It was never a question of if, but rather when the Boston Red Sox would call up the top prospect in their Minor League system, shortstop Xander Bogaerts. In the wake of a heated 9-6 loss to the Yankees at Fenway Park Sunday night, the Red Sox decided the time was now to bring up the much hyped 20-year old.
Boston has been committed to Stephen Drew at shortstop, at least for this season, but the Red Sox have floundered recently and are in need of a spark. The Red Sox have lost each of their last 3 series, going 3-7 in the process.
Bogaerts offers the Red Sox much needed power potential in their line-up and the ability to drive the ball in the gaps. With Stephen Drew’s struggles against lefties (he currently is only batting .195 with 3 home runs against southpaws), there is an opportunity for Bogaerts to operate in a platoon situation and get the starting nod on days when they face left handers.
Right now, the Red Sox simply hope that the young phenom will be a catalyst for a late season push to hold off the Tampa Bay Rays who are currently only a game behind Boston for the AL East lead.
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