Red Sox Shortstops

The Red Sox are attempting to recover from a disastrous collapse last season.  They are employing the band-aid method so far, keeping the players that worked from last season and attempting to patch up areas on the team which were not as successful.  One problem area is shortstop.

1.  Mike Aviles:  Aviles was acquired in a trade last season with Kansas City and tore the ball in a utility role down the stretch, in spite of the team's collapse.  Aviles finished last season with a decent .255 average in 286 at-bats and he stole an impressive 14 bases off the bench for Boston and Kansas City.  Aviles could also see some time at second, third, and in left but right now manager Bobby Valentine wants him to win the shortstop job.

2.  Jose Iglesias:  Iglesias is a big prospect whom Boston will be taking a look at in Spring Training, and he has a legitimate shot at winning a job, as he makes a lot of sense as a utility player and there is a lot of openness at the shortstop position.  However, Valentine will not likely keep Iglesias on the roster unless he wins a starting job.  But that shouldn't be a deterrent, as Iglesias appears ready to make the next step to the Majors.  Iglesias batted .333 in six at-bats last season with Boston.

3.  Pedro Ciriaco:  Ciriaco is a prospect who was signed as a Minor League free agent from Pittsburgh this off-season.  An international signee out of the Dominican Republic, Ciriaco played in the Futures Game in 2010 and has a ton of speed.  Originally signed by Arizona, Ciriaco batted .303 in 33 at-bats last season with Pittsburgh.  There is an open spot at shortstop and a utility role could be in Ciriaco's future, although it looks like he's probably headed back to AAA to provide depth.  Ciriaco, who will only turn 26 in September, still has a lot of potential and will probably be viewed as a prospect by Boston.

Shortstop looks like it's going to be a mess for Boston.  Aviles could be a suitable utility man and pinch runner but he doesn't appear to be able to start.  Iglesias is a good prospect out of Cuba who could be ready to ascend to the Majors but is still unproven at that level.  Ciriaco is another nice young player but the Red Sox don't seem to be prepared to invest in him.