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Blake is Back: Swihart Returns to Red Sox

By Blake Yagman

Mar 28, 2016; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Blake Swihart (23) works out prior to the game against the Baltimore Orioles at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2016; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Blake Swihart (23) works out prior to the game against the Baltimore Orioles at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2016; Lee County, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Blake Swihart (23) poses for a portrait during photo day at Jet Blue Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Lee County, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Blake Swihart (23) poses for a portrait during photo day at Jet Blue Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

After understandable confusion, I can confirm that I am not the 24-year-old named Blake now patrolling left field for the Boston Red Sox. Oh how I wish I was… But it’s the guy hiding under that piece of paper to the right, and he’s pretty good.

Along with my jealousy, Blake Swihart brings a multitude of tools that can help this Red Sox team win a World Series. Swihart, who began the season as a catcher, was recalled from minor league AAA-level Pawtucket yesterday after the Sox determined his conversion to the outfield is complete.

The Texan-born Swihart is a switch-hitter with some pull power, but mostly hits for a high average. During his short stint at Pawtucket, Blake Swihart played mostly left field and hit .278 over 23 plate appearances.

Swihart’s numbers at the major league level are similar: .275/.324/.386 with 5 HR and 32 RBI over 332 plate appearances. Scouts project the Swihart’s power will develop; his transition to the outfield will help to conserve his body and bat for the long haul.

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    • More than anything, Blake Swihart adds even more versatility to this Red Sox team. Swihart has the ability to play either corner outfield position because of his athleticism and a strong arm developed over years of playing behind the plate. Although the team announced that Swihart will not be added to the catching rotation, his addition to the roster also serves as an emergency catcher.

    The addition of Swihart may also speak to the team’s willingness to bring other outfield prospects to the major league level. In fairness, Swihart has only played outfield professionally for a little over a month; at the very least, it is interesting that neither expensive outfielder Rusney Castillo or Allen Craig were prepared to play at the major league level.

    Keep it locked here at Chowder and Champions for continued updates on this Red Sox season, and as we watch Blake Swihart become the next Sox youngin’ to take over the American League.

    Next: The Ortiz Retirement Conundrum

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