The Chronicles of Josh Reddick

_{Josh Reddick has seized his opportunity this year with an unyielding zest.}

On a Red Sox Team that's robust with All-Stars, well paid veterans, and MVP Candidates - Josh Reddick has fit into whatever role's been given to him, taking on a workman attitude that's endeared himself to Red Sox fans. Josh has made it extremely hard for Francona not to put him in the lineup, as he continuously does things the right way on the field, assisting the Team in a plethora of ways to win games. Reddick helped the Sox tremendously when Crawford was down, and now with J.D. Drew heading to the DL, his window of opportunity has been lengthened.

That's what this is really all about too, opportunity. Reddick is acutely aware of how valuable this stretch of playing time is with the Red Sox, as it's allowing the baseball world to see his skills on a National stage, and if he doesn't end up staying with the Sox, it can serve as a springboard towards him being an everyday player with another Team. His name will be lit brightly on the trade boards over the next week, and that's one of the larger questions the Sox have to ask themselves. Do they want to let a hustling dirt dog of a player go - who entering tonight's game against the Royals is hitting .358 over 32 games played, and is only 24 years old and about to hit his peak years of production. Or do they sell while his true value's still a bit unknown and high? Josh hasn't even played 100 career games at the MLB level, and pitchers are bound to figure him out more than they have thus far, but will he adjust? I for one want to see Reddick keep getting the opportunity, we gave it to Jacoby in 2007 when there were proven veterans in front of him, and that's turned out pretty, pretty good. I say we pencil him in at RF for the rest of the year and see where he is come October, because the way he's been playing, it looks as if the chronicles may have just begun.

Comments

[Lauren]

I like your comparison to what we did with Jacoby. I've been thinking about that. I think you've nailed it. It took me a while to come to this conclusion, because I'm one of those Drew apologists (although I have trouble explaining it), but I think you're on the money.