Red Sox Preview - Shortstop

Team: Boston Red Sox
Position: Shortstop
Primary player and back-up(s): Alex Gonzalez and Alex Cora

HITTING - When you take a look at the new Red Sox SS's 2005 career highlights and one of them is that his .264 BA was his highest since the .277 his rookie year, things could obviously be better. Gonzalez sports horrific career stats of .245 BA and .291 OBP. Ouch! He could be a huge gamble. Although last year he had his highest OBP of his career, .319, his power stats were way down. He did, however, battle some elbow injuries that could have contributed to this. Even looking at his 2004 numbers (which many consider his best year) when he smashed 24 HR, he still K'd 126 times, had a miniscule .270 OBP (the lowest in the NL) and paired that with a .232 BA. Not exactly All-Star stats. He could possibly provide Boston with a bit of pop at the back end of their line up that they've been missing for the last couple of years. In Cora you get a serviceable fill in, but not somebody you are going to rely on to drive in the big run (career BA .244). I see this, even if Gonzalez can repeat his 2004 power, as a major hole in the Boston lineup. C-

FIELDING - Gonzalez isn't a player that will kill you with his defense, but he won't be a Gold Glover either. However, over the last 3 seasons (16 errors per, about a .975 FP) his defense has definitely improved from his earlier days in the league. He features a solid arm and turns a nice DP and his range is slightly above average. As far as Cora, well, he'll make the play that is right at him, but he lacks the range and arm to be a late inning replacement here. Overall, B-.

BASE RUNNING - Once again I don't see these guys bringing much to the table. Gonzalez (career 23 SB and 17 CS) and Cora (career 25 SB and 13 CS) are neither a huge threat on the base paths. Another troubling stat is that besides 1999, when Gonzalez scored 81 R, neither has eclipsed the 70 R mark in their career. I think I atleast have to expect Gonzalez to have some speed in his legs for only being 29 and playing SS. Maybe I'm just thinking of the stereotypical SS. C

DEPTH - Outside of Cora and Gonzalez, the SS position could be filled by Graffanino (who I discussed in the 2nd base preview as being a big hit-or-miss guy) or the young Pedroia (who with his meteoric rise through the Boston farm system Shark may have to write something about soon). This position could be classified a total disaster if things don't go right for Boston. You could potentially be forced to bring up Pedroia early if none of the others click and I wouldn't be to confident with a rookie in there in a September pennant race. If Gonzalez struggles, look for the Sox to make a move for a vet near the All-Star break. C-

INTANGIBLES - Athough he does have a World Series ring, I'm not sure that matters in this clubhouse full of domineering personalities. There is the possibility here for a breakout year though, look at the factors; 29 years old (baseball prime), World Series champ that has done it before, power to hit 20+ HR, and a team where he doesn't have to be a leader, just a cog in a finely tuned machine. Is it possible? Yes. Well it happen? I don't think so. C, and only because of that stuff I just listed, it was almost making sense to me.

OVERALL - I think if anything Boston was just making a money saving move here. Renteria ended up with a decent year last year, and he really seemed to come on last year towards the end. I think Boston figured the could get 75% of the production from a guy that cost 80% less and thought it was good baseball sense. I agree with the logic, but lets see what happens if Gonzalez struggles. I bet they open up the wallet then. Beyond that, I think they have a guy that could add some pop in the 8 or 9 spot and not kill them defensively. Nothing special here really. C-