Ok...I know...bad pun...whatever.
It's looks like Tony Graff-el-nino will be accepting arbitration and will be on the Red Sox next season (for probably $2MM). That's good, I guess, but it looks like we are stockpiling second basemen. Why?
Do the Sox really need Cora, Loretta, and Graffanino? Cora can play short and, therefore, probably won't get any time at second. But Loretta and Graf are pretty much the same player. Good gloves, hover around .300 at the plate...Can you trade a guy that goes through arbitration?
The Sox probably offered Graf arbitration just to get some draft picks. I, frankly, am surprised that no one picked him up. He is a bargain, and a heck of a player...Aren't there teams that need guys to play second?
Meanwhile, we still don't have a SS. Rumors are that something is still in the works for Lugo. I am thinking that the Sox go with Cora and Pedroia through spring training and see how things go. There are always some strange releases during the spring and the Sox may look to pounce then...Pedroia was moved to second because of Hanley...Now Hanley is gone, and Pedroia can return to his natural position.
It looks like Lowell at third. Despite the Twins talk, they aren't biting. That's fine. Lowell is solid at third and hopefully he'll hit a little...Graf can also play there. For that matter, so can Youk...
But...
Youk looks like our first baseman...Who else???
One thing is for sure, we have a infield full of utility guys. I see many Jimy Williams like lineups for a while until Francona can sort it all out...
Opening day predictions?
1b Youk
2b Loretta
SS Cora
3B Lowell
No power whatsoever (unless Lowell can get some B-12 shots!!!)...
One thing is a certainty. Steffie Graf has MUCH better legs than Tony. When you say Graf, I think of her. Way to go Andre.
ReplyDeleteWhat about Aurilia at SS?
ReplyDeleteHe's cheap, an ok hitter (but a way better hitter than Gonzalez)...