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Opening Day is a week away for the Red Sox, and the competition is on for two utility spots.
Blake Swihart is, seemingly, a lock because he is hitting well, with three homers and 10 RBI, and he is out of minor league options.
So, will it be Brock Holt or Deven Marrero?
The slick-fielding Marrero is a former first round pick and also out of options – but, he's batting .239 and Holt has the ability to play seven different positions. He is also hitting .345 with a .920 OPS.
Of course, at 29, the 2015 'Brock star' is coming off a concussion and vertigo. He's struggled mightily the last two seasons with a .237 average and .653 OPS in 158 games.
So, Alex Cora, what are you prioritizing as you round out your bench?
“I think playing shortstop is important,” Cora said. “We know where we’re at with Xander [Bogaerts] – obviously you need somebody that can play short. You gotta play other positions, but that’s important for any roster in the big leagues - somebody that can play short and then have versatility in the other positions.”
“Blake is a different story, he gives you something that other utilities don’t do, don’t have - catching. He’s a switch hitter - that helps, too.”
“Whatever decision we make, we’re gonna be comfortable with it. But, they’re all good players and they’re playing good baseball.”
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman Reports: