Mar 12, 2015; Bradenton, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop
Sean Coyle(80) dives for a ball and misses during a spring training baseball game at McKechnie Field. The Boston Red Sox beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
What has happened to Sean Coyle?
Coyle is a personal favorite and I love watching his style of play and the comparisons to Dustin Pedroia. Coyle hit 16 home runs and swatted .295 in only 97 games at Portland in 2014. The move to Pawtucket was a natural for the 23-year-old third round pick. However, warning signs surfaced in the fall.
In the Arizona Fall League Coyle slashed .209/.303/.343 in 19 games. At Pawtucket this season Coyle has flashed his right-handed power with four home runs in 22 games, but that average has sunk faster than the DOW in 2008 as Coyle is hitting less than his weight.
Is it an adjustment issue? Triple-A is another big step for any young player and Coyle does have a world of talent. Maybe the next month or two will show an adjustment and Coyle can get out of the offensive doldrums.