Could Pedro's Time Be Coming to a Close?
Pedro Martinez's presence in Red Sox camp has been felt from day one, and his contributions to the organization seem to be here for the long haul; however, the same can't be said about the other Pedro: Pedro Ciriaco.
By signing Stephen Drew in the off season, the Sox made it clear that they were not willing to give everyday at bats to Jose Iglesias; rather, he will most likely start the year in Triple-A. This means that the backup infield spot is Pedro Ciriaco's, correct? Maybe not, according to John Farrell.
Part of the Joel Hanrahan trade, Brock Holt could potentially bring more upside from the bench. Holt is 24 years old (three years younger than Ciriaco), a lefty, and the owner of a .317 career minor league average; he plays primarily 2B and SS. The most appealing part of his game, especially compared to Ciriaco, is his ability to get on base. In 8 minor league seasons, Ciriaco has a putrid .299 on-base percentage, in 4 minor league seasons, Holt has a .381 on-base percentage.
Ciriaco is out of options, while Holt still has all three of his, so the probable scenario is that Farrell gives the bench spot to Pedro out of camp, but keeps him on a short leash. This will be an interesting story to follow throughout the spring, especially considering Farrell's remarks. After all, it was Ciriaco's 2012 spring training performance that initially put him in the sites of the Sox coaching staff last year.
Find me on Twitter @therealjtrunfio
By signing Stephen Drew in the off season, the Sox made it clear that they were not willing to give everyday at bats to Jose Iglesias; rather, he will most likely start the year in Triple-A. This means that the backup infield spot is Pedro Ciriaco's, correct? Maybe not, according to John Farrell.
Don't assume Pedro Ciriaco has a spot on the #RedSox bench. Lefty hitting Brock Holt "will get a very good look in camp" says FarrellCiriaco was Boston's best hitter as a non-roster invitee in spring training last season, and his impression stuck as he was called up to the Majors in July. Ciriaco played in 76 games for the Red Sox last season, and became something of a fan favorite -- granted, fans are willing to latch onto any bright spot in a 69 win season. The utility man hit .293, scored 33 runs, stole 16 bases, and KILLED the Yankees (.415 average, 1.002 OPS in 14 games); he played league-average defense at 2B, 3B, SS, and all three outfield positions.
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) February 25, 2013
Part of the Joel Hanrahan trade, Brock Holt could potentially bring more upside from the bench. Holt is 24 years old (three years younger than Ciriaco), a lefty, and the owner of a .317 career minor league average; he plays primarily 2B and SS. The most appealing part of his game, especially compared to Ciriaco, is his ability to get on base. In 8 minor league seasons, Ciriaco has a putrid .299 on-base percentage, in 4 minor league seasons, Holt has a .381 on-base percentage.Ciriaco is out of options, while Holt still has all three of his, so the probable scenario is that Farrell gives the bench spot to Pedro out of camp, but keeps him on a short leash. This will be an interesting story to follow throughout the spring, especially considering Farrell's remarks. After all, it was Ciriaco's 2012 spring training performance that initially put him in the sites of the Sox coaching staff last year.
Find me on Twitter @therealjtrunfio
