Planning the Red Sox Future

The Boston Red Sox are sliding towards a last place finish in the AL East for the third time in the last four years. As September arrives, the rosters expand, and they get a better chance to see who fits in their plans, especially in the eyes of new President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski. Here are some possible September call-ups and future plans for the 40-man roster.

Call Up Deven Marrero and Garin Cecchini: The Red Sox will likely have a bench spot open next year, and they have to take a look at which of these two is the most ready. No one is questioning Marrero’s defense, but it remains to be seen if he can produce offensively. If he can’t, he becomes the Jackie Bradley Jr. of last year. If he does, he most certainly displaces Josh Rutledge on the bench. The same goes for Cecchini, who could carve out a fourth outfielder role if his power returns.

Give Opportunity to Minor League Reliever: The Red Sox bullpen has been battered by injuries and major inconsistency. It’s time for new blood in the bullpen. The Red Sox have seen great production from Heath Hembree since he got shelled for six runs in 1.1 innings in one game in April. Since then, he has a 0.77 ERA, and has walked just one batter while striking out 7 in 11 2/3 innings since. Give Jonathan Aro, Noe Ramirez, or even Jorge Marban and Dayan Diaz a chance. All have put up great numbers in AAA Pawtucket. Now is their time.

Add Manuel Margot, Marco Hernandez to the 40-man Roster: Margot and Hernandez each earned promotions this year, and could be close to contributing. Hernandez lit up AA Portland and has shown the ability to hit for contact in both Portland and Pawtucket. Margot is a possible five-tool player who is just beginning the adjustment to Portland after dominating High A Salem. He could get a chance if the outfield positions get shuffled around, or Jackie Bradley Jr. doesn’t keep up his newfound production.

The Red Sox will have to continue building on the late season success they have experienced in order to propel their way back in playoffs in the coming years.