Coming Up Short: Iglesias, Aviles, & Punto ST battle for SS in SoxProspects Discussion Forum

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Coming Up Short: Iglesias, Aviles, & Punto ST battle for SS

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SoxFanPJ	Coming Up Short: Iglesias, Aviles, & Punto ST battle for SS		Lead	[-]
Posts: 330 02/19/12 12:09 PM Pete Morrison Wiki Editor SoxProspects.com	Tags : None Mike posted the following to Twitter(@MikeAndrewsSP): Now projecting Jose Iglesias to break camp w/ Boston. Close call. He might be the type who develops better on the job (offensively). What say the crowd here? Assuming we know Iglesias is going to be brutal at the plate but potentially elite in the field, given the other options on the roster and the offensive profile of the rest of the lineup, what is the best route to go for the team and the development of the player? What roster implications would there be on Punto and Aviles if Iglesias makes the 25 man roster out of Spring Training? Twitter: Pete_Morrison (Pete_Morrison) Star Wars Blog: www.LightsaberRattling.com
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Steve of Charlotte		#1	[url]	[-]
Veteran Member Posts: 627 02/19/12 12:33 PM	Wow! Thats some statement. It would be fabulous if Iglesias was ready. He would definitely add a lot of excitement. I did like Carfardo's piece today about how someone like Iglesias really gives a pitcher a lot more confidence when throwing....knowing anything close up the middle will be gobbled up by Pedroia and Iglesias. I do believe he is better than what he showed offensively last year in AAA. I can see him hitting a probably lite .250 or so with an OBP of around .300. Every article I have read says he has good bat speed. He is a great kid and very intelligent. But I wouldn't be surprised if he goes to Pawtucket for the 1st two months, and gets a lot of at bats closer to the top of the line-up. Hope I'm wrong. Really looking forward to seeing him man SS for years. It will be interesting in Valentine's take!
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DCB26		#2	[url]	[-]
Veteran Member Posts: 90 02/19/12 12:36 PM	Taking the 2nd part 1st, if Iglesias makes the club as a regular and not a short-term-injury-fill-in then I think the Sox would try to move Aviles in a trade as he might have some value there, and the Sox would probably rather have Punto's glove than Aviles' bat off the bench. If there was any chance that Aviles in the outfield might work then maybe they keep him instead of McDonald. As to Iglesias making the roster, assuming "Iglesias is going to be brutal at the plate" as you said, then I don't see it happening. The way Iglesias hit/looked last year I think there is a realistic possiblity that he puts up a sub .500 OPS in a full year in the majors if he doesn't improve -- a situation where the team would honestly be better off using the DH for the shortstop instead of the pitcher on occasion. I absolutely think Iglesias has the ability to be a perfectly acceptable hitter in the majors, and his discipline numbers have at least gone in the right direction, but I think his making the Sox is contingent on major improvements at the plate. edit: I also think this Spring is enough time for Iglesias to show those improvements -- If he shows Valnetine/the Sox anything at the plate, I wouldn't be in the least surprised to see him on the 25 man roster. Last Edited By: DCB26 02/19/12 12:39 PM. Edited 1 time.
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rangoon82		#3	[url]	[-]
Veteran Member Posts: 1110 02/19/12 1:47 PM Veteran Member	I don't want to come off as petulant or something, but I am legitimately curious about the rationale behind the Sox trading away both their starting caliber shortstops this offseason. I got the Lowrie move at the time, given their needs and with Scutaro on board it made sense. The subsequent Scutaro move even made sense to me given it was a precursor to something like bringing in Oswalt. With Oswalt not thrilled at the idea of pitching in Boston however I'm not sure I get why the Sox would unnecessarily create a hole in their lineup and defense? Surely Scutaro was worth the $6 mill/1 year
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jmei		#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1524 02/19/12 2:02 PM Forum Moderator	I think if Iglesias breaks camp as the starting SS, both Aviles and Punto stick on the roster as long as Crawford is on the DL (and I'm assuming he'll spend at least the first two weeks of the season there). The starting outfield would be Ross/Ellsbury/Sweeney and the bench would be Aviles/Punto/MacDonald/Shoppach. When Crawford comes back, there would be a roster battle between Aviles and MacDonald for the 5th OF/util position. Remember that Aviles played RF in winter league this year and that FO has repeatedly stated that he would play in the outfield this season.
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RootingForLaundry		#5	[url]	[-]
Rookie Posts: 13 02/19/12 2:06 PM	I think either Iglesias or Lavarnway breaks camp with the big club, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if it's Iglesias. You'd let him compete with Punto/Aviles, and if he's our best SS when Crawford returns then you scrap McDonald. If Iglesias isn't helping the club you send him down to Pawtucket to make room for Crawford. I think I'd like this more than slowing Lavarnway's development behind the plate by moving him to Boston where he'll rarely catch/carrying an 8th reliever, but I would worry about totally ruining Iglesias' development by rushing him. Edit: And of course I get my post in right after jmei, who says pretty much the same thing.
