Sep 27, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Jose Pirela (67) slides safely into third base past the tag of Boston Red Sox third baseman Garin Cecchini (70) for a triple during the sixth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
This off season has brought plenty of questions to Red Sox players and fans. What will the starting rotation look like now that Jon Lester is gone? Does the team still need an “ace”? If so, who is the best fit?
If you are Garin Cecchini one question rises above them all: where do I fit in? Cecchini spent the majority of the 2014 season waiting in line behind Will Middlebrooks and Brock Holt for a chance to man the hot corner. When the Red Sox added third basemen Pable Sandoval in November things got even more complicated for Garin.
Last season Cecchini spent most of his time in AAA Pawtucket where he hit .263 with a .341 OBP. He got a chance to show off his stuff in 11 games with Boston. With his 31 at bats he accomplished a .258 batting average with eight hits, six runs, and four RBIs. The 23 year-old lefty from Louisiana signed with the Red Sox in August 2010 after being drafted by the Sox in the fourth round of the 2010 amateur draft. He has since demonstrated great plate discipline and decent strike-zone decision making. What he lacks in power he makes up for with good defense.
All these statistics point to Cecchini being a useful part of a trade. Boston could get a good value from him since he clearly has starting potential and there aren’t many third basement on the free agent market. This off season could be a long waiting game for Garin.
Players and fans alike look anxiously towards Opening Day and all the answers it will bring.