Tuesday Links: Where does Brock Holt fit on the All Star roster

By now you know that Red Sox’ super utility man, Brock Holt, will be Boston’s lone representative at tonight’s All Star game. While there were arguably other candidates on Boston’s roster to send to Cincinnati, it was Holt’s versatility that awarded him with the honor.

Since Holt is a known jack-of-all trades, the question for Red Sox fans now becomes, “where will Holt play upon entering the game?”. The question seems easy to answer at its surface, since the infielder-by-trade can pretty much play wherever he is needed. And, in the end, Holt may very well move all over the diamond. But where is the best spot for the first-time All-Star to enter the game?

Usually, All-Star game managers do their best to play everyone on the roster for at least an inning or two, but Holt’s dexterity allows Royals skipper Ned Yoast to keep the 28-year old in the game while cycling in new players. For the majority of the season, Holt has seen the most action in the outfield and at his native second base. Looking at the construction of the American League roster, the outfield is stacked with seven total players, while second base features three players ahead of Holt. First base would also be a tricky position for Holt to enter the game. The American League roster features three first baseman that all possess strong bats that can’t be stowed away in a DH spot. Similarly, third base is a solid offensive (and defensive) position with the likes of Josh Donaldson, Manny Machado, and Mike Moustakas occupying roster spots. Shortstop, perhaps the thinnest position on the American League side in terms of depth, boasts solid all around players in Alcides Escobar and Jose Iglesias as well.

So where does this leave Holt? My guess would be that Holt makes an appearance with the early-mid innings wave of replacements in the outfield. Since his versatility allows Yoast to play him everywhere, he doesn’t have to over think his decision to cycle Holt in. Once Yoast is ready to use one of his other bench options, Holt can slide virtually anywhere and role with the changes of the American League’s starting nine.

• Alejandro De Aza came to the Red Sox with low expectations, but since the outfielder has provided a spark off Boston’s bench. (Appreciating Alejandro De Aza’s Red Sox run)

• Sonny Gray a Red Sox? Think again. While a trade for the right-hander would undoubtedly give Boston an ace, and would reciprocate Oakland’s rebuild, the young hurler isn’t expected to be dealt. (Sonny Gray: “I don’t think I am going to get traded”)

• After everything David Ortiz has done for the city of Boston, why are Red Sox fans unwilling to cut him some slack? After being sent home from Fenway Park on Sunday, and subsequently sitting out of Boston’s final tilt with New York, the DH took a lot of flack from fans and media alike. (No one in Red Sox history deserves the benefit of the doubt more than David Ortiz)

• If you’re not optimistic about the Red Sox in the second half, there’s still reason to watch. Top Red Sox pitching prospect Brian Johnson will start for Boston come the second half of the season. (Report: Brian Johnson called up to Boston)

• Tweet of the day: Money well saved