Boston Red Sox: Roster change masters
Sam Galanis
Contributing Writer
All of the Red Sox backup players must live in a day-to-day fear of being optioned to the minor leagues at any moment. The Sox have been playing “roster roulette,” as the Globe’s Pete Abraham called it, and haven’t been afraid to make changes when they need to. Most recently, they optioned Allen Webster and Alfredo Aceves for Steven Wright and Pedro Beato.
So far though, they’ve proved that using all of your resources is a good way to keep yourself in first place. Jose Iglesias has obviously been their best roster switch-up, but the list goes on. Jackie Bradley, Jr., Brock Holt, Brandon Snyder, and Wright have all proved themselves valuable in some way after being called up to the big leagues.
But Sox management doesn’t just toss players away when they have one bad game. They’ve shown amazing strategy and control with the changes they’ve made. When they make a choice, they stick with it until they’re sure that it’s not going to work out.Webster got six starts in with a 9.57 ERA before being optioned on Wednesday. They’ve been using this strategy all season, and will most likely continue to use it instead of making any major trades before the trade deadline on July 31.
The Sox are fortunate to have a rich farm system. Any time they need something, it’s there. With Webster gone, they’ll need someone else to start on Sunday against Oakland. John Farrell said it will probably be either Brandon Workman or Drake Britton. Britton hasn’t been called up yet, and it’s unknown who will be optioned if he’s chosen to start. Bradley, Jr. is currently an extra position player though, so signs point to him.
Comment or follow me @_SamMG
Contributing Writer
All of the Red Sox backup players must live in a day-to-day fear of being optioned to the minor leagues at any moment. The Sox have been playing “roster roulette,” as the Globe’s Pete Abraham called it, and haven’t been afraid to make changes when they need to. Most recently, they optioned Allen Webster and Alfredo Aceves for Steven Wright and Pedro Beato.
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Steven Wright threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings of relief for Ryan Dempster. |
But Sox management doesn’t just toss players away when they have one bad game. They’ve shown amazing strategy and control with the changes they’ve made. When they make a choice, they stick with it until they’re sure that it’s not going to work out.Webster got six starts in with a 9.57 ERA before being optioned on Wednesday. They’ve been using this strategy all season, and will most likely continue to use it instead of making any major trades before the trade deadline on July 31.
The Sox are fortunate to have a rich farm system. Any time they need something, it’s there. With Webster gone, they’ll need someone else to start on Sunday against Oakland. John Farrell said it will probably be either Brandon Workman or Drake Britton. Britton hasn’t been called up yet, and it’s unknown who will be optioned if he’s chosen to start. Bradley, Jr. is currently an extra position player though, so signs point to him.
Comment or follow me @_SamMG
