With all the talk of who the Sox are going to sign to play 2B or platoon or be the utility man in the infield the names of Cora, Polanco, and Cairo seem to be the only ones that keep coming up. But why not Belliard. It is reported that the Indians are supposed to non-tender him on Monday. He hit .282 last year with a dozen homers and can play 2B/3B (we'd still have no true backup at short). On top of those numbers, he hit .366 in the Cell with 3 of his 12 homeruns. This, along with AJ, would bring some of the offense back that we lost with CLee and Mags.

I'm all for it. I fear not having a true back up SS at this point, however.

Cairo would be the ideal guy-- a vet who can switch around the IF, play solid d, hit for avg, handle the bat, has some speed.

 

Whethee he's up for a UTL role or not , who knows. But he'd likley see a lot of playing time, primarily at 2b, but to rotate and rest Crede and Uribe.

 

Someone who can play SS is the key. The sox don't want Uribe to wear down playing everyday. He'll need time off to stay fresh

I wonder how much of a role Valdez will get this year as the back up SS? I would like either Belliard or Cora as the 2b pick.

Sorry, but could someone get me up to speed on Belliard? After the Lawton trade, Cleveland's GM said that one of the motivations for that trade was the ability to resign Belliard. Then they signed Herknaknkdekz, but that was only 2 days after the trade. Why the change of heart w/ only one day in between the moves?

I think Cora's staying in LA now with Beltre gone.

I thought I heard Hairston might not be ready on opening day....otherwise it seems he'd be the best of that bunch. Could steal 30 bases, good defender, decent OBP.

If Hairston is nontendered and the Sox don't make an attempt to pick him up I'd be pissed. He'd be a nice number 2 hitter. Rowand could do it, but I'd rather have him hitting farther down driving in runs. Besides, Don't the Sox have to get Hariston? Isn't he a legacy like Flounder from Animal House?