Chuck HIs Iglesias The Future At SS For The Boston Red Sox?
October 20th 2009 12:47
For the Boston Red Sox and their fan base, the 2009 ‘Hot Stove’ has been lit way too early, but lets sit down by the premature October fire for a second and contemplate the future at the SS position for this team.
There is much debate right now, albeit more to the ‘sign him’ side of the argument when discussing Alex Gonzalez and his future with the Red Sox. I fall on the ‘sign him’ side of that debate as well. Yes, Gonzalez will be a year older in 2010 and maybe we will start to see some of his defensive range slightly slip, but he is a very economical sign for Boston. Sign him to a one or two year deal and be done with this quickly and let’s move on to other concerns.
One thing to consider here, Red Sox fans, is the signing of Cuban defector, Jose Iglesias, this past summer by the Sox. Iglesias is a 19 year old defensive wizard and he signed with Boston because---get this---“they were a team that needed a shortstop," and "they are my father's favorite team." That’s what I call a ‘win-win’ Jose. Very nice decision. You are right, the Sox are thin at the SS position and you get to make Papa Iglesias happy--- good stuff kid. Iglesias signed a 4 year deal, kicking in for 2010 at $8.25 million. His defensive skills have been compared to the great, Ozzie Smith, and the only thing that seems in question is whether he will or will not hit for any significant power. The kid is 19 years old, at that age it is still tough to gauge a kid’s power and total offensive ability and how it will translate to ‘The Show.’ Check out what Baseball Prospectus had to say about him…
Iglesias has a similarly strong tournament record, drawing attention for his flashy glovework at shortstop, with one scout grading his fielding as an 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale. His arm is enough to stick at shortstop, but his range is somewhat limited by his fringe-average speed. Iglesias makes the most of his ability, with instincts that enhance his tools and excellent makeup. He bats from the right side and while his overall offensive package leaves a bit to be desired, most scouts agree Iglesias will hit enough to allow him to profile as a big league regular. He has decent pop in his 5’10 frame, at a maxed-out 180 lbs., though he can get pull-happy at times. An international scouting director called Iglesias’ total package, “Ryan Theriot with better hands.” Iglesias is a defensive-oriented overachiever and executives say he would be more of a 2nd-3rd rounder if eligible for the recent draft
Let the talk begin about the whole ‘let’s trade for Hanley Ramirez this wintaaah Theo, we need a shot-stawp.’ That’s most likely a pipedream my friends. Florida is opening a new stadium in a year or two and Ramirez has to be the ‘face’ of that franchise and sell tickets. I’d be surprised if he goes anywhere---not shocked---but surprised nonetheless. We haven’t seen any of Iglesias yet and we don’t fully know what he’ll be, but we do know that defensive ability 9 times out of 10 will translate favorably to the Big League level. Does his offense warrant him a full time job up in Boston? We’ll find out soon enough.
If I were up to me, I’d bank on this kid being the real deal and let Gonzo patrol SS until Iglesias is ready. I say forget about Hanley Ramirez, although he is a very tempting talent to pursue, and focus on breaking the bank and bringing possibly the best catcher of our generation, Joe Mauer, to Boston as a free agent following the 2010 season.
Chuck
~TCFB~
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Jed Lowrie can go back to Stanford and become a coach for all I care.. I have no desire to see much more from him, not just because he got hurt and is trying to fight back from that, but because I just don't think he's that good of a major league ballplayer.
Casey Kelly, if I'm not mistaken, is the SS/Pitcher who they can't make their mind up on what position they want him at..Hell of an athlete and prospect he is, but we'll see I guess what route they take.
Comment by DirtyWater
With Kelley lets face it who doesn't wanna play everday? The kid is getting bigger and his numbers don't add up at the 6 position like they do at the number 1. Ah well gone for Gonzo perhaps...rather see the Lars Anderson Myth leave town.