Sports Final: Who's On Third & Other Questions For Red Sox
BOSTON (CBS) -- We're just one week away from Red Sox baseball, but there are plenty of questions that still remain with the boys of summer.
98.5 The Sports Hub's Tony Massarotti joined Dan Roche on WBZ-TV's Sports Final on Sunday to discuss the upcoming season, and all the uncertainty that surrounds the team as the regular season approaches.
Leading things off is a little dilemma at the hot corner, with Travis Shaw and Pablo Sandoval battling it out for the starting job at third base. Shaw has certainly earned it with his play this spring, with .367/.404/.571 splits, a pair of homers and nine RBI. A bad back has kept Sandoval out of action over the last week, though the team is hoping he'll be back in the lineup this week.
So who should -- and will -- get the nod at third come April 4 in Cleveland?
"If you go by what John Farrell is saying, Shaw is the guy and Sandoval is on the bench," said Mazz. "I think [Dave] Dombrowski wants Shaw, Farrell wants what Dombrowski wants because he's on the hot seat. Shaw will start Opening Day and Sandoval will be on the bench or disabled list."
Roche believes the opposite, for fear the team may "lose" Sandoval. But Mazz doesn't want to see a player get a starting job based on his contract.
"There is too much latitude for the veterans," he said. "Make a statement early that playing time will be earned. I would love to see Shaw [at third]."
Massarotti and Roche also discussed who should make up Boston's outfield, addressed the concerns in the starting rotation after David Price, and what Boston's approach should be with catcher Christian Vazquez. Check out the entire discussion in the video above, and catch Sports Final every Sunday at 11:35pm on WBZ-TV!