Article: Boston Red Sox 2025 Position Analysis: Second Base

[Hitch]

1 hour ago, moonslav59 said:

Back to 2B.

IMO, we start the year with DHam and Romy platooning 2B.

I'd be fine with Campbell at 2B FT, but I think Brez holds off a few weeks.

I'm pretty convinced that Campbell is the starting 2B for us come Texas. 

Mayer is going down. Anthony, I can't make up my mind what they're going to do with him. He should be up. I have a feeling he'll be joining Mayer.

 

[mvp 78]

Maybe the Sox think outside of the box and ring up A700's guy Jonathan Arauz to reprise his role? 

[drewski6]

9 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

Maybe the Sox think outside of the box and ring up A700's guy Jonathan Arauz to reprise his role? 

"Guys, its going to be Christian"

"Drew, he spells it with a K"

"Whoa, whoa....I was talking about Arroyo"




 

[mvp 78]

5 minutes ago, drewski6 said:

"Guys, its going to be Christian"

"Drew, he spells it with a K"

"Whoa, whoa....I was talking about Arroyo"

Absolutely raking for the Phillies this Spring: 934 OPS and might make the Opening Day roster off of a MiLB contract.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

29 minutes ago, Hitch said:

I'm pretty convinced that Campbell is the starting 2B for us come Texas. 

Mayer is going down. Anthony, I can't make up my mind what they're going to do with him. He should be up. I have a feeling he'll be joining Mayer.

 

Makes sense. Then again, there's no doubt in my mind that Boston's best infield prospect -- the guy who looks like a big leaguer right now, anywhere on the dirt -- is Marcelo Mayer. 

[drewski6]

8 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

Absolutely raking for the Phillies this Spring: 934 OPS and might make the Opening Day roster off of a MiLB contract.

Im rooting for him.

[moonslav59]

1 hour ago, Hitch said:

I'm pretty convinced that Campbell is the starting 2B for us come Texas. 

 

It's a close call on Campbell vs DHam/Romy.

Anthony might be about how much time they think Abreu might need.

[vegasbob]

12 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

It's a close call on Campbell vs DHam/Romy.

Anthony might be about how much time they think Abreu might need.

Abreu would be doing himself a favor by taking the next 30 days to continue getting in good shape after losing 20 pounds due to severe  GI illness.  Start on the IL and see if he rebuilds himself in a few weeks.

Wilyer ( and Devers) are a combined 1 for 18 in limited action.  Both show that quick returns to the lineup  late in ST are difficult.  Entering the season not quite ready is a poor move too.      

[moonslav59]

4 hours ago, vegasbob said:

Abreu would be doing himself a favor by taking the next 30 days to continue getting in good shape after losing 20 pounds due to severe  GI illness.  Start on the IL and see if he rebuilds himself in a few weeks.

Wilyer ( and Devers) are a combined 1 for 18 in limited action.  Both show that quick returns to the lineup  late in ST are difficult.  Entering the season not quite ready is a poor move too.      

Maybe, they both start off on the 10 Day IL. That would give them about 17 days more.

[Old Red]

15 hours ago, moonslav59 said:

For sure.

I really like Rafaela, a lot, and I have hopes his offense will improve. How much is the big question. At what he will, in a few years, he should be a starter, but if he can get 450+ PAs at CF, RF, SS and 2B, that would be a very valuable player to have.

Not talking April, 2025, but I think Duran and Anthony will be FT'ers. As long as Abreu is here, he should play vs RHPs. As long as Refsnyder here, he should play vs LHPs. That fills up the OF,without even thinking about Yoshida in LF, if Devers remains the FT DH.

We have 3 guys fifor the 2 middle IF slots: Story, Mayer and Campbell. We have more-than-capable platoon tandem of DHam and Romy as back-ups. Rafaela may be a better option than them, but I doubt he wins an IF job over Campbell, Mayer and Story.

Either someone will need to be traded, or Rafaela will be the super utility guy.

I think we will try to trade Yoshida, assuming he adds some value, this year, or we just dump him, if he doesn't.

Bregman's status in 2026 could make a difference, as 3B could open up for Mayer or Campbell, which could allow Rafaela to play 2B near FT or often.

Then, there are farther away players like Jh garcia,  Romero, Arias, Bleis, Cespedes and others.

Having a surplus of talent is never a bad thing, unless it's among DH only players, but Ref might retire after this year, and Bregman may bolt. Someone may get hurt, not meet expectations or drop off a cliff, which would make the chocies easier, but I think we see some trades, next winter, if not this summer..

 

If Story Land goes down for his annual repairs, and maintenance I don’t think you will see the RAF Man move back to the IF. He’s the FT CF now no matter who else is in the OF.

[Hitch]

15 hours ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

Makes sense. Then again, there's no doubt in my mind that Boston's best infield prospect -- the guy who looks like a big leaguer right now, anywhere on the dirt -- is Marcelo Mayer. 

He's certainly making himself hard to ignore. They've got the out in that they want him to get some seasoning at AAA as he didn't make an appearance there, but as the pitching starts to matter towards the latter part of ST, he's still finding hits and he's silky smooth on defence. Maybe he could still edge it. 

