Deven Marrero is also hitting this spring training. There is never a question regarding Marrero’s fielding ability and in another baseball age with rosters that usually had seven infielders Marrero would find employment. A late inning defensive replacement is a high priority for many a leaking defense. Games can be lost or even a World Series by poor managerial decisions on defense – just think Bill Buckner.
Marrero is a former number one draft choice and is now on the cusp at 26-years-old. Last season at Pawtucket Marrero had a significant regression with his hitting ability as his average plummeted to .198 from .256 the previous season. Short stays in Boston the two previous years resulted in a .200 average. What I noticed was a certain inability at both Boston and Pawtucket to accomplish the “little things” necessary. Getting a bunt down or moving a runner along.
Marrero has an option left and will be returned to Pawtucket. Josh Rutledge and Marco Hernandez both are well ahead of Marrero on the company flow chart under reserve infielders, but Marrero does have the potential to latch on elsewhere. The Boston roadway appears a dead-end, but when a team is in need a swap could open Marrero to a more productive opportunity elsewhere.