2010 Red Sox Preview: Infield Edition

Most of the defensive plays in a ball game take place in the infield. The Red Sox have an interesting mix of old faces and new acquisitions to fill up the infield this coming season.

There are those who have become the backbone of Red Sox defense in the last few years (think Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia). There are those players that have been here, but whose playing time will certainly be limited (Jason Varitek, Mike Lowell). Then there are those that will be wearing the Sox uniform for the first time (Marco Scutaro, Adrian Beltre). Here’s a full look at the 2010 Sox infield.

Catchers

Victor Martinez (2009 season with Cleveland and Boston: .303 BA, 23 HR, 108 RBI, .861 OPS)

Presumably V-Mart will be doing the majority of catching for the Sox this season. His offensive numbers are as good as any other teams catcher’s in the MLB, aside from the Twins, of course. His offensive skills certainly far exceed those of any other Sox catcher. Defensively, he’s not the best, but he isn’t horrible and there is room to improve. Bonus points: the man can play first better than a lot of first basemen out there.

Jason Varitek (2009: .203 BA, 14 HR, 51 RBI, .703 OPS)

The captain has had a rough past few seasons, offensively, defensively. Let’s face it there really isn’t anything good to say about his past few years on the field. This season he’ll be more of a backup, hopefully when he does get playing time, he’ll actually do something with it.

Dusty Brown (2009 in AAA: .264 BA, 2 HR, 23 RBI, .674 OPS)

This minor leaguer may just get his first major league season this year. His arm is strong, his defense is great and his bat is decent. Combine that with his ability to call a game and you may be looking at a strong third catcher option for the Sox.

First Base

Kevin Youkilis (2009: .305 BA, 27 HR, 94 RBI, .961 OPS)

Youkilis is one of, if not, the best first basemen in the league. His defense is incredible, oh, and so is his offense. Hopefully he’ll actually get to play first for the majority of the year and the Sox minimize his time at third base.

Second Base

Dustin Pedroia (2009: .296 BA, 15 HR, 72 RBI, .819 OPS)

Again, like Youkilis, he’s one of the best at his position. There isn’t a ball this guy can’t catch or a play he can’t make. Well, at least he thinks so, which is a good thing. Players should hold themselves to the highest standard, and Pedroia is certainly not short on confidence.

Shortstop

Marco Scutaro (2009 with Toronto: .282 BA, 12 HR, 60 RBI, .789 OPS)

This will be Scutaro’s first year as a Red Sox. Considering the relatively low standard that has been set by Sox shortstops since the Nomar days, it shouldn’t be hard for him to impress. He’s good at working a pitch count and his defense is decent.

Jed Lowrie (2009 in 32 games: .147 BA, 2 HR, 11 RBI, .475 OPS)

If he can stay healthy, he very well could end up the Sox shortstop - in the future. This year, and next, it’s going to be Scutaro. However, Jed may have chances this season to show the organization that he deserves to be the future SS.

Third Base

Adrian Beltre (2009 with Seattle: .265 BA, 8 HR, 44 RBI, .683 OPS)

The Red Sox got him for his defense. He’s a Gold Glover and that is what the team is expecting of out him – Gold Glove defense. His offense isn’t terrible either (he sports a .270 career batting average) although 2009 was not his best season. But, again it’s about defense, which he works exceptionally hard at.

Mike Lowell (2009: .290 BA, 17 HR, 75 RBI, .811 OPS)

He’ll be a back up this season, if the Sox can’t find a way to get rid of him, that is. Lowell, being the class act that he is, of course, hasn’t had anything negative to say about his difficult situation: essentially, waiting to be traded. He cares about the ballclub and he’ll do what they need him to. He’s not exactly the worst player to have as a backup, in any case.

Next week: Sizing Up the Sox Outfield