Should Kalish make the team next year?

[Dojji]

On one side, the kid looks at least as ready as Pedroia did in '06, has looked great in his limited chances in the bigs, and has shown every tool you could expect of him in AA/AAA. I think he could handle himself over a full season in the bigs, and just as importantly, I think Theo thinks he can handle himself in the bigs. He'd struggle and slump a bit but he's going to need to learn how to get through that anyway, so if you think he can get the job done in the outfield, there's no reason not to debut him next year.

On the other hand, there IS an argument to be made for going into FA looking for Werth or Kalish, established veterans that can help the team as we try to get into the playoffs next year. Since it hasn't been less sure we'd even make the playoffs in a long time, going the safe route and bringing in a vet could save our season, and rookie growing pains could sink an otherwise playoff team if Kalish has a hiccup -- and by the time you'd know one way or the other, if you don't sign Werth or Crawford in the offseason, it would cost roster talent or high end prospectws to fix.

Not sure where I come down, but I do like Kalish and believe in his potential longterm, so if Red Sox nation can stomach the prospect of a second bridge year if things go sour I think it's appropriate to take the chance on the kid -- who knows, with Ellsbury and Kalish burning up the basepaths at the top of the order this team could go forther than an old strikeout hitter like Werth or a very very talented but occasionally inconsistent guy like Crawford, could take us.

And of course, there's a third option. Kalish is a potential 5 tool OF prospect who looks close to big league ready, other teams like those for some reason, and we have some holes to fill...

[Dojji]

And yeah, in some ways this may be a "too early to tell" thing, but please don't just say that -- try to peer into your crystal ball and come down on one side or the other -- or, you know, the other. Take this as a "where do I see Kalish next year?" thread.

[Yaz Sideburn]

i don't see where he fits in next year unless cameron still isn't healthy. i think he'll start at triple a so he can get regular at bats

[Will617]

He should make the team, but he won't unless Ellsbury, Cameron, or Drew are moved.

[Spudboy]

Originally Posted by Will617;567549;

He should make the team, but he won't unless Ellsbury, Cameron, or Drew are moved.

Something like that.

I'd love to see Crawford here. Drew is going nowhere. Ellsbury maybe here or he may be moved. The whole roster may look very different next year.

I'd love to see Kalish, Ellsbury, and Drew in 2011. But I would love to see Crawford, Ellsbury, Drew Kalish/Reddick.

[Rdsxmbnt]

There would probably be enough AB to go around for an OF of Kalish/Ellsbury/Cameron/Drew. A lot of LHH's there but also Kalish/Ellsbury/Drew can all play all three OF positions. I think that would work best with Kalish gaining experience and then taking over completely in 2012.

[Yaz Sideburn]

Originally Posted by Rdsxmbnt;567552;

There would probably be enough AB to go around for an OF of Kalish/Ellsbury/Cameron/Drew. A lot of LHH's there but also Kalish/Ellsbury/Drew can all play all three OF positions. I think that would work best with Kalish gaining experience and then taking over completely in 2012.

it would be strange to see 3 lefthanded outfielders but kalish did hit .389/.382/.611 against lefthanders in pawtucket so he may not be a typical lefty hitter

[BOSOX11]

Considering the amount of time Drew spends on the DL, I'd like to see Kalish stick around.

[redsoxrules]

Originally Posted by BOSOX11;567564;

Considering the amount of time Drew spends on the DL, I'd like to see Kalish stick around.

that's funny how Drew still gets all the bashing when he's been their most reliable player in the outfield this year

I think you need to rephrase and say with the amount that Ellsbury and Cameron spend on the DL I'd like to see Kalish stick around

[example1]

I bet the Sox will try to split the DH spot between V-Mart and Drew next year and will have Kalish on the big club.

I too would love to see them sign Crawford. They will have money to spend and taking his 3-5 WAR away from Tampa should be a top priority. I'm guessing that NYY will be going after him pretty aggressively too and if they want him, they can get him. The Yankees obvious first priority will be pitching and they could very well be coming off another WS championship. If that's the case I think there's a chance that they might see Crawford as a luxury that they can live witout, perhaps in favor of a Jason Werth or someone like that.

I keep hearing comparisons between Kalish and Trot Nixon, but I don't think Nixon ever had the speed that Kalish has. Kalish has 30 SB potential over a full season (averaged 37.52 SB/162 G in minors), whereas Nixon topped at a season high of 8 in 2000. Kalish will have 8 before the all-star break.

I think Kalish's ceiling is pretty high and he's who they have slotted to take the next OF opening. That could mean rotating him in the OF next year if Jacoby is still around and they sign a LF, or it could mean starting him if they just want to give him the shot to take the LF position. I see no reason to have a guy like Eric Patterson around if Ryan Kalish can contribute consistently.

[Palodios]

Originally Posted by redsoxrules;567568;

that's funny how Drew still gets all the bashing when he's been their most reliable player in the outfield this year

Drew is having a shitty season. Its not fair to compliment him because all the other guys have been nonfactors. Darnell Mcdonald has meant more to this team this year than Drew.

That being said, I think Ellsbury gets traded, and the outfield will probably be Drew/Crawford/Cameron/Kalish.

[BSN07]

Originally Posted by Palodios;567574;

Drew is having a shitty season. Its not fair to compliment him because all the other guys have been nonfactors. Darnell Mcdonald has meant more to this team this year than Drew.

That being said, I think Ellsbury gets traded, and the outfield will probably be Drew/Crawford/Cameron/Kalish.

Really? A shitty season?

It seems to be falling right into a "Drew" type year. His OBP is down because he is K-ing more and walking less. Other then that everything seems normal to me from looking at the stats.

[ORS]

Originally Posted by Dojji;567543;

And yeah, in some ways this may be a "too early to tell" thing, but please don't just say that -- try to peer into your crystal ball and come down on one side or the other -- or, you know, the other. Take this as a "where do I see Kalish next year?" thread.

Sorry, but that is a crummy request. The reality is, where Kalish is next year is extremely dependent on what happens the remainder of this season. So, in essence, you aren't asking "where do you see him", but "how well does he play the remainder of this year", which is only 1.5 months of baseball. The answer to that is guesswork at best.

That said, if he continues to play well, I see him on the team, maybe even starting.

If he hits a bump in the road, he probably starts in AAA.

And, of course, if some other team bites offering something big, he probably goes elsewhere.

Personally, I think they should keep him for the long haul.

[Palodios]

Originally Posted by BSN07;567584;

Really? A shitty season?

It seems to be falling right into a "Drew" type year. His OBP is down because he is K-ing more and walking less. Other then that everything seems normal to me from looking at the stats.

His OBP is the lowest its been in eight years. His OPS is almost a hundred points lower than career averages, and he's a little low on home runs. Normally I like what JD Drew does, and how he plays, but when he's not getting on base, I stop turning a blind eye to his vertigo bullshit.

[Dojji]

Even so, a .353 OBP and an .800+ OPS is nothing to sneeze at in a right fielder.