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Boomerangs		#6	[url]	[-]
Veteran Member Posts: 357 02/19/12 2:07 PM	The sox do appear to really want better SS defense, and left side defense in general. It would help their pitching performances and maybe enable a little better results in the close game department. I agree that it is possible that they go with Iglesias but I wouldn't rule out a trade for a better SS also. Considering the situation as it is now I hope they do enhance that area somehow as Iglesias might be their best option right now.
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beasleyrockah		#7	[url]	[-]
Veteran Member Posts: 405 02/19/12 2:42 PM	Ok, lineup optimization is overrated. Having said that, can Salty & Iglesias get on base enough in front of Ells/Pedroia? Seems like the lineup would have to be reshuffled until Crawford comes back, but I don't really know how to fix it. I like Ross and Sweeney in a platoon, but as everyday players they're a little questionable to me (for an elite top 3 offense hitting 6 & 7 in front of two huge question marks, that is). The amount of drop off from 1-5 to 6-9 would be significant, and I don't really know how to fix that. I just don't like the idea of having quite possibly the worst hitter in baseball batting in front of Ellsbury and Pedroia. I'd think they'd split up Salty & Iglesias, as having two sub .300 OBP guys back to back in front of your elite hitters isn't an ideal scenario for a team with a questionable pitching staff. Do the Red Sox really not know what they're going to do with the shortstop position? Why was Scutaro traded? Ughhhh
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beasleyrockah		#8	[url]	[-]
Veteran Member Posts: 406 02/19/12 2:48 PM	Boomerangs wrote: The sox do appear to really want better SS defense, and left side defense in general. It would help their pitching performances and maybe enable a little better results in the close game department. I agree that it is possible that they go with Iglesias but I wouldn't rule out a trade for a better SS also. Considering the situation as it is now I hope they do enhance that area somehow as Iglesias might be their best option right now. Youk is still playing third though, that's what I don't understand. Let Ortiz walk, keep Scutaro, save 8+m, and let Middlebrooks, Lavarnway, Youk share at bats between 3rd/DH. Iglesias could surprise everyone and not be absolutely terrible offensively, but really? The opening day shortstop after his performance last year? Complete wishcasting.
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jdb		#9	[url]	[-]
Veteran Member Posts: 828 02/19/12 2:57 PM	I've seen so many pieces over the last two weeks that I can't remember who wrote it to link but he broke down his season last year and how much he improved after his stint in Boston. He attributed it to seeing how big leaguers handle each AB. Almost suggesting even a year struggling in the bigs would be better for his long term growth. I dont know what he would do but I would guess he could top Crawfords .289 on base %. We led the league in runs and OPS with Youk missing 40+ games and no production from either corner OF spot. Maybe the presence of Iglesias at SS would help the pitching staff as a whole. Not only him saving runs but the confidence it would give guys. Above average to plus everywhere in the infield except 3B and good in the OF.
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Bury the Hammer		#10	[url]	[-]
Veteran Member Posts: 1640 02/19/12 3:23 PM Veteran Member	I've felt the same way all along. I wouldn't mind it but I doubt we'll see it.
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norbit14		#11	[url]	[-]
Veteran Member Posts: 4126 02/19/12 3:31 PM Veteran Member	If he has a competent spring (and by competent I mean .250 or above across the board) I could really see it. Am Dominican and you??
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RootingForLaundry		#12	[url]	[-]
Rookie Posts: 14 02/19/12 4:40 PM	beasleyrockah wrote: Ok, lineup optimization is overrated. Having said that, can Salty & Iglesias get on base enough in front of Ells/Pedroia? Seems like the lineup would have to be reshuffled until Crawford comes back, but I don't really know how to fix it. I like Ross and Sweeney in a platoon, but as everyday players they're a little questionable to me (for an elite top 3 offense hitting 6 & 7 in front of two huge question marks, that is). The amount of drop off from 1-5 to 6-9 would be significant, and I don't really know how to fix that. I just don't like the idea of having quite possibly the worst hitter in baseball batting in front of Ellsbury and Pedroia. I'd think they'd split up Salty & Iglesias, as having two sub .300 OBP guys back to back in front of your elite hitters isn't an ideal scenario for a team with a questionable pitching staff. Do the Red Sox really not know what they're going to do with the shortstop position? Why was Scutaro traded? Ughhhh For what it's worth, Salty has a career OBP/wOBA of .307/.310, and is .331/.336 against RHP. Assuming the addition of Shoppach (.389 wOBA against LHP) means Salty sees very few PAs against LHP, I'm not too concerned about the catching spot being an issue in the lineup. Doesn't change the fact that way gave Scutaro away for nothing, though. Edit to remove AIMSpeak Last Edited By: RootingForLaundry 02/19/12 5:12 PM. Edited 1 time.
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MaineSox		#13	[url]	[-]
Veteran Member Posts: 125 02/19/12 4:44 PM	I may be way off base on this, but could having a plus-plus defender at SS help keep Youkilis healthy? Tell Youkilis to play 3B kind of like he played 1B (with more throwing) and let Iglesias make up the difference; having Iglesias at SS would definitely help make up for the defensive deficiencies of Youkilis, but could he stay healthier having to cover less ground?
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buffs44444		#14	[url]	[-]
Posts: 2006 02/19/12 4:51 PM	Feel the same as when Scutaro was traded.......welcome to the Jose Iglesias era. He'll hit enough to be a passable bat in the 9 hole....and more importantly be a phenomenal defender up the middle. Madness is like gravity....all you need is a little push.
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beasleyrockah		#15	[url]	[-]
Veteran Member Posts: 407 02/19/12 6:46 PM	MaineSox wrote: I may be way off base on this, but could having a plus-plus defender at SS help keep Youkilis healthy? Tell Youkilis to play 3B kind of like he played 1B (with more throwing) and let Iglesias make up the difference; having Iglesias at SS would definitely help make up for the defensive deficiencies of Youkilis, but could he stay healthier having to cover less ground? Sounds good in theory, but I don't think a player can adjust his game like that...especially Youk.
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adiospaydro2005		#16	[url]	[-]
Veteran Member Posts: 2439 02/19/12 9:01 PM Veteran Member	I don't see the Red Sox breaking camp with either Aviles or Punto as their starting SS. Both of them are utility type players who don't hit or field well enough to justify consideration a starting SS. I see it as a case that either Iglesias proves that he can hit well enough to earn the starting SS position or the Red Sox need to make a trade for a legitimate SS. Poorest spending of $3 million that I have ever seen.-fcastig 0220
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grandsalami		#17	[url]	[-]
Veteran Member Posts: 356 02/19/12 9:03 PM	adiospaydro2005 wrote: I don't see the Red Sox breaking camp with either Aviles or Punto as their starting SS. Both of them are utility type players who don't hit or field well enough to justify consideration a starting SS. I see it as a case that either Iglesias proves that he can hit well enough to earn the starting SS position or the Red Sox need to make a trade for a legitimate SS. Aviles will be a fine SS, we said the same things when we got scoot
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adiospaydro2005		#18	[url]	[-]
Veteran Member Posts: 2440 02/19/12 10:04 PM Veteran Member	grandsalami wrote: adiospaydro2005 wrote: I don't see the Red Sox breaking camp with either Aviles or Punto as their starting SS. Both of them are utility type players who don't hit or field well enough to justify consideration a starting SS. I see it as a case that either Iglesias proves that he can hit well enough to earn the starting SS position or the Red Sox need to make a trade for a legitimate SS. Aviles will be a fine SS, we said the same things when we got scoot What makes you think that? Aviles hasn't played SS regularly in the majors since 2008. Scutaro was a legitimate major league starting SS when the Red Sox acquired him. He still was one when they traded him. Can't say the same thing about either Aviles or Punto. Poorest spending of $3 million that I have ever seen.-fcastig 0220
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grandsalami		#19	[url]	[-]
Veteran Member Posts: 357 02/19/12 10:14 PM	adiospaydro2005 wrote: grandsalami wrote: adiospaydro2005 wrote: I don't see the Red Sox breaking camp with either Aviles or Punto as their starting SS. Both of them are utility type players who don't hit or field well enough to justify consideration a starting SS. I see it as a case that either Iglesias proves that he can hit well enough to earn the starting SS position or the Red Sox need to make a trade for a legitimate SS. Aviles will be a fine SS, we said the same things when we got scoot What makes you think that? Aviles hasn't played SS regularly in the majors since 2008. Scutaro was a legitimate major league starting SS when the Red Sox acquired him. He still was one when they traded him. Can't say the same thing about either Aviles or Punto. i still think Aviles will be an a fine SS, If Jose had a bat it would be a no brainer, He needs more time in AAA to get at least an average bat, before he will be handed the reigns IMO Last Edited By: grandsalami 02/19/12 10:16 PM. Edited 1 time.
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RootingForLaundry		#20	[url]	[-]
Rookie Posts: 15 02/19/12 10:32 PM	grandsalami wrote: i still think Aviles will be an a fine SS, If Jose had a bat it would be a no brainer, He needs more time in AAA to get at least an average bat, before he will be handed the reigns IMO An average bat would make him an All-Star, just being "not-sub-.300-OBP-awful" would be enough to justify giving him the reigns.
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