Weekly Grades: Who Passed, Who Failed for Red Sox?
By Chris Jones
SS Xander Bogaerts
Jul 26, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) looks from the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
When Stephen Drew was shopped to the New York Yankees on Trade Deadline day, many believed that it was in order to move highly-touted youngster Xander Bogaerts back to his best position, so it would increase his production.
So far, we are still waiting.
Bogaerts had a tough week, only earning three hits while striking out five times in 17 at-bats over five games.
The 23-year old shortstop failed to hit in the series against the Houston Astros, after collecting three in the two-game series against the Cincinnati Reds. During the Astros series, in which he started three of the four games, Bogaerts didn’t hit and added two strikeouts.
This week has seen Bogaert’s average drop to .228 on the season. Add this to a .296 on-base percentage and you can see why fans are left hoping for more from their shortstop.
The Red Sox and their fans are hoping to see an offensive turnaround from Bogaerts that will set him and the team up well for 2015, but everyone is still waiting for more consistent offensive production to go along with his defense.
Grade: C