Like most of you I expected to hear 1,500+ calls for Hanley’s return, but few materialized. Perhaps the piece about his immature attitude towards the FO, or the Fish announcers defending his lack of hustle, or his 5th E at SS, or poor base running have given fans a dose of reality. Nobody’s perfect. Do I still have hope for bringing Hanley home? Of course! But that hope is tempered with realism, and a suspicion that he is not only not needed right now, but his return in 2009 could damage the WS run. For example:
I’m satisfied with Nick Green’s progress at SS. After spending last year in AAA, he seems possessed with a desire to stay in the majors, and has done everything possible to achieve that goal. He earned a new position at SS and turned from error machine to good defender, regularly making difficult game saving plays, showing range, arm and glove. He has also hit very well since ST . . . 4 months with little let up. Nick has helped the team in multiple ways, and earned a serious, unbiased second look.
I’m satisfied that Jed Lowrie will return early from the DL. If he performs to his levels of pre-injury 2008, he will stabilize the SS situation with glove and bat. If pushed by Nick, that would be something.
I never saw Hanley as SS of the future. Maybe OF, 3b, or DH platoon. But I’m satisfied with Jason Bay in LF, with his bat, his attitude, even his defense. And I’m satisfied with Jacoby Ellsbury in CF, batting .310 with .350OBP, some power, more speed than Hanley, and his Gold Glove. I’m satisfied with the package of JD/Rocco in RF. Those two walking wounded cover a tricky and spacious RF so effortlessly and flawlessly, & are getting hot at the plate L/R. I’m satisfied and overjoyed that Papi is turning it around. His upcoming 20+HR, 30+2b, 70+RBI and .400+/-OBP for the rest of the season will meet or exceed the offensive output of any other DH. I’m so very satisfied with Mike’s dejavue 2007 offense from all over the lineup, and strong D, and know he is improving with his hip. I’m satisfied. Overjoyed.
Do the Sox need Hanley now? After trading pitching and our best young prospects for Hanley, where do we put him? What position would he improve this year, 2009, as we near the half way point? I suggest nowhere, as this lineup, this pitching, this defense, this team as it is coming together, is already on route to the WS. I suggest we stay in the front of the line for Hanley for 2010-11, but as his escalating contract gets more expensive for the Fish, the cost in prospects will be more reasonable, and holes will open on the Sox for him to fill long term . . . if the Fish are foolish enough to let him go.