Coming Logjam At Hot Corner For Red Sox

As we all look forward to the 2013 season, one of the areas we thought was settled was third base. Prior to his injury, Will Middlebrooks convinced everyone that he was the heir apparent at the hot corner. Maybe, maybe not. Most respected independent talent evaluators suggest that Boston has at least three top-flight prospects targeted for third base. Middlebrooks, of course, is the most advanced—with solid major league experience this year. But Xander Bogaerts, who many think of as a shortstop, is still growing and is ultimately projected at third. The 19-year old Bogaerts hit .307 this year, with 20 HRs between Single and Double A. On top of that, 21-year old Garin Cecchini, a fourth-round pick in 2010, had a solid year at Single A—hitting .305 with a .394 OBP. Look for the Red Sox to dip into this "surplus" at the hot corner to make an off-season deal or two.