The Boston Red Sox’s battle for the starting center field spot is heating up. With Jacoby Ellsbury defecting to the rival New York Yankees in the offseason, the general assumption was that Jackie Bradley Jr. would take over the duties in center. However, veteran center fielder Grady Sizemore, who has not suited up for a regular season game since 2011, could earn the nod on Opening Day.
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| Red Sox outfielder Grady Sizemore (38) at bat during spring training at JetBlue Park: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports |
Sizemore has reached base in four of nine plate appearances in spring training. The former Cleveland Indians' star has also played commendable defense in center field thus far for the Sox. Still, Sizemore will have to prove that he can play on a consistent basis before snatching the starting job.
“The competition is there,” manager John Farrell told NESN.com reporters in Sarasota, Fla. on Saturday. “But we haven’t arrived at a conclusion with Grady yet. We’re hopeful that Monday and Tuesday he’s got a chance to go back-to-back days. We still have to get answers to some questions that aren’t there yet.”
This will be a telling week for Sizemore, who needs to show he is a reliable everyday player. While his days as a speed demon are long gone, the 31-year-old veteran’s emergence this spring can’t be ignored.
The ongoing struggles at the plate by Bradley Jr. may also open up the doors for Sizemore. Bradley Jr. is hitting just .190, recording more strikeouts (5) than hits (4) in spring training.
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