It would be easy to dismiss Jose Iglesias as Boston’s long-term answer at shortstop since he is batting just .067 (2-for-30) in his first taste of semi-regular playing time at the Major League level. Judging Iglesias solely on that sample size, though, would be a mistake.
Iglesias has already made an array of dazzling plays in the field during his short stint with the Red Sox. Some scouts have said he would already be the best defensive shortstop among starters in the majors if he was a regular in the lineup. Though he has been in the Red Sox farm system since 2009 (when he signed as an international free agent and debuted in the Arizona Fall League), Iglesias is still just 22.
Possessing no power at the plate, Iglesias is never going to be a run producer. It is a matter of whether his Major League hitting numbers resemble fellow Cuban Rey Ordonez (who had a .246 career average over nine Major League seasons) or Omar Vizquel (a career .272 hitter over 24 big league seasons). Considering Iglesias’ exceptional defensive skills, the Red Sox would likely be ecstatic if he hit between .240 and .250.
Over parts of three minor league seasons, Iglesias has a .264 average with two home runs in 979 at-bats. The Red Sox were pleased with his improved and more patient plate approach this season. Iglesias batted .266 with a .318 on-base percentage in 353 at-bats at Pawtucket this year compared to .235 and a .285 OBP in 357 at-bats for the PawSox in 2011.
Iglesias is not the only highly regarded shortstop in the Red Sox system. Xander Bogaerts, who is just 19, was Boston’s 2012 Minor League Offensive Player of the Year at was impressive at Double-A Portland. There are questions about whether he can remain at shortstop for the long term, or if his growing body will require a move to third base or the outfield. Bogaerts at third base and perhaps Will Middlebrooks at first base would give the Red Sox two potent middle-of the-order bats.
The Red Sox also have Jose Vinicio (who has drawn comparisons to Jose Reyes) and 2012 first round pick Deven Marrero (a defensively sound shortstop out of Arizona State University who is a line drive hitter) at the Single-A level, and the team is understandably high on both.
Since the Red Sox have just $46-plus million in salary commitments for 2013, and a need to add a big bat after the trade of Adrian Gonzalez, speculation has started that the team could acquire a young player entering his prime like Colorado’s Troy Tulowitzki, who is a shortstop. If that happens this off-season, then Bogaerts will undoubtedly be moved to another position, and Iglesias would either be shopped or transitioned into a utility player.
Just as Manny Ramirez could roll out of bed and hit, Iglesias can fall on the floor out of bed, ignore the “sleep” in his eyes and still make better plays than most Major League shortstops. A team that has a loaded lineup could afford to have Iglesias in the No. 9 hole with a .245 average. It is just a matter of if he can hit enough to reach .245.
The thing is that he isn’t the only guy with a sub-.300 OBP. Both of our catchers fit that bill as well. It’s been an unsung killer to this offense.
If they make a move for Tulo, it’s very doubtful Bogaerts isn’t one of the included players in the deal. Hopefully they stay away from Tulo though. That’s a huge contract to take on. Maybe Elvis Andrus will be made available…
Lavarnway is a guy who is gonna hit for power and have a much better OBP and OPS. He is just adjusting to Major League pitching. As for any deal involving Tulowitzki, it is highly unlikely Bogaerts would be included because, first, he will likely be moved to third base (and the Rockies have Nolan Arenado, one of the top prospects in the game, in the plans for 3B), second, the Rockies also have Trevor Story at shortstop (and he is around two years away) and perhaps first or third (however you want to look at it), Bogaerts is pretty much one of the few players in the majors or minors (in the Red Sox organization) who is untouchable. I would even be surprised if Bogaerts would be included in a deal for Felix Hernandez.
I like Andrus, but the Sox need a power bat (which is one of their priorities this off-season) and Andrus does not provide that. Right now, it looks like Andrus will be going to Arizona for Justin Upton if he is traded since Profar is ready.
Tulo is little bit risky as his size(6″3)is prone to injury.
for instance.he just played 47games this year.
adding that.his ops is related to Coors Field(except coors his OPS 800)
And concerning his remaining contract terms, i think this deal will not happen
A long term contract is the last thing this team needs since they just got rid of two of them. And another 140M?
Jose looks lost. The catchers at least will demonstrate some power. Kid has trouble getting the ball out of the infield but, then again, he is only 22. Another year at 3A may help.
Give Pedro a shot at it. Kid seems to be at the center of good stuff even if a walk is an alien concept.
I agree that Lavarnway will turn into an efficient run producer after he turns things around.
I’d still be very surprised if the Rox deal Tulo this offseason because they’d probably view it as selling low since whoever trades for him will cite his injuries to dock the asking price.
I like Pedro too, Rick. But the guy’s a backup and if you take away his awesome numbers vs NYY, his hitting stats are kind of mediocre. There’s a good chance he goes the way of Darnell McDonald. Still though, he does provide speed and versatility off the bench. If he remains a viable hitter, there will be a place for him on the roster.
John…I’m like Tommy with Walter or with Pedro! I love Pedro!