Jackie Bradley Jr. would be a lock for the Red Sox’ Opening Day roster if the decision was based solely on his spring training performance. The decision is not, however, so the Sox must weigh multiple variables in deciding the young outfielder’s fate.
Bradley has been tearing up the Grapefruit League this spring, causing many of the prospect’s supporters to get very vocal. But while it’s clear Bradley has all of the tools to become a solid major leaguer, perhaps even right now, NESN.com’s Ricky Doyle and NESN Nation’s Dan Duquette agree that the Red Sox would be wise to send the 22-year-old to Triple-A Pawtucket to begin the season.
Doyle and Duquette understand this might not be a popular decision among those Red Sox fans who have witnessed Bradley’s spring greatness, but calling up the outfielder too early could force the Sox to someday play revisionist history. (Say, around 2018.)
The duo also discussed John Lackey‘s spring, what the club should do with David Ortiz out of the lineup and whether the Sox really need to add rotational depth.
Listen to the conversation in the player below, or subscribe on iTunes to download it there.
