Assessing Boston’s shortstop options

With the departure of Alex Gonzalez to Toronto, it’s time to move on and explore what options are available to Boston to man the shortstop position in 2010 — and possibly beyond. I’ve gone through some potential free-agent and trade options and then tied it all in a neat little bow for consideration.

Internal options include Jed Lowrie and Jose Iglesias.

The free agent market has a bevy of options, but they all have their drawbacks. From Marco Scutaro to Adam Everett to Miguel Tejada to Craig Counsell — yes, Craig Counsell — we have you covered here.

Want to think trade? Stephen Drew, Cristian Guzman and Hanley Ramirez are considered.

Yeah, Hanley Ramirez. The New York Daily News has a note that the Marlins are talking to the Red Sox about a Hanley Ramirez trade.

Stephen Drew to Boston? Yes, please

I know, I know… we need to stay focused on 2009. The Sawx need to do what they can to win the World Series. Even after a demoralizing series to the Yankees, I feel the team has a great chance of picking up that crown. However… we gotta talk about 2010.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today said that the Diamondbacks plan on shopping shortstop Stephen Drew, with the Red Sox expected to make contact. ‘Zona will seek pitching.

Drew’s age 26 season has been solid for a shortstop: .258/.321/.432. However, coming off his .291/.333/.502 line from 2008, the year has been marked a disappointment. Having someone who can hit that as a base, though, with the potential for more is awesome.