Boston Red Sox 2015 Infield Preview

The Boston Red Sox ended a disappointing season, just one year removed from a World Series title, in last place in the AL East. Offensive production was a big issue for the Red Sox, and they will need solid production from the infield after totally retooling the outfield. Next year, we could see very interesting changes and tough decisions will have to be made this offseason. Let’s start with first base:

1st Base: Incumbent: Mike Napoli Backups/Challengers: Allen Craig and Daniel Nava

Mike Napoli will begin the last year of his contract next season. The patient right hander still draws a lot of walks, and is still an impact hitter who can hit in the five or six spot in the order. Injuries are creeping up on Napoli however, who will be 33 on Opening Day, and he has missed 43 games this year. Napoli is sure to split time with Allen Craig whose place in the outfield is unclear, after a horrible drop off from his success in 2013 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Another option (if not traded) could be Daniel Nava. Nava has carved out a nice career as a platoon type of outfielder who gets on base. If Nava isn’t moved this winter from a crowded outfield, he could be more versatile at first base.

2nd Base: Incumbent: Dustin Pedroia Backups/Challengers: Jemile Weeks and Mookie Betts

There is not much debate about second base, as Dustin Pedroia will own that spot for some time. The only reason to mention other people are concerns about his health and long term production, despite signing a lofty deal last year. The nine year veteran has suffered many injuries over the years and may not be good for the 160 games he gave the team in 2013. Mookie Betts is a natural second baseman but will likely play in the outfield and only took over because of the season ending injury suffered by Pedroia. Jemile Weeks is a versatile infielder who can play a few different positions if needed, but is a true bench player.

Shortstop: Incumbent: Xander Bogaerts Backups/Challengers: Brock Holt and Jemile Weeks

Xander Bogaerts was regarded as a potential AL Rookie of the Year candidate entering this year but didn’t quite live up to expectations and was exposed when dealing with breaking balls. However, his September slash line of .313/.317/.490 shows more of what he is capable of developing into. In case his struggles reemerge, super utility man Brock Holt would get some time at the position as well as INF Jemile Weeks. The important thing to keep in mind about Bogaerts is that he will be 22 years old on Opening Day. There is still a good window of time for him to develop and become what Nomar Garciaparra was to the Red Sox.

Third Base: Incumbent: Who Knows? Backups/Challengers: Will Middlebrooks, Brock Holt, Garin Cecchini, or a free agent signing

Third base remains the biggest issue outside of starting pitching for the Red Sox. Will Middlebrooks was supposed to take a step forward this year. Instead, he succumbed to a miserable, injury plagued season. Brock Holt was a revelation in relief this year, but there are questions about his lack of success in the second half, as well as some defensive concerns. Garin Cecchini is a top prospect, who has shown ability to hit consistently, but does not possess a lot of power for a position that demands a player with the power hitting ability of Middlebrooks. One thing Holt and Cecchini have going for them, is that they are both left handed. In a right hand heavy order, some variety is needed to avoid being one dimensional. Another option is to add a free agent. One name that has been floated around is Pablo Sandoval. The big switch hitter has been an important part of the San Francisco Giants success, and could be exactly what the team needs.

Catcher: Incumbent: Christian Vazquez Backups/Challengers: David Ross and Blake Swihart

Christian Vazquez had an impressive debut as a rookie defensively, but also surprised people with some patient hitting. He figures to be the starter but it remains to be seen who will be the backup. David Ross is a very popular figure in the clubhouse and in the city of Boston, but he is anemic at the plate at best. It will be a matter of how much the Red Sox value team chemistry and defense vs. offense and spending more money. Additionally, top prospect Blake Swihart could be ready to go if he continues to tear up the minors. The switch hitter has more offensive ability than Vazquez but there aren’t may who rival Vazquez in defensive ability. It will be interesting to see those two battle it out over the next two years.

Designated Hitter: Incumbent: David Ortiz Backups/Challengers: Mike Napoli and Will Middlebrooks

Make no mistake; David Ortiz will play here unless he is injured. However, the most important issue to consider is Ortiz’s age. He will be 39 on Opening Day and is not getting any younger. Napoli looks to be the most likely backup if necessary, but one person to consider is Middlebrooks. If the Red Sox sign a guy like Pablo Sandoval, Middlebrooks will lose valuable time. If he can regain his power hitting abilities, he could be a future DH candidate as time decreases at third base.

Tune in for next article previewing the mess that is the Red Sox outfield. I will also profile my potential batting order for next season.