Red Sox Third Basemen

The Red Sox are attempting to recover from a disastrous collapse in 2011.  They have employed the band-aid method in avoiding a repeat performance from last season, by retaining all of their positives and trying to patch up their negatives.  One area that shouldn't need patchwork is third base.

1.  Kevin Youkilis:  Youkilis had a very mediocre season last year, batting .258 with an alarming 100 strikeouts and only 80 runs batted in, well below his season averages.  The re-conversion back to third base went well in the field for Youk, though,  and that's a plus from an already strong defensive player.  The Red Sox are hoping that his good bat returns next season, or that he can at least bat .285, and that his defense remains strong.

2.  Mike Aviles:  Aviles is penciled in to be the starting shortstop at present, but he looks like he's going to be the first line of defense at third as well.  In addition to that, he could see considerable time at second base and some time in left field in the beginning of the season as well.  The better Youk plays the less time Aviles should see at third, so manager Bobby Valentine is probably hoping that Youk plays really well.

3.  Will Middlebrooks:  Middlebrooks played on the American team in last season's Futures Game and has since gained a lot of acclaim as an up-and-coming player, and for good reason.  Last season he hit an impressive 23 homers at three different levels in the Minors.  His fielding has been good in the Minors at third base as well.  Middlebrooks probably needs a little bit of fine-tuning in the Minors, but he could be ready for the Majors by mid-season this year and if there's not room for him you'll definitely see him in September.  But with his Major League-readiness it's likely you'll see a trade at the deadline this year, either involving Middlebrooks or Youk.

The Red Sox look mediocre at third base.  Their expectations of Youkilis are far from sky-high, although they're hoping for a rebound from him.  Aviles is the starting shortstop and any expectation of him getting serious time at third is probably unrealistic.  Middlebrooks is a huge prospect who could be playing third base everyday for Boston after the All-Star break if Youkilis is not playing well.