Mar 31, 2015; Port Charlotte, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (25) at bat against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jackie Bradley – HOT!
The average has dropped a bit from the .340s earlier in the season, but Bradley is now a new an improved version regarding the plate discipline saw lacking in the past. More contact, better selection and waiting for the tastiest of pitching offerings is translated into a top IL performer.
Bradley is no longer a prospect, but a reclamation project. Should he be rewarded with yet another trip to Boston? Is that impressive OBP enough to give the Boston baseball ops one last shot? Why not? Bradley’s latest heroics? A walk-off double Friday night against Jamie Farr’s favorite team – the Toledo Mud Hens.
Bradley is a defensive magician. That was clear to any and all during the 2014 season. Bradley’s range, arm and instincts cry out for Gold Glove. Maybe the now 25-year-old deserves that one final run at projected success? Bradley has nothing more to prove at Triple-A and everything to prove in Boston or elsewhere.