. It's just too much fun to stay away from. While my crying for the Patriots hasn't truly stopped yet (I'm still having nightmares about being trapped on Revis Island), I can look forward to the official start of spring. Pitchers and Catchers reporting. While many might think the Sox are set at all positions, the problem is they are a little too set. I think some surprises are in store for sure.
Shortstop
Marco Scutaro was much better than I ever thought he would be last year. Originally I derided him as a one year Toronto wonder, a plug in for a team stacked with offense. But I was wrong. He filled in for Jacoby at the top of the order, and did surprisingly well, with a .333 OBP. He played hurt. He played steady, if unspectacular defense. And yet, his play may not guarantee his playing time. Jed Lowrie, no longer injured or sick, took the bit in his teeth when Pedroia went down and impressed, with a .287/.381/.526/.907. Sure, it was less than 200 ABs. But you can't sit a .907 OPS for long. You just can't. If the Sox think they can get .850 out of Lowrie than Scutaro will ride the pine or get traded (.721 OPS, and he played hurt!). I don't think platooning is out of the question either. But this position, more than any other, may test Francona's diplomacy this year.
Centerfield
No, I'm not here to tell you that Mike Cameron is a threat for CF. He's not, Jacoby is the better player at this point, and as long as he doesn't break any more ribs he gets the start. He bats lead off, has something to prove, hits lefties and righties, and if that OBP keeps creeping up he's a star. The very least he's proven to be a everyday leadoff hitter who can change how defenses play when he's on base, and he's so fun to watch. That said, the signing of Carl Crawford in left (who will be playing everyday) really leaves Cameron without a spot - unless we're talking about a platoon in right, and at Cameron's age I'm not sure he'll want to, or be able to, play right. Then again, I'm pretty sure JD Drew can't hit lefties, so maybe there are enough AB's to go around. But I'm glad I don't have to tell Cameron his 200 gold gloves don't count on this team.
Utility Outfielder
If you weren't impressed by Darnell McDonald - a 12 year journey man in the minors who never had more than 200 ABs in the majors in one year - you, sir (or madam), need to warm up that heart of yours because it's cold. Frankly, his clutch play out weighed his stats, as it seemed he was part of a disproportionate set of winning runs. He reminded me of Brian Daubach, who caught fire one year and left the minors behind him. He played left, center and (sometimes a bit shakily) right. Despite this, the Sox's loaded roster may not find room for him, but no matter where he goes, I hope he plays, and has a chance to prove he can play everyday.
Catcher
Sure. The Sox are set with Salty and Varitek. Ahhh - no. The Sox strategy at replacing 'Tek is still a work in progress. They have decided to bulk up on catchers - they have veritable log jam in the minors - and hope one of them gives them the defense, the toughness, the smarts, and the offense that 'Tek did so admirably and for so long. Is Salty that guy? I hope so - but there's certainly no evidence to show for certain. Watching how much time Varitek gets will be a true referendum on the situation, week by week. The real battle, of course, will be in the minors, where the Sox have no fewer than 5 catchers who are all considered potential long-term solutions. It's not an insignificant issue - having a catcher who can provide a tough at bat is the difference between having a good lineup - and a feared lineup. It will probably also be the difference in a couple of AL East crowns as well. The way I see it, with Tampa reloading, and the Yanks, as always, with the big cash register, the team that lands the offensive catcher (and it's likely only one will) has the inside track for the toughest lineup.
Do Good Things Today!
Matt Heisler