[Hitch]

13 hours ago, moonslav59 said:

It's a close call on Campbell vs DHam/Romy.

Anthony might be about how much time they think Abreu might need.

I think they'll go with Abreu. Cora has said he;l b ready by opening day and they obviously love his D. Really can't call what they'll do with Anthony, though he should be on the opening day roster. 

[moonslav59]

2 hours ago, Old Red said:

If Story Land goes down for his annual repairs, and maintenance I don’t think you will see the RAF Man move back to the IF. He’s the FT CF now no matter who else is in the OF.

So, you have Rafaela>Abreu vs RHPs and Rafaela> Refsnyder vs LHPs. Maye Cora does, too. Rafaela's ST'ing is going very nicely, especially the much lower Ks and more BBs than Ks.

If Anthony joins the OF, he will play FT or very near it. Duran is FT.

That leaves Rafaela or a possible Abreu-Refsnyder platoon.

If, somehow-some way Story and Mayer stay healthy for a full season, Campbell could further squeeze the OF.

I know Cora has said Rafaela is the FT CF'er, but things can and do change. I'd like nothing more than for Rafaela to show he can hit and win the FT CF job for the next half decade. I think he can.

[mvp 78]

2 hours ago, Old Red said:

If Story Land goes down for his annual repairs, and maintenance I don’t think you will see the RAF Man move back to the IF. He’s the FT CF now no matter who else is in the OF.

To me, it would depend on when he goes down. If it's after Memorial Day, I'm just calling Mayer up.

[mvp 78]

2 hours ago, Hitch said:

He's certainly making himself hard to ignore. They've got the out in that they want him to get some seasoning at AAA as he didn't make an appearance there, but as the pitching starts to matter towards the latter part of ST, he's still finding hits and he's silky smooth on defence. Maybe he could still edge it. 

He's still a good prospect, but has spent virtually no time at 2b. If they want him at 2b, I'd almost want him to go to WOO for two weeks and play there fulltime to get his feet really wet and then get called up if they believe he's ready. I still think he needs more time in AAA for his offense to truly develop, but I'm also not around him 24/7 the way Cora and others are.

[Old Red]

32 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

So, you have Rafaela>Abreu vs RHPs and Rafaela> Refsnyder vs LHPs. Maye Cora does, too. Rafaela's ST'ing is going very nicely, especially the much lower Ks and more BBs than Ks.

If Anthony joins the OF, he will play FT or very near it. Duran is FT.

That leaves Rafaela or a possible Abreu-Refsnyder platoon.

If, somehow-some way Story and Mayer stay healthy for a full season, Campbell could further squeeze the OF.

I know Cora has said Rafaela is the FT CF'er, but things can and do change. I'd like nothing more than for Rafaela to show he can hit and win the FT CF job for the next half decade. I think he can.

I don’t think about who doesn’t play let alone care about it. I also don’t worry about someone losing AB Ref Man, or anyone else. When all three suspects finally make the 26 you’ll have to many players, and someone will have to go hopefully for some pitching. I know you, and others see The RAF Man as some type of super utility guy, and I just don’t see it that way. Just, because he can doesn’t mean he will.

[moonslav59]

20 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

He's still a good prospect, but has spent virtually no time at 2b. If they want him at 2b, I'd almost want him to go to WOO for two weeks and play there fulltime to get his feet really wet and then get called up if they believe he's ready. I still think he needs more time in AAA for his offense to truly develop, but I'm also not around him 24/7 the way Cora and others are.

It reminds me of the Bogey call-up to play 3B, after just 10 games at 3B in AAA as prep.

[Bellhorn04]

3 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

It reminds me of the Bogey call-up to play 3B, after just 10 games at 3B in AAA as prep.

The Bogey call-up was a sort of emergency, with the team going for a title and Middlebrooks failing to inspire much confidence.  

[moonslav59]

11 minutes ago, Old Red said:

I don’t think about who doesn’t play let alone care about it. I also don’t worry about someone losing AB Ref Man, or anyone else. When all three suspects finally make the 26 you’ll have to many players, and someone will have to go hopefully for some pitching. I know you, and others see The RAF Man as some type of super utility guy, and I just don’t see it that way. Just, because he can doesn’t mean he will.

I do think Rafaela would make a great "super utilityman," although getting expensive in the next few years, but I am far from giving up on him a FT CF'er.

Okay, leave the "suspects" out of the picture, for now.

IMO, as of right now, I'd play Refsnyder against LHPs and sit Abreu vs lefties. I'd go with Ref in LF, Duran in CF and Rafaela in RF vs lefties, but I'm fine with Cora just keeping Duran in LF and Rafaela in CF FT, and going with an Abreu/REF platoon in RF.

If and when Anthony makes the 26, there will be a tough choice to make, whether you care to discuss i or not.

[moonslav59]

2 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

The Bogey call-up was a sort of emergency, with the team going for a title and Middlebrooks failing to inspire much confidence.  

True, but that just makes this late play of Mayer at 2B more questionable. I think they were so set on Campbell, they overlooked the prep of Mayer for 2B. Now, they look kinda like they are scrambling, a little.

