In 2005, Tyler Greene was a hot-hitting shortstop from Georgia Tech projected to be a star at the major league level. Things haven't quite turned out that way for Greene, but the former first-round draft pick still boasts plenty of skill and could be an option for the Red Sox in the middle infield later this spring.
Greene is currently in camp with the St. Louis Cardinals, who drafted him 30th overall in 2005, but the 28-year-old is out of options with the team and could soon be on the open market if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster.
The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo raised the idea that Greene could wind up with the Red Sox if he is ultimately released by the Cardinals.
"Wonder if Cardinals backup Tyler Greene is worth a shot for the Red Sox shortstop mix," Cafardo said in his Sunday column. "The 27-year-old [actually 28] righthanded hitter, who had a few double-figure home run years in the minors, was once a promising prospect."
Greene has shown some signs of production, though, even as recently as his last season with Triple-A Memphis. Greene played 66 games in Triple-A in 2011, batting .323 with 14 home runs, 43 RBIs and 19 stolen bases. His stint with the big league club wasn't nearly as successful, as he hit just .212 with one home run and 11 RBIs in 58 games.
Even at 28, Greene still has an opportunity to capitalize on his potential at the major league level, but so far throughout his career, he hasn't shown much in terms of production. Greene has never played more than 58 games in a season and his career-high batting average is a lowly .221.
If Greene winds up on the open market, seeing as Rafael Furcal is expected to be the starting shortstop for St. Louis this season, then Boston might as well take a look and see if there's any potential to build off his gaudy minor league success.