Red Sox's Mitch Moreland: Gives Farrell flexibility
Moreland could be used in a platoon at first base, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports.
Analysis:
Moreland and Hanley Ramirez, who didn't kill Boston defensively at first as he did in left field the previous season, could form the platoon. The newly acquired Moreland would face right-handed starters and Ramirez could start against lefties. The platoon would allow manager John Farrell to use the now-available designated hitter spot to take advantage of certain matchups or keep players fresh. One can see Chris Young getting into the lineup more often against left-handed starters, or Dustin Pedroia getting a "day off" as the DH. We'll get a clearer picture of Moreland's projected usage in spring training, but be prepared for him to get fewer than 500 at-bats in a Boston uniform.
HEADLINES
- Yankees score 15 vs. Brewers in consecutive games to win series
- Crew chief: Judge should've been called for interference on slide during rally
- Twins win 7th straight with rout of struggling Angels
- Tucker leads Astros to second win over Rockies in Mexico City
- MLB's most unlikely breakout, 8 more observations