Red Sox need some roster exit velocity to jettison underachievers

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 5: Dave Dombrowski the President of Baseball Operations for the Boston Red Sox watches batting practice before a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Fenway Park on September 5, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox won 9-2. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 5: Dave Dombrowski the President of Baseball Operations for the Boston Red Sox watches batting practice before a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Fenway Park on September 5, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox won 9-2. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)
6 of 8
BOSTON, MA – AUGUST 9: Jackie Bradley Jr. #19 of the Boston Red Sox runs to first base after hitting a two RBI single in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park on August 9, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – AUGUST 9: Jackie Bradley Jr. #19 of the Boston Red Sox runs to first base after hitting a two RBI single in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park on August 9, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)

Jackie Bradley Jr.

Every year there are certain guarantees for me such as that damn woodchuck family invading my garden and Jackie Bradley Jr. hitting under the league average. The glove work is undeniable and so is the hitting work or lack of hitting. Bradley is the ultimate tease when JBJ goes into one of his extended offensive frenzies.

The downside is frenzied is followed by a freeze where Bradley’s bat becomes just an ornament as he sauntered back to the bench after another embarrassing attempt to hit the little white sphere. Enough is enough and time to put Bradley out to the trading pasture and hopefully get a bullpen arm of moderate talent.

Bradley is expensive ($8.55 MM) and savings are important to the suddenly parsimonious Red Sox. With another year or arbitration Bradley could easily exceed this years contract. Look elsewhere.

Schedule