Red Sox Could Find Help From Within
With hot stove season already underway, the Red Sox could be major players trying to better their team for 2012. The team does have a few needs that they need to address for next season. Although the management can address these needs through free agency, they could address these from within the organization.
Needs that the Red Sox need to address include a right fielder, a relief pitcher (either closer or set-up man), possibly a starter and a designated hitter to replace David Ortiz if he does not resign with the team. Here are a few minor league prospects to keep an eye on to play a key role for the big league club in 2012.
Ryan Kalish
With J.D. Drew unlikely to be coming back for 2012 the Red Sox will need to find a right fielder, while Josh Reddick could be that guy, the team might want to look elsewhere. There could be some bigger names in the free agent market, but the Red Sox could also look within at Kalish. He debuted with the Red Sox in 2010 and had a pretty solid rookie season. In 53 games he hit .252 with four home runs and 24 RBIs. An injured shoulder kept Kalish out for much of 2011.
Doubront started a few games for the Sox in 2010, and came up to pitch a few games out of the bullpen in 2011. Although he didn’t have much success last year, he has the “stuff” that is needed to pitch in the majors and could help out the Red Sox bullpen in 2012. Over the past two seasons Doubront has appeared in 23 games and has a 2-2 record with a 4.84 ERA. With having pitched in majors two seasons now Doubront could finally be ready to make an impact for the entire season.
Weiland made his major league debut this past season. He pitched in seven games, starting five and was 0-3 with a 7.66 ERA. Those aren’t exactly impressive numbers, but you have to take into consideration that this year was his first taste of the big leagues. Weiland has good stuff and one day will be an everyday big league starter. With a good spring training this year Weiland could be a wild card for the fifth starter.
Although the Red Sox already have a starting short stop in Marco Scutaro, the Red Sox look to Iglesias as a quality backup and utility infielder. Iglesias was called up to Boston for a short time last season for 10 games, and it was apparent that he wasn’t ready for the majors just yet. After finishing the year in Pawtucket, Iglesias could be ready to break through this season. In 10 games last year he was 2-for-6, with three runs scored.
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