FORT MYERS, Fla. — With Opening Day lower than two weeks away and an enormous spherical of roster cuts anticipated within the upcoming days, we should always quickly have a good suggestion of how the Crimson Sox will look once they take the sphere in Texas on March 27.
However whereas time is operating out, Crimson Sox supervisor Alex Cora stated he has not but decided on who would be the beginning second baseman and that the job continues to be up for grabs.
“This final week goes to dictate what we do,” Cora stated.
With Alex Bregman anticipated to open the season because the beginning third baseman, the second base job will prone to go one in all David Hamilton, Vaughn Grissom or Kristian Campbell, who’ve gotten the overwhelming majority of the taking part in time on the place this spring. Hamilton has performed one of the best of the trio, batting .270 getting into Sunday, whereas Grissom (.200) and Campbell (.152) have comparatively struggled, however Cora stated he isn’t involved in regards to the statistics they’ve posted.
“They’ve performed effectively, the 0 for 20, the ten for 20 doesn’t come into the equation. Yeah it’s a contest and we all know that however on the identical time the construction of the roster is necessary,” Cora stated. “One factor for positive, (Hamilton) has performed effectively, very well. At brief, at second, the at bats are actually good and we all know what he can do on the bottom paths.”
Cora stated he’ll contemplate every participant’s general strengths and weaknesses and the way they match into the bigger puzzle as a complete. Protection will likely be a key consideration, however so will the gamers’ potential to place collectively high quality at bats and whether or not or not they bat right-handed or left-handed.
“I believe protection issues, however to stability the lineup is necessary too,” Cora stated. “I believe we’re going to be in a great place, I believe defensively you may inform it’s a bit of bit completely different this yr in comparison with final. I believe the fellows have performed a greater job turning double performs at second base, which for me is large.”
Cora additionally highlighted a number of different gamers who’ve the flexibility to play second base, mentioning utility candidates Romy Gonzalez and Nick Sogard, however general stated he’s comfy with the state of the place no matter who finally will get the beginning job.
“We’ll resolve what we’re going to do,” Cora stated. “I believe there’s sure issues that may dictate what we do with the roster, however we really feel very comfy.”
