I realize there is another thread dedicated to Pablo Sandoval and his ability to hold down at least 65% of the ABs at 3b, but I am wondering if this position needs to be bumped up the list in terms of Red Sox priorities heading into the 2017 season.
The Red Sox have at least 2 lefties locked into the rotation in Sale and Price, and 2 of the 3 primary candidates to fill the 4th and 5th starter roles are lefties (Pomeranz, EdRod). It would surprise nobody to have 4 lefties in the rotation for much of the early part of the season. Given the likelihood of lots of RHB facing those lefties, shouldn't 3b defense be a significant priority, over even the need to have a great bat there to lengthen the lineup? In my opinion, upgrading the defense they can put on the field at 3b would have a greater impact on their team success than just about any other single position upgrade, and the front office should be scouring the league to see if such a solution is available in trade.
This is perhaps something that has already been considered (and maybe budgeted for), given the Sox are 15 mil under the luxury tax threshold. It seems to me that someone like Chase Headley or Todd Frazier would be worthy additions, and both could be had for very little, assuming the Sox are willing to pick up what's left on their contracts. Both Frazier and Headley are superior fielders to anyone the Sox have in their system, and are capable of holding up over the course of a long season. Neither is all that skilled at the plate, but either would be an upgrade over what Sandoval is likely to feature for the Red Sox this year.
I'm just throwing the idea out there that a defensively skilled 3b solution should be something the front office looks into as the season draws closer.
The Red Sox have at least 2 lefties locked into the rotation in Sale and Price, and 2 of the 3 primary candidates to fill the 4th and 5th starter roles are lefties (Pomeranz, EdRod). It would surprise nobody to have 4 lefties in the rotation for much of the early part of the season. Given the likelihood of lots of RHB facing those lefties, shouldn't 3b defense be a significant priority, over even the need to have a great bat there to lengthen the lineup? In my opinion, upgrading the defense they can put on the field at 3b would have a greater impact on their team success than just about any other single position upgrade, and the front office should be scouring the league to see if such a solution is available in trade.
This is perhaps something that has already been considered (and maybe budgeted for), given the Sox are 15 mil under the luxury tax threshold. It seems to me that someone like Chase Headley or Todd Frazier would be worthy additions, and both could be had for very little, assuming the Sox are willing to pick up what's left on their contracts. Both Frazier and Headley are superior fielders to anyone the Sox have in their system, and are capable of holding up over the course of a long season. Neither is all that skilled at the plate, but either would be an upgrade over what Sandoval is likely to feature for the Red Sox this year.
I'm just throwing the idea out there that a defensively skilled 3b solution should be something the front office looks into as the season draws closer.