MLB Player News

Red Sox manager John Farrell provided a projected lineup/batting order during an interview with WEEI Wednesday.

The lineup consisted of Shane Victorino leading off. He was followed by Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz, Mike Napoli, Daniel Nava, A.J. Pierzynski, Xander Bogaerts, Will Middlebrooks and Jackie Bradley.

Mets manager Terry Collins said he's eager to see shortstop Ruben Tejada in action after the infielder spent eight weeks this winter at a training facility run by a former University of Michigan football strength and conditioning coach, who consults for the Mets. 

"He looks good. You can tell he’s really worked hard and trimmed down," Collins said, per ESPN. "I asked him how much faster he was. He said, ‘I’ll show you.’ And I said, ‘OK, good.’ He’ll have the chance. 

"He’s a great kid. And he’s as big a joker as anybody. But I think he’s coming into this camp with a different attitude and a different makeup. There’s something to prove."

The Mets appear willing to offer free-agent shortstop Stephen Drew a one-year contract with a club option, but even if he accepted those terms, the two sides remain apart on the dollar amount, a source told the New York Post.

Also, there appears to be some opposition from inside the organization, as some believe Ruben Tejada will bounce back and essentially become the equivalent of Drew and at a much lower cost.

One major-league talent evaluator believes the Mets' line of thinking is ill-advised.

"They are totally overvaluing Ruben Tejada," the evaluator said. "Especially with all their young pitchers, Drew would be a great addition for the Mets."

Terry Collins gave mixed messages about the Mets shortstop situation on Friday. He insisted that Ruben Tejada will compete with Omar Quintanilla for the starting spot, then indicated the former had all but nailed down the position.

"Ruben has rededicated himself," he told his team website. "He's ready to show people he's the starting shortstop."

Tejada did nothing of the kind in 2013. He batted just .202 with no home runs and 10 RBI in 208 at-bats and committed eight errors in limited opportunities, leading some to call for the Mets to sign a free agent such as Stephen Drew.

Cuban acquisition Alex Guerrero is the preseason favorite to start at second base for the Dodgers, but Don Mattingly has set nothing in stone.

"That's just an area it's hard for us to say we can make a decision on that," he told the Orange County Register. "We have to take a look at the combination of guys - what guys look like in camp, could it be a platoon type situation, is one of those guys a utility-type player who can play a lot of second? I just think there's too many questions for us to be able to kind of say, 'I want an every-day guy' and force that."

Dee Gordon and Justin Sellers are also in the mix at that position.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson once again spoke highly of shortstop Ruben Tejada during an interview with WFAN Tuesday. Alderson was particularly pleased with Tejada’s offseason work, according to ESPN.

"I think given the realistic opportunities at this point, we’re happy as of the first day of spring training," Alderson said about the shortstop position. "That obviously could change over time, during the course of spring-training games and what have you. But I’m optimistic we’re going to see a little bit different Tejada going into this season."

The Mets continue to be linked to free agent shortstop Stephen Drew, but it doesn't sound like Alderson is going to bring in an external candidate to compete with Tejada.

"I think you’ve got to be realistic about that," Alderson said. "Look, we continue to talk to clubs about shortstops that may be out there, available in trade. There aren’t that many. And the price and what you have to give up is always a consideration. But those conversations have continued. 

"It’s just hard to predict what will happen over the next week, two weeks, three weeks. But, in the meantime, Ruben demonstrated a real commitment to getting better by working out in the offseason up in Michigan. I’m anxious to see how that translates on the field."

The Red Sox will use Xander Bogaerts strictly as a shortstop for now, according to the Boston Globe. 

Bogaerts mostly saw time at third last year due to Stephen Drew being in town, but was brought up in the minors as a shortstop. With Drew currently a free-agent, the team wants to make sure Bogaerts gets as many reps at short as possible. While he still could see time at third, the team doesn't want to overload him by giving him reps at other positions.

Bogaerts hit .250/.320/.364 in 44 at-bats last season.

Plenty of Red Sox hitters have reported to camp early, according to the Boston Globe.

Pitchers are catchers aren't set to report until February 15, but a few players showed up early. The most interesting names among the bunch are Will Middlebrooks, Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley Jr.

Middlebrooks is attempting to recover from a down year in 2013, and it's a good sign that he's in camp early. He hit just .227 last season, but is slated to be the team's starting third baseman. The Red Sox continue to be rumored as a landing spot for Stephen Drew, but Middlebrooks' performance in camp could prevent them from making the move.

Bogaerts is in a similar position. The top prospect will be looking at a potential breakout season as the team's starting shortstop. Bogaerts' playing time was limited by Drew being in town last year, but the training wheels are coming off this year.

Bradley Jr. will be fighting for a spot on the team's 25-man roster after Grady Sizemore was brought in. Bradley Jr. was considered one of the team's best prospects entering last season, but was promoted too early and struggled. There's still plenty of potential there if he can beat out Sizemore. 

If free agent infielder Stephen Drew accepts a two-year offer from the Red Sox, youngsters Xander Bogaerts and Will Middlebrooks could be greatly affected, the Boston Herald has speculated.

The inclusion of Drew would likely push Bogaerts to third base, at least against right-handers, and relegate Middlebrooks into a part-time role or even send him back to Triple-A. Other reports, however, have claimed that Bogaerts would remain as the starter at shortstop and Drew would serve in a utility role.

If Drew signs elsewhere, Bogaerts willl probably start at shortstop and Middlebrooks at third. The pair have just 659 major league at-bats between them.

Bogaerts batted .250 in just 44 at-bats in 2013 while Middlebrooks, who shined in 2012, fell to .227 with 17 home runs and 49 RBI while striking out 98 times in just 348 at-bats.

The Red Sox have long alluded to the fact if the team didn't re-sign Stephen Drew, then Xander Bogaerts would be the starting shortstop. Red Sox manager John Farrell reiterated the team's plan Monday during an interview with MLB Network Radio.

"I'm surprised a guy with his ability is still available," Farrell said of Drew. "If he doesn't come back, then Xander Bogaerts is our shortstop."