WILL MIDDLEBROOKS: WILL HE EVER ARRIVE ?

WILL MIDDLEBROOKS

BILL LANNO
THE RED SOCKS BLOG
SENIOR CORRESPONDENT

The Boston Red Sox protected Garin Cecchini from the Rule 5 draft yesterday.

To most people it was just another offseason roster move as teams shuffle players around baseballs rules.

To Will Middlebrooks it was a clear message from Ben Cherington.
Your future young man will be decided in 'spring training'.

We have been waiting a little under two years for Middlebrooks to arrive as the everyday third baseman. But the man who gave the Red Sox the confidence to give up on Kevin Youkilis has disappointed 'Big Time !'

Cecchini is a very good third baseman,who is ranked right behind only Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley Jr. on the Red Sox prospects list. He is touted by scouts as a all-star quality third baseman. All indications are that he we get a 'good look at' by Red Sox management in Fort Myers this March.

Where does that leave Will Middlebrooks ?

For starters at least he's the incumbent. He knows what's expected of him. But he has to overcome a list of problems.

First,he has to clean up his attitude. When he was sent down to Pawtucket after starting last year with a .192 BA he displayed issues with his ego and entitlement. If he's going to win the coming battle for third base,he better clear his head.

Secondly,with the impending departure of Mike Napoli the Red Sox do not have a abundance of right handed power bats and Middlebrooks is just that.

And finally he must cut down on his strikeouts (once every 3.7 at bats) by having more discipline at the plate. Middlebrooks swings at too many pitches out of the strike zone and this must stop.

There has been some speculation in Red Sox circles that Middlebrook's could be moved to first base now that Napoli is gone.

Earlier this month during the GM's meetings Ben Cherington shot this idea down,"Having a young third baseman with Will's ability,power,athleticism,ability on both sides of the ball is a really important thing for this organization. I think you only consider moving someone like that off a spot if it's driven by need of the team,and we're not there yet.We see Will as a third baseman,and that's certainly what he'll be focused on this offseason." 

When Middlebrooks arrived in 2012,hitting 15 homers and 54 RBI's, the Red Sox thought he would be the replacement for Kevin Youkilis for many years.

In his sophomore year his numbers dropped. His BA dropped 61 points from .288 to .227. In the postseason it was even worst,with a .160 BA (4 for 25). By the World Series he had lost his job to Xander Bogaerts and his claim to fame would be the game ending obstruction call.

Cecchini comes with a reputation for having excellent strike zone judgement and disipline,something Middlebrooks doesn't seem to have.

And now it's all up to Will. The battle will be on in March.
Now is the time for Will Middlebrooks to arrive.