Silverman: Potential Stephen Drew Return Leaves Will Middlebrooks As Odd Man Out
BOSTON (CBS) - Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald thinks "there's a very real chance" that shortstop Stephen Drew is back with the Red Sox for 2014, which means third baseman Will Middlebrooks could be dealt in a trade.
After the Red Sox sent Franklin Morales to the Rockies in exchange for infielder Jonathan Herrera, some wondered whether or not this signaled the end of the Stephen Drew era in Boston.
READ: Red Sox Trade Morales To Rockies For Herrera
Silverman told the Toucher & Rich show that Herrera has no effect on Drew, and that he's more of a Pedro Ciriaco/Brock Holt type of player - a utility infielder and nothing more.
Stephen Drew has a lot of fans within the Red Sox organization, and because the team is so young at multiple positions, Silverman believes the Sox could use the veteran shortstop for another year or two.
"There's a lot of support on the Red Sox - especially among the coaching staff up to the manager - of guys who love Stephen Drew," said Silverman.
"If you think about it: with Jackie Bradley Jr. at centerfield, Xander Bogaerts at shortstop and Will Middlebrooks at third, that's a lot of youth at very important positions. I think the Red Sox feel very much that Stephen Drew is a steady, reliable veteran and if they get him at their price I don't think they'll be unhappy at all."
"I don't think they want to go more than two years for Stephen Drew, and what that means is they'll have Xander Bogaerts play third base for two years - they'd be very content with that. Obviously that means what the heck do they do with Will Middlebrooks?"
Silverman speculates that Middlebrooks could be on the outside looking in in that regard.
Although nothing is imminent, Middlebrooks would be the guy to move and the team could fetch something of value in return.
"Most teams are going to realize you're probably going to trade Will Middlebrooks, and there's a lot of value for him. Those things will be decided down the road, and right now though they definitely still think Stephen Drew is part of the picture for them."
FELGER: Ortiz Has A Case For Contract Extension
Silverman also dished on David Ortiz's contract situation, and he thinks Big Papi and the Sox will stay married for a long time.
With salaries going up around the league, Silverman thinks it'd be a wise financial decision to extend him for another year and that "you make exceptions for guys like Ortiz."
For the full discussion and how Silverman will be voting on his Hall of Fame ballot, listen below:
