As the Sox bask a bit after beating the Yanks two out of three, a problem arises. It involves the shortstop position, and the status of Jose Iglesias and Stephen Drew.
If Iglesias had opened the season like his 2012 self, struggling to get the ball out of the infield, no problem would exist. After rehabbing in Portland in his recovery from a concussion, Drew would start at short next week and Iglesias would report to Pawtucket. But the 2013 campaign did not open that way. The 23-year-old has 7 hits in his first 12 at bats. His defense at short is probably the best we've seen since Nomar came up in 97. In spring training, Iglesias batted .294 and had seven extra base hits, including a homer.
Nick Cafardo describes Drew as "a good player…he produces at the plate and can make all the plays at shortstop…he is an even better person. "That description would probably also apply to Orlando Cabrera or Alex Gonzales, who were part of the revolving door of shortstops since 2004. But a look at Drew's record shows the obvious- he would not be here if the Sox had had confidence in Iglesias' hitting.
Drew, brother of JD and Tim, is 30 years old. He was a regular with the Diamondbacks from 07 to 10. He showed some power, with 44 doubles in 08 and 33 in 10. He averaged 9 triples and 15 homers. I'm sure he is as good a fielder as Marco Scutaro, but he is no all-star. His highest honor was finishing 26th in MVP voting in 2008. Since 2011, injuries have severely affected his performance. A fractured ankle in 11 limited him to 86 contests. The injury kept him on the sidelines until June of last year. He ended the season with the Athletics, who declined their option on him. His combined 2012 stats were unimpressive- a .223 average with 7 homers and 28 rbi's. The injury bug continued this spring, as the concussion limited Drew to 18 at bats.
It is well known in pro sports circles that players do not lose their starting status because of injury. John Farrell is not going to simply sit a player making $9.5 million. But unless Iglesias slumps badly in the Toronto series, I would hate to see him at Pawtucket. Could the Sox simply platoon the two for a couple of weeks? It might help Drew recover more fully and we could see if he can return to his pre-2011 form.
It is a rather delicate situation. But there is not just one way to handle it.
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