Photo by Kelly O’Connor
Since you’re reading this, I can assume you’re fully prepared for the end of the world this Friday, bunker and all. So here’s some links to go with your non-perishable food & bottled water.
- While it doesn’t seem like it, the Red Sox have a solid lineup now. Here’s analysis of Stephen Drew, the latest player to man Boston’s black hole at SS. (One Drew Was Not Enough: Red Sox Ink Stephen)
- Despite Drew’s ankle doing a literal 180* in 2011, he can still flash the leather – maybe about as well as Dustin Pedroia can. (Stephen Drew’s Ankle And His Defense)
- At this point, Jose Iglesias might be better off hoping the Mayans were right. Drew’s signing and Xander Bogaerts‘ ascendance doesn’t look too good for him. (Drew move doesn’t bode well for Iglesias)
- Mike Napoli‘s deal still isn’t official. Ben Cherington’s Belichick-ian answers and the sheer lack of knowledge of the contract talks are far from reassuring. (Red Sox, Napoli still not official)
- John Farrell, Tito’s old partner-in-crime, might just be the perfect fit for a team that went way off the rails in 2012. See what happens when Bobby Valentine conducts a train? (John Farrell, best of both worlds)
- The Internet is a magical place. If you ever wanted to learn too much about Koji Uehara, well, here ya go! (What the Internet Can Teach Us About Koji Uehara)
- After last season, all we wanted was a return to the way things were. Thankfully (and mercifully), Cherington did just that. (Just what is Boston’s plan this off-season?)
- Toronto Blue Jays, AL East favorites? Quite possibly. Their offseason has been nothing short of jaw-dropping, including their latest trade. (Judging the R.A. Dickey deal)
They’re right on the marginal win bubble, where every win added impacts their shot at the postseason far more than it did even four weeks ago. – Mike Axisa, on the Red Sox
Keep the faith, everyone.
Categories: Ben Cherington Boston Red Sox Dustin Pedroia John Farrell Jose Iglesias Koji Uehara Mike Napoli R.A. Dickey Stephen Drew Terry Francona Toronto Blue Jays Xander Bogearts
Nick Cafardo got his Drew, and doesn't seem satisfied to let the best defensive SS in the League get needed AB's in Pawtucket, he continues to want him gone. He is as subtle as a hammer about these things. I am hoping Iglesias will be up by the trade deadline, hitting well enough to stick, sooner if Drew has any health issues. That said, Drew could be a difference maker as the season begins and Iggy adjusts to AAA.
Think of it this way: The Red Sox now have a bit a depth at a position that didn't seem to have any for a very long time. At the very least, it'll give Cherington options. It's possible Iglesias plays in The Show this year, since Drew could be injured or traded. But if Bogaerts continues his demolition of the minor leagues, Iggy could very well be overtaken on the organization's SS depth chart. We'll just have to wait and see.
And if I had to guess, I'd say Cafardo isn't too comfortable with Iggy's bat. He's basically Brendan Ryan 2.0 at this point.