David Ortiz said that Kalish “is legit,” Terry Francona said Kalish was “just built” and Mike Cameron said that Kalish has “been able to shine and show people he is able to play.”
He can definitely play — but will he be starting in center field next year?
The answer to that question involves quite a few variables.
The foremost involves Jacoby Ellsbury, who could be done for the year after suffering another broken rib. While he will most likely be back with the Red Sox, there were reports that teams were asking for him before the July 31 trade deadline. Theo Epstein has never expressed a desire to ship Ellsbury out of town, so a trade shouldn’t seem likely, but it’s always a possibility.
Then there is the complication that is the Mike Cameron situation. When the Sox signed the veteran, they decided to shift Ellsbury over to left field — a move that no center fielder would be thrilled about. Ellsbury never complained publicly, and it turned out to be a moot point, as both players suffered injury-plagued seasons.
Then, of course, there is Carl Crawford. The Rays’ left fielder is one of the best in the game, and he certainly has the speed to shift to center. With his contract expiring at the conclusion of this season, the Red Sox — along with everyone else — are expected to at least consider him in free agency over the winter.
A lot will happen before April 2011, but who do you think will be playing center field on Opening Day?
Who will be the Red Sox’ center fielder in 2011?Market Research
