It is rare that a Sox rookie is the subject of feature articles in the Globe and Herald on the same day. But it happened to outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr on Wednesday. Both Nick Cafardo and John Tommase talke about Bradley and how he could stick with the team.
A 23-year-old Virginia native, he first attracted attention at the Universtity of South Carolina in 09, hitting .349 in 63 games. He was even better the following year- .368 with 13 homers, 56 runs scored and 60 rbi's. He was also voted Most Outstanding Player in the 2010 College World Series.
Drafted by the Sox in 2011, he played late that year at both Lowell and Greenville in Single-A. He blossomed last season, posting a .315 overall mark divided between Single-A Salem and Double-A Portland. "In some organizations," Cafardo writes, "the case could be made that Bradley should start the season in Double-A and go to Triple-A if he gets off to a hot start." But this is not your average organization.
The Sox need a young star, and soon. They are coming off their poorest season in 47 years, a season in which they became an embarrassment to their fans. The result was a sharp drop in season ticket renewals. Empty seats appearing on NESN games will not please ownership. Perhaps a guy like Bradley could bring more bodies in.
On the surface, the Sox are an old and rather boring group. Seven of nine projected starters are either over 30 or will turn 30 this year. Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, Ryan Dempster and even Jon Lester can't be counted on to get people excited. The team's image is still one of uncaring millionaire players content to drink beer and count their money. Bradley could change all that.
When asked by Cafardo if it was far-fetched that he might make the team, John Farrell answered "That's a good question." Farrell is aware that center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury is a free agent and may walk at the end of the year. The left and right field slots are up in the air. Victorino and Jonny Gomes are in the mix, but neither has a lock. It would seem like a good move to start with Bradley as a fourth outfielder and see what happens. Older players are more prone to injury, so an opening might develop.
Both Cafardo and Tommaso are very impressed with Bradley. Nick C wrote "There's nothing not to like. He has poise, speed, and the ability to track balls in the outfield. He hits lefties and righties. He seems to have no fear, whether it's high velocity throwers of finesse guys. His jumps on the ball in the outfield are phenomenal."
Not since Dustin Pedroia appeared in spring 07 has a rookie been this impressive. Pedroia went on to a Rookie of the Year season, helping the Sox to a World Championship. Could it happen again? We'll see.
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