One of the buzzworthy topics in an relatively buzz-less spring training for the Red Sox was the presence of shortstop Jose Iglesias, whose reputation as a defensive star preceded him.
With Iglesias being optioned to Double-A Portland on Sunday morning, some of the buzz is gone from the Red Sox clubhouse, but not before he made a lasting impression.
For one, Iglesias' disappointment in the news caught the attention of manager Terry Francona.
"I think that's his mentality," Francona said. "He knew he wasn't going to make the team but I think there's a way guys get good. I understand it."
In addition to flashing the leather that initially attracted the Red Sox to him, Iglesias, 20, showed a little something with his bat while up with the big boys.
He had a go-ahead three-run homer in a win over St. Louis on Monday and also had a pair of singles in 11 at-bats. He chipped in a three-run double in a 6-1 defeat of Boston College before Grapefruit League play began.
But it was a given that Iglesias' time would run short as the regulars picked up more innings later in the spring. The team is eager to see how his quick stint in camp projects at the minor league level.
"This isn't supposed to be a bad day for Iglesias," Francona said. "This is the beginning of his career. We felt fortunate to get a chance to see him play, now he needs to go get ready."
Boston signed Iglesias, a Cuban native, in September. He hit .275 in 19 games in the Arizona Fall League before joining Boston's 40-man roster to start spring training.
