After an injury-filled season in 2010, the Red Sox got busy in the offseason. The organization went ahead and signed Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Bobby Jenks, Dan Wheeler and Alfredo Aceves to major league contracts. The Red Sox also extended invitations to pitchers Andrew Miller, Dennys Reyes, and Randy Williams to name a few. Because of the injuries last year, the Red Sox were forced to play a bunch of young prospects throughout the season. This season however, the Red Sox figure to be a lock for the postseason. As a consequence, there won’t be much room for these prospects on the 25-man roster. At best, there’s a chance for one of these prospects to win a roster spot.
The Red Sox had three minor leaguers in their staring lineup today against the Twins. These minor leaguers were shortstop Brent Dlugach, first baseman Drew Sutton, and third baseman Yamaico Navarro. The least impressive of the three was Dlugach. Dlugach, a 6th round pick of the Detroit Tigers in 2004, only had three at bats in major leagues before being released after the 2010 season. During today’s game against the Twins, Dlugach did not help his cause. He committed two errors in the game and grounded into two double plays. It’s safe to say that he won’t be on the major league roster anytime soon.
As the game moved along more familiar prospects entered the game such as Daniel Nava, Ryan Kalish, Josh Reddick, and Jose Iglesias. Although these players will probably not open the season with the Red Sox, they will certainly be the first ones to be called up if the club needs any help. Kalish, who pinch-hit for David “Big Papi” Ortiz, went 1 for 2 with an infield single. Kalish then scored on a two-run shot by Josh Reddick who pinch-hit for J.D. Drew. Last season for the Red Sox, Kalish appeared in 53 games, he hit .252, homered four times, knocked in 24 runs, and stole 10 bases. The aforementioned Reddick played in 29 games for the Red Sox last season. He hit .194, hit just one home run, drove in five runs, and stole one base. Reddick also played in 56 games with the Red Sox in 2009. Daniel Nava will forever be remembered as the guy who hit a grand slam on his first pitch in the big leagues last season. Nava finished the 2010 campaign playing in 60 games, batting .242, one home run, 26 runs batted in, and just one stolen base. Nava had only one at bat in today’s spring training game against the Twins; he grounded out to first base. Of all the Red Sox prospects, I was really looking forward to seeing shortstop Jose Iglesias. Iglesias figures to be the closest to winning a spot on the Red Sox. Iglesias, a Cuban defector who signed with the Red Sox in 2009, played very well in A and AA last season. He hit for a combined total of .295, no home runs, 20 runs batted in, and seven steals in 70 games. During today’s game, Iglesias went 0 for 1 but came up with a spectacular defensive play to secure the victory for the Red Sox.
Despite having one of the better lineups in baseball, the Red Sox rotation is not necessarily one of the top rotations in baseball. As of now the rotation will include in no particular order, Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, John Lackey, Clay Buchholz, and Daisuke Matsuzaka. Last year, only Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz had great seasons. The other three were either injured or ineffective. This year, however, there shouldn’t be much pressure on the rotation because of their star-studded lineup. But it is still important that the rotation remains healthy and effective to some extent.
As far as the lineup goes, the only question or uncertainty is at the catcher position. As of now the Red Sox are going with Jarrod Saltalamacchia as their starting catcher and Jason Varitek as their backup catcher. I’m not sold on Saltalamacchia being the Red Sox’s starting catcher. Granted, he hasn’t really been given a shot because of injury and other catchers standing in his way, but the most games he’s ever played in a major league season is 84 games with the Texas Rangers. In that season, he hit for a .233 average, hit nine home runs, and knocked in 34 runs. The captain, Jason Varitek showed that he could still handle the bat in today’s game against the Twins. Varitek collected two base hits.
The only way the Red Sox do not make the playoffs this year is if the injury bug hits them again. In other words, if the Red Sox were to just play about 80 to 90 percent of what they are capable of playing, they would still make the playoffs. The talent and star power on that team is too good to not only miss the playoffs but too good to not win their own division. Having said that, I’m sure the boys from Beantown will play their hearts out every game.
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