Roster

As spring training nears, it is important to notice the holes (regardless of what the current organization says) in the field, and also the plethora of starting pitchers.

Currently, Adam Stern is slated to start in center field, and Alex Cora is the opening day starter at short. Clearly, this is unacceptable. While Cora can be solid defensively, his hitting certainly leaves something to be desired. Stern is incredbily fast, but has played a total of 35 major league games and would be better suited to a back up role where he could fill gaps in the outfield in games which the Red Sox were leading. He also is useful as a pinch runner for close game situations.

After the debocle that was Edgard Renteria, the Red Sox organization should surely rethink their choice of starting shortstop for the 2006 season. The gaps in the field could be filled by trading pitchers. David Wells has expressed interest in being traded to a West Coast team, and Matt Clement would also be worthwile trade bait in acquiring starters for either of the field positions.

More as the saga continues.

-J