It’s only March and the Boston Red Sox already have major drama. That drama, involving a prospect, doesn’t concern the future but the present, and that’s Jackie Bradley, Jr.
At the onset of camp, everybody believed that Bradley would be headed to Class AAA Pawtucket. While his future was bright, no one was expecting Bradley to hit .429 like he has this spring. I suggested at the beginning of camp that Bradley begin the year as the starting left fielder against right handed pitching, platooning with Johnny Gomes. I have changed my mind. When I say change my mind, I mean it. I don’t think Bradley, Jr. should be platooning with anybody. After hitting a home run off of Cliff Lee yesterday, Bradley has proven his time is now.
Why would the Sox keep him in AAA until June, you ask? Simple, service time. If Bradley, Jr. doesn’t come up until June 1st, he will be a free agent a year earlier. Money always plays a role in these decisions but in this case being competitive may mean more. I’m not high on the sox, but I do think they can compete for a wild card if everything goes right (and having a full year of Bradley would certain helpful).
Bradley will be playing for the Boston Red Sox at some point in 2013. Whether that is in for Jacoby Ellsbury following a trade (Ellsbury, a Scott Boras client, is a free agent at the end of 2013) or in left, he will be roaming the outfield in Fenway.
If Ben Charrington and the Sox believe that they can compete in 2013, Bradley will start the year with big club. If not, he will spend the first month and a half or so in AAA. It is simple as that. I discussed the matter on New Hampshire Sports Night on Friday (Link Below). What do you think?
