Though the Red Sox losing streak is over, one thing is pretty obvious- unless they keep the win streak going, their postseason chance are low. One of the few positives from this situation is that the team could use 2014 as the “bridge year” that 2013 was expected to be.
For years we’ve been hearing about great prospects in the minors, but so far, the youngsters have shown only flashes. The Sox can find out if some of these guys have a future in Boston.
Jackie Bradley Jr- can he hit enough to make it as a regular, despite his defensive skills and athleticism?. As of Monday, he was batting .197 and had fanned a team-high 47 times. Often he has looked totally lost at the plate. Replacing him with comebacking Grady Sizemore makes little sense- Sizemore was hitting .220 and is not as strong defensively. JBJ should have the rest of the year to prove himself. If the can’t, who knows? He’s still only 21.
Xander Bogearts- is his position short or third? While he has hit fairly well, his defensive play at short has been erratic. With Stephen Drew coming back, they should put him at third and see if it’s his spot.
Will Middlebrooks- The oft-injured third baseman has looked terrible at the plate since a strong rookie year in 2012. He is once again on the DL with no return in sight.
Brandon Workman-The righty faced a tough task on Sunday-to be the stopper for a team that had lost 9 in a row. He did surprisingly well, surrendering 5 hits and 3 runs in 5 innings, though throwing 88 pitches. As of now, he should stay in the rotation.
Allen Webster- The kid looked overwhelmed when he came up last year, but his minor league stats continue to be positive. Without the pressure of a pennant race, he might show more as a regular starter.
What about Felix Doubront (on the DL) and Clay Buchholz? In my opinion, both have pretty much worn out their welcome in Boston. For now, they might become relievers or spot starters. Bucky especially looks like a man who will never quite get over the hump and become a consistent winner. He is signed through 2016, and has little trade value right now. Doubront could turn it around, but time is running out for him.
Some might call my ideas throwing in the 2014 towel. I see it as facing reality.
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