Jeff Natale

[Dojji]

Call me silly -- and a lot of you will -- but I have a feeling that if Natale stays healthy we'll be seeing him in Boston next year.

 

I think Natale will have no difficulty getting at bats in Pawtucket. He doesn't have a ton of power but I've always loved his sheer ability to get on base. He has enough power to hover around .800 OPS, .400 of it coming from his OBP, and despite an unlucky injury last year I think he's got the ability to take his game (at least, his offensive game) to the big leagues.

 

The only guy I've ever seen who was as good in sheer OBP ability is Youkilis, and that not by much -- it might be his only big tool, but the guy is one of the toughest outs in the minors. If he hadn't gotten hurt he might have even gotten some reps as a backup 1B last year -- we were literally trying everyone and anyone there at some points last year thanks to the Lowell injury.

 

Even if that's all he does for his entire career, a guy who can play a bit of middle infield and get on base a ton should find his way eventually to the big leagues. If we ever waive him, the A's would trip over themselves to snap him up.

 

My question: What role, if any, do you guys see Natale having in the future of the Sox? Will he make the team at some point as a backup 1B or is he mostly just trade fodder to a team like Oakland that loves them some OBP?

[CrespoBlows]

None.

 

He doesn't have a position other than DH, or 1B.

 

I like him too, but the Front Office doesn't seem to agree.

[diony]

The comparison with Youk is fair. He could be a sleeper.

[Keeper]

I don't know if he has a future with the Sox, but it'd be hard to ignore a guy who gets on base so much. Definitely a good guy to have on your bench.

[Dojji]

I wonder if he could learn Right Field. If he could, he might be a candidate for the 25th spot out of Spring Training.