Josh Reddick is Awarded Red Sox Rookie of the Year

Josh Reddick returned to Boston one last time last night to be honored to as Boston’s Rookie of the Year.  Reddick was traded away for closer Andrew Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney.  Reddick said he was surprised of the news that he would be playing in Oakland next year but is excited about the opportunity to be an every day player. 

Sometimes the business side of Major League baseball can be somewhat cruel to the fans.  Now we will have our “what if” thoughts in the future.  Reddick came on strong last year but faded towards the end.  Still this is a 24 yr old with limitless potential.  I liked the outfield tandem of Crawford, Ellsbury and Reddick.  Reddick seemed a perfect fit to play the tricky right field corner of Fenway.  His five assists in 80 games demonstrated how strong of a throwing arm he had.  Who will ever forget his walk off hit off the great Mariano Rivera.  Anyone who can beat the Yankees with one swing of the bat is ok in my book.

We are already feeling the pain of Reddick being gone when Crawford went down too.  It isn’t too often you get the opportunity to see a youngster grow and develop into a potential Major League Star.  I understood the need to acquire Bailey to replace Jonathan Papelbon, but the Red Sox farm system had plenty of other players that will never make it to this big league club.  Why didn’t they push the A’s to take a Lars Anderson and Michael Bowden, good players but no place in this organization.  We all know Billy Beane and his “Moneyball” mentality, so that should tell you why he demanded Reddick in the trade, because he gets on base.  That is what it is all about in todays game.  To have players that can get on base and put his team in the best position to score runs and win games.  Reddick showed potential power, something you could never have to much of and a winning attitude.  If you miss him now, just wait until Jacoby Ellsbury abandons ship after 2013.  This reminds me of the trade a few years ago with Justin Masterson.  How do you think this team would be if Masterson were pitching for the Sox?  I feel Reddick has too much talent at a such a young age to trade away.  The Red Sox are trying to control their payroll and Reddick cost them nothing to keep. 

Congratulations Josh on your rookie of the Year award, You deserved it and good luck with Oakland.  As for us, the fans of the Red Sox, all we can do know is just wonder…What if?

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