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| AP Photo |
It's just a matter of time.
Xander Bogaerts—the crown jewel of the Red Sox farm system—is poised to emerge from AAA and make an impact on the big club soon. It's not a question of "if", just "when" the talented 20-year old star gets to don Carmine Hose. He has raked at every level—and is now pounding out HRs at Pawtucket. His defensive skills are getting more impressive by the day—and the only question is
where will he play with all the premier infield prospects coming of age at once. As impressive as his baseball skills are, his "people" skills are even better.
ESPN's Jerry Crasnik gives him a "Torii-Huner-like grade" on the congeniality scale. For example, when asked about which position he might play in 'The Show', he offered the following:
"I really think I'm good at shortstop right now, so that's what I'm focusing on. But I don't have a problem with [moving]. I can pitch. I'll even catch." Not exactly the words of a spoiled malcontent. If the Red Sox can configure an infield with Bogaerts,
Jose Iglesias and
Will Middlebrooks in it (not to mention
Devin Marrero and
Garin Cecchini), we will have the foundation of an extremely talented team over the next several years.
