The 2013 season is in the books, duck boats and all. Unfortunately it will be impossible to field the same team next season and Ben Cherington has some difficult choices ahead.
The biggest is Ellsbury who will be a free agent and will be looking for a long term deal. Ellsbury's agent is Scott Boras and he will make keeping the center fielder in Boston an expensive proposition. Ells led the league in steals this season and set the table for the Sox offense. He also covered a great deal of ground in the outfield, and with Victorino patrolling right alongside him there were not many fly balls that found green. He will be one of the biggest names to hit free agency this year.
Mike Napoli will be another tough choice for Cherington. He had some big hits in the playoffs and his positive club presence surely had a great impact on his teammates. His strikeout numbers were a concern and he is an average defensive first baseman at best. Napoli did show that his hip is not a concern and will be looking for a multi-year deal.
Saltalamacchia did not have a great season at the plate for the Sox and the team will look at other options before they commit to brining him back.
Stephen Drew could be gone with Xander Bogaerts ready to become the everyday shortstop. John Farrell stuck by Drew in the playoffs due to his solid defense even when his bat went silent.
The Red Sox will make qualifying offers to Ellsbury, Drew, and Napoli to ensure some compensation if they sign elsewhere.
The good news is the starting rotation is locked up for next year and the Red Sox have prospects like Jackie Bradley Jr. waiting to fill the gaps.
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