Future 3rd baseman, Xander or Middlebrooks?

Sean Riley
Contributing Writer

Red Sox nation is well aware of the trade that Boston's front office made before the deadline dealing Jose Iglesias to the Tigers and acquiring pitcher Jake Peavy from the White Sox in a three team trade. Seems as though most fans are split between liking or hating the trade, however, another big decision is brewing on who they will choose to be their full time third baseman moving forward.

It was surprising to see Brock Holt recalled from Pawtucket after the trade to replace Iglesias at third. The logical choice had most fans assuming that Will Middlebrooks would be the first called up to man the hot corner of Boston's infield. That being said, the decision to keep Middlebrooks down in Triple A has Red Sox media and fans questioning what the real reasons are for him to remain in the minors where he has been for at least a month now.

Xander Bogaerts could now be in position to move past Middlebrooks and take over at 3rd base for the Sox. Xander is a natural short stop and has been playing at 3rd for the Paw Sox as of late for the simple fact that Ben Cherrington wants him ready to play the position when his time comes and he receives the call to join the big club. Xander has been on everyone's radar as one of the Red Sox top prospects if not their number one. One thing that Boston fans love is young, homegrown talent coming up through their farm system.

So here's the big question, with Iglesias gone and Brock Holt/Brandon Snyder platooning at third, who do you want to see take over. Xander Bogaerts or Will Middlebrooks? We have an idea of what Middlebrooks can bring to the table with his power, decent defense, but this year his lack of patience at the plate leading to a low average and high strikeout rate. Now add Xander into the mix, here are his stats between Double A Portland and Triple A Pawtucket this season; 100 games combined. 112 hits, 20 doubles, 6 triples, 14 HRs, 59 RBIs, 59 walks, and a .297 batting average. Personally, I'd like to see Bogaerts get an opportunity to show us what he's got. Clearly whatever they've wanted Middlebrooks to work on in the minors he still hasn't fixed it or he would've gotten the call to join the Red Sox following the trade. So the combination of me wanting to see Bogaerts and trusting Boston's executives in their decision to keep Will down I choose Xander. All of this being said some of Boston's media believes we could see Xander sooner rather than later. Former Red Sox and current radio host on WEEI 93.7, Lou Merloni, believes that Bogaerts could get the call up when the Sox start a 10 game road trip starting in Houston. The combination of playing a poor team in the Astro's and also being on the road could provide less pressure for the young Xander for his first stint in the Major League.

So I present the same question to all my Red Sox Lifer's out there, who do YOU think will be the next 3rd baseman for the Red Sox? Comment on the site below or shoot me a tweet @PresidenteGuapo and let's see who's right when one of the two get the call.