(I still think DHam starts in Texas.)

[Old Red]

1 minute ago, moonslav59 said:

I do think Rafaela would make a great "super utilityman," although getting expensive in the next few years, but I am far from giving up on him a FT CF'er.

Okay, leave the "suspects" out of the picture, for now.

IMO, as of right now, I'd play Refsnyder against LHPs and sit Abreu vs lefties. I'd go with Ref in LF, Duran in CF and Rafaela in RF vs lefties, but I'm fine with Cora just keeping Duran in LF and Rafaela in CF FT, and going with an Abreu/REF platoon in RF.

If and when Anthony makes the 26, there will be a tough choice to make, whether you care to discuss i or not.

I’ve already discussed my opinion when Anthony makes the team. Duran-RAF Man- Anthony OF. I’ve also discussed as of right now Ref Man would platoon in RF with Abreu. I don’t see moving the whole OF around for Ref Man either. Once again Raf Man is the FT CF IMO, and musical OF is NOT needed.

[mvp 78]

11 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

It reminds me of the Bogey call-up to play 3B, after just 10 games at 3B in AAA as prep.

Bogey had 60 total games at AAA though. Mayer would be taking a huge leap if he's skipping through AAA. 

vs AA LHP

Mayer 674 OPS

Anthony 893 OPS

I fully agree that his defense is ready and that he can probably hit RHP.

[Bellhorn04]

9 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

True, but that just makes this late play of Mayer at 2B more questionable. I think they were so set on Campbell, they overlooked the prep of Mayer for 2B. Now, they look kinda like they are scrambling, a little.

Really?  You think they're scrambling to give Mayer a shot at opening day 2B?

[mvp 78]

9 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

True, but that just makes this late play of Mayer at 2B more questionable. I think they were so set on Campbell, they overlooked the prep of Mayer for 2B. Now, they look kinda like they are scrambling, a little.

(I still think DHam starts in Texas.)

Overlooked the prep of Mayer? How many friggin' guys can they get to play one position? 

Grissom

Hamilton

Campbell

Mayer

Toro

Romy

At some point, you just have to narrow down the focus anyway. It's not like Mayer was sitting on the sidelines. He was still getting a lot of reps, just at a different IF position. They weren't throwing him out in LF like they did with Campbell. 

[mvp 78]

1 minute ago, Bellhorn04 said:

Really?  You think they're scrambling to give Mayer a shot at opening day 2B?

I'd be surprised if they went that route. Maybe they want to see what it looks like and then decide if it's worth it to have him play 2b in WOO? IDK. It'd be wild for them to have Mayer completely skip AAA. A guy who has missed time each season due to injury. Yes, he's still a great prospect, but there's stuff to work on. 

[Old Red]

2 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

Overlooked the prep of Mayer? How many friggin' guys can they get to play one position? 

Grissom

Hamilton

Campbell

Mayer

Toro

Romy

At some point, you just have to narrow down the focus anyway. It's not like Mayer was sitting on the sidelines. He was still getting a lot of reps, just at a different IF position. They weren't throwing him out in LF like they did with Campbell. 

The revolving door is getting worn out.

[Old Red]

2 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

I'd be surprised if they went that route. Maybe they want to see what it looks like and then decide if it's worth it to have him play 2b in WOO? IDK. It'd be wild for them to have Mayer completely skip AAA. A guy who has missed time each season due to injury. Yes, he's still a great prospect, but there's stuff to work on. 

The injuries the last two years took away valuable developmental time, and if not he would most likely be on the 26 right now IMO.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Mayer already looks like an old pro at any infield position.

He's more sure-handed and composed than Campbell, Grissom and Hamilton (who I keep reading on forums as a dependable defensive infielder, when every game I watch he makes a shaky play).

With Griz already demoted, it would make sense if both Mayer and Campbell made the roster, for added left-right bats, with Hamilton the utility guy now that Romy looks like he won't be ready.

If Campbell gets cut, they'll him at both IF and OF in Worcester -- so he'll bat every day. Griz will play 2B when KC's in LF...

[Old Red]

1 minute ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

Mayer already looks like an old pro at any infield position.

He's more sure-handed and composed than Campbell, Grissom and Hamilton (who I keep reading on forums as a dependable defensive infielder, when every game I watch he makes a shaky play).

With Griz already demoted, it would make sense if both Mayer and Campbell made the roster, for added left-right bats, with Hamilton the utility guy now that Romy looks like he won't be ready.

If Campbell gets cut, they'll him at both IF and OF in Worcester -- so he'll bat every day. Griz will play 2B when KC's in LF...

Mayer, and Campbell both will not make opening day unless Story goes down in the meantime. 2B is the ONLY opening right now.

[mvp 78]

15 minutes ago, Old Red said:

The injuries the last two years took away valuable developmental time, and if not he would most likely be on the 26 right now IMO.

2024:

Out Aug 1 - end of season

2023: 

Out Aug 3 - end of season (though his shoulder had been already bothering him for weeks)

That's about 3 months of development time at least.