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Red Sox Nation 11/5: 5 Reasons Not to Trade Jackie Bradley Jr.

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Jul 21, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (25) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Minnesota Twins during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (25) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Minnesota Twins during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (25) catches a ball during the sixth inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense, defense, defense

A Rawlings Gold Glove candidate, there aren’t many outfielders better than Jackie Bradley Jr.  His defense is simply outstanding and his reaction time off the bat makes him a top center fielder in the league.  He is simply a joy to watch in the outfield.

https://twitter.com/RedSox/status/791706882138263552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Besides his instincts, Bradley Jr.’s speed along with his cannon arm makes him a run-preventing weapon on defense.  Those abilities not only help his pitchers, but help fellow outfielders who don’t have to cover as much field with him out there.  His outstanding defense is what makes his inconsistency on the offensive end tolerable and something the Red Sox as a team can get by on.

If he doesn’t win the Gold Glove this year, whoever does most be extraordinary, because Jackie Bradley Jr. will be a Gold Glove candidate for years to come.  In any event, it is a treat to see this young player come up through the system, work hard and put it all together.

"“You see guys come up in their early 20s and they step right in and they do a very good job,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said back in May. “Other guys are going to transition as the challenges they face and how they are pressed into adjustments. We’ve seen Jackie go from a very challenging 2014 to a guy that’s understanding himself more as a player right now. And it’s good to see him come through those challenges out the back side a more consistent player.”"

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If Jackie Bradley Jr. is actually traded, it will be hard not to compare any outfielder who takes his place, especially if he is not as good defensively.

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