Jose Iglesias is 23 years old, and already in his fourth Sox camp. An article by the Globe's Christopher Gasper characterizes Iglesias as a man "stuck in the middle." For several years, the slick-fielding Iglesias was tabbed as the team's future shortstop. But the Sox are apparently tired of waiting for Jose to start hitting.
Over the winter, the team signed Stephen Drew to a $9.5 million one-year contract, apparently filling the shortstop hole for this year. Xander Bogearts, now playing in the World Baseball Classic, is now apparently the shortstop of the future.
Iglesias' problem is simply that he hasn't hit his weight. In 35 major league games, he has a .135 mark. His minor league figures haven't been too much better. In Gasper's words, "he needed binoculars to see the Mendoza line."
But I, for one, am tired of good-hit, no-field shortstops. Neither the injury-riddled Drew nor Bogearts are known primarily for their defense. They seem more in the tradition of revolving-door Sox shortstops since Nomar left in 04. The names are familiar-Edgar Renteria, Alex Cora, Julio Lugo, Jed Lowrie, Marco Scutaro, Mike Aviles. None covered sufficient ground, and some were simply horrendous. Alex Gonzales, who had two different stints in Boston and twice was allowed to walk, was a fine fielder. However, he was not considered a good enough hitter to fill the Sox' long-term needs.
Fielding-wise, the shortstop position is one of the most important. The man must cover a lot of ground, make throws from deep in the hole, and make sure the first baseman can handle them. How many runs have been given up by the Sox over the past few years because of a shortstop's inability to make a play?
Iglesias is already a star in the field. He is trying to become a better hitter, working last winter with Dustin Pedroia. According to John Farrell, "he has made some tangible adjustments with his set-up, and has driven the ball with authority to all fields" Will it be enough? It's still hard to say. It looks like Iglesias will start the year at Pawtucket. However, if Drew is injured or fails to produce, he deserves a shot. Though Fenway is a small park, the infield is the same size as any other It would be nice to see some great plays there for a change.
The man is obviously working to improve. He deserves at least an opportunity.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
