Should Podsednik be starting at this point?

[Spitball]

I realize Podsednik's .333/.367/.700 line and .316 average are not bad, but should he be getting this much playing time? He is 36-years-old and not a building block to the future. Kalish, Ellsbury, Ross, and Nava should be getting the majority of the outfield time from here on out. Find out if they work, and if not, make plans to acquire or promote others.

 

Podsednik is doing a good job but shouldn't be part of the Red Sox future. At this point, the team should be trying to figure out how to field a competent team in 2013 and beyond. Podsednik will be 37-years-old next year and shouldn't be getting playing time ahead of younger players who might be, or may not be, part of the future.

[jacksonianmarch]

I'd also say the same about Aviles. Iglesias is the future and should get the PT right now. If he gets beaten out by Aviles in the spring, so be it, but get the guy big league ABs. What's the worst thing that could happen?

[Spitball]

I'd also say the same about Aviles. Iglesias is the future and should get the PT right now. If he gets beaten out by Aviles in the spring, so be it, but get the guy big league ABs. What's the worst thing that could happen?

 

You are right. If there is benefit to this crappy season, it is that the Sox can afford to look at their youthful future.

 

I fear it is about Valentine wanting to salvage some respect by building a more respectable record.

[wyo-sox]

I think Pods may be a guy that defies traditional age numbers a bit. I think he will be a solid player for another two to three years. I like the odds of him being a solid outfielder for a few years then the odds of an unproven kid in the minors.

 

Yes we need to develop young players, and a professional guy that works really hard, and does not appear to be an entitled princess is a guy I want the young players around.

[rjortiz]

Podsednik sucks, but it's not like he's really blocking anyone. Kalish isn't the answer in RF, and Nava is a bench player at best.

[redsoxfan3]

Podsednik sucks, but it's not like he's really blocking anyone. Kalish isn't the answer in RF, and Nava is a bench player at best.

 

I would not go as far as saying he sucks. He is hitting .316 in 172 plate appearances. That is not a lot of at bats in a season, but he has shown some consistency in 48 games. He doesn't hit for power. He does have some speed. He is not a bad player to have. I really hope he is not with us next year, but I do not think it is fair to say he sucks.

 

Kalish is only 24 and he has not been back too long since being injured. You may not think he is the answer, but he still could develop into a decent OF. I am not giving up hope on him. I would probably start him in AAA next year to develop, unless he has a great spring. Plus Ross is our RF if we resign him, so there goes any chance of Kalish starting if we can resign Ross (unless Ross gets injured).

 

I completely agree with Nava. He is a 4th OF at best.

 

Going forward, I do not think Podsednik will be back next year unless we really cannot find a decent LF to replace him. I hope we can sign someone decent to at least a one year contract.

[rjortiz]

I would not go as far as saying he sucks. He is hitting .316 in 172 plate appearances. That is not a lot of at bats in a season, but he has shown some consistency in 48 games. He doesn't hit for power. He does have some speed. He is not a bad player to have. I really hope he is not with us next year, but I do not think it is fair to say he sucks.

 

Kalish is only 24 and he has not been back too long since being injured. You may not think he is the answer, but he still could develop into a decent OF. I am not giving up hope on him. I would probably start him in AAA next year to develop, unless he has a great spring. Plus Ross is our RF if we resign him, so there goes any chance of Kalish starting if we can resign Ross (unless Ross gets injured).

 

I completely agree with Nava. He is a 4th OF at best.

 

Going forward, I do not think Podsednik will be back next year unless we really cannot find a decent LF to replace him. I hope we can sign someone decent to at least a one year contract.

 

He has an OPS of .700, and plays a corner OF position. If he's our starter in LF next year, we won't win 70 games.

[redsoxfan3]

He has an OPS of .700, and plays a corner OF position. If he's our starter in LF next year, we won't win 70 games.

 

The reason his OPS is so low is because of his slugging percentage being low. Like I said, he does not have much power. Only six of his 50 hits have been extra base hits. He is a guy that has some speed. He won't hit a lot of home runs or RBI's, but he will beat out a lot of double plays and will have some infield singles. He can steal some bases. Every player on the team does not have to have an .800+ OPS. That is not going to happen. You need players who can provide offensive sparks with speed.

 

Let me make it clear that I do not want him around next year. I am just saying that I do not think it is fair for you to say he sucks. His OPS is s*****, but his batting average is good. Power is not his game.