Let It Ride With Middelbrooks and Bogaerts

The ongoing Stephen Drew soap opera continues to tie up a few extra servers on various baseball sites. Will the Boras magic again find a fiscally bountiful destination for another Drew family member? Will Drew be left at the free agent altar with no ardent suitor ready to toss millions at him? Will the local Boston entry be willing to take back to their nest Mr. Drew? Would Drew come back, helmet in hand, like Jason Varitek did many years ago?

I could care less about having Drew return. I cherish the extra millions to be tossed elsewhere and, of course, nothing like a coveted draft pick. BSI’s John Farher had an excellent article on Sox century 21 drafting and that draft pick…..please sign elsewhere. Nov 2, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts speaks with NESN reporter Jenny Dell inside of Fenway Park prior to the World Series parade and celebration. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Now I am not “Down” on Drew. Drew performed rather admirably in his Boston tenure. His “numbers” on both the fielding and hitting side showed a rather competent player. Drew certainly didn’t “light it up” in the playoffs but he got on a duck boat and got a ring. Time for Sox to move on.

Just cut the chase and hand the SS job to Xander Bogaerts. X-Man has the resume of the best prospect this century attached to him. He proved his mettle in the pressure packed playoffs. The young man was not intimidated. He is your SS for the rest of the decade.

Will Middlebrooks did a George Scott. Scott had a good rookie year and a great sophomore season when the Sox won in 1967. In 1968 he hit .171. The Sox stayed with him and he rebounded. Give third to Middlebrooks and let it ride. Time to give this semi proven power hitter the full ride and forget the classic baseball 3 for 2, meaning three potential full time position players for two positions. Go with X-Man and Middlebrooks. Oct 27, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks (16) warms up prior to game four of the MLB baseball World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

The situation is one of risk. I am an aggressive investor and I apply that to baseball. Reward those in your system. Take a shot with guys who have that potential. Sox have their usually collection in reserve, either on the 40 man or stashed in Pawtucket. They also have some rising talent on the fast track, so there is further potential available.

Now what happens if it all falls apart? Last I knew that was Ben Cherington’s department and something tells me with the talent and fiscal resources the Sox have a June or July move would be available if necessary. Sox can troll the rosters for that proven talent and make a move.

In baseball you win with defense and the primary component of defense is pitching, and the Sox have built an impressive staff. The post season moves are under the radar of building up a bullpen with depth and that is depth with talent. They have starters and some others for that role in the pipeline. I try to look at the Sox with blinders off and I will say this is an impressive pitching staff.

So I’m not that worried about the offense. Sox will score runs. They usually do. And it is time to just put Jackie Bradley, X-Man and Middlebrooks on the line-up card from day one.