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Race to 25: Update on the Red Sox Roster Battles

By Max Sandgrund

Sep 28, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (52) delivers a pitch during the second inning of the game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (52) delivers a pitch during the second inning of the game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 11, 2016; Dunedin, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox infielder Travis Shaw (47) singles in the first inning of the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Dunedin, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox infielder Travis Shaw (47) singles in the first inning of the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

THE STARTING LINEUP

Third Base

Although Pablo Sandoval is almost surely going to open the season as the team’s starting third baseman, his poor play, along with Shaw’s continued dominance at the plate, is making that fact harder and harder for John Farrell and the Red Sox to live with.  Is there a chance the question of who should start at third is revisited should their current spring performances continue through the rest of March?  Yes.

The Candidates

  1. Pablo Sandoval
  2. Travis Shaw

The State of the Competition

In 11 spring starts, Sandoval is batting .192 (5-for-26) overall.  The good news he has been better this week, batting .300 over 10 at-bats.  Sandoval has played 59 innings at third base, and has four errors on 17 defensive chances, giving him a .765 fielding percentage this spring, which is worst on the team.

In 11 spring starts, Shaw is batting .419 (13 for 31), with six runs, two doubles, two HRs, nine RBIs, two walks and four strikeouts.  In terms of defense, Shaw has played 52 innings in the infield, most of which have come at third base, and he is 23 for 23 on defensive chances for a 1.000 fielding percentage.

The Leaderboard

Assuming this were a real competition, where the best player wins the job:

  1. Travis Shaw
  2. Pablo Sandoval

In reality:

  1. Pablo Sandoval
  2. Travis Shaw

Next: The Bench

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