Red Sox 40-man roster slots: Who goes?
By Rick McNair
Mar 12, 2015; Bradenton, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Sean Coyle (80) waits for the ball 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
Sean Coyle is another infielder who has hit a developmental brick wall in 2015 at Pawtucket. The diminutive Coyle (5’8”) had some injury issue that (hopefully) were what resulted in a dismal slash of .159/.274/.302 after a very impressive 2014 with Portland.
With Portland, the power was evident with 16 home runs and 61 RBI. The above-average speed showed 13 steals in 14 attempts with the Sea Dogs and the defense was certainly above-average for the second baseman. Yes – there were comparisons to Dustin Pedroia in both Coyle’s size and ability.
Coyle will be 24-years-old as the 2016 season begins. Fast rising on the prospect chart are several other infielders such as Marco Hernandez, Mauricio Dubon and Wendell Rijo who are all capable of playing second. But the real road block is one Yoan Moncada.
The Red Sox opened up the vault for Moncada and he projects at either second base or the outfield. So with the depth in the minors, Pedroia signed until the next decade and Moncada getting a huge bonus the future is suddenly dim for Coyle.