The Red Sox assigned left-hander Derek Holland to minor league camp earlier today, but the veteran won’t be exercising the opt-out in his minor league contract with the team, NESN’s Will Middlebrooks (Twitter link) was the first to report. A decision hasn’t yet been made about Travis Shaw, but Shaw told The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier (Twitter link) that he won’t be exercising the opt-out in his own minors deal since the infielder has been informed that he is “trending” towards breaking camp.
Holland further explained his decision on his own Twitter feed, stating that he “took the [Triple-A] assignment because I’ve only been able to showcase two innings” of actual Grapefruit League action. “It’s a great organization to be apart of so I want to stay and see where this road takes me. Going to be a lot of fun with these guys.“
This is the third time in as many offseasons that Holland has signed a minor league deal, and his previous two contracts resulted in some significant big league action. The southpaw tossed 40 2/3 innings with the Pirates in 2020 and then 49 2/3 frames with the Tigers last year, with a 5.07 ERA to show for his time in Detroit. While Holland’s Statcast numbers weren’t impressive in 2021, his 4.00 SIERA was well below his actual ERA, likely since Holland was snakebit by a .354 BABIP.
Since the lockout prevented from Holland from signing anywhere until March 18, it makes that sense that he would take a bit more time to fully ramp up rather than immediately jump back into the open market. MLB.com’s Ian Browne reports that Holland has another opt-out on May 1 if he hasn’t already been added to the active Red Sox roster.
While nothing is official yet, it makes sense that the Red Sox would retain Shaw as a left-handed hitting complement to prospective starting first baseman Bobby Dalbec. While Dalbec had a terrific finish to the 2021 season, the young slugger has been pretty inconsistent over his 545 career plate appearances, so Shaw can provide some experienced backup.
Shaw is a familiar face in Boston, breaking into the majors with the team in 2015-16 and then returning last season after being claimed off waivers by the Brewers in August. Over a small sample size of 48 PA, Shaw hit well, delivering three home runs and a .238/.319/.524 slash line in his Red Sox return. He also had a clutch pinch-hit single in the ninth inning of Game 4 of the ALDS, advancing the eventual winning run to third base.
Shaw probably makes the team, at least while the roster is 28 players. Holland will probably get called up at least once before April is over
Just read that Crawford has been told he’s heading to Boston to start the season and Whitlock is in the pen too.
cue the full throated KD defense of Bobby Dalbec because he was described as “inconsistent”…
Sox need a backup for Dalbec and Devers, regardless of how Dalbec is described. Christian Arroyo can’t seem to stay healthy and was injured his first minute at First Base last season
that wasn’t really my point.
I know what your point was. That KD will come and make a long blown out argument about them daring to call Dalbec “inconsistent”. My point was even if Dalbec were Lou Gherig he would still need a backup so really why should KD or anyone else get upset
Well the reality is Dalbec was inconsistent. He was terrible in the beginning of the year fantastic for a few months then really bad at the end so bad in fact that he was hardly used at the end of the season and in the playoffs. He was also struggled mightily against good pitching. Those are facts and until he proves that wrong then he is inconsistent. He has looked good in spring training and deserves to be the starting first baseman but it will be interesting to see how he hits in the beginning of the season. I am also interested in seeing how Casas hits in AAA. If Dalbec starts as slow as he did last year he will get replaced the ball is in his court hopefully he responds.
The team knows what they have in Shaw, a veteran lefty off the bench who provides passable but not great corner defense. Expect a trade or quick Casas call up as on days when JBJ doesn’t start, having him AND Shaw as lefty late inning pinch hitting options is redundant even if a full time DH lessens the need. I’m also still not sold on Rob R either.
Why because KD is a very, very old fool !!!
that’s future hall of famer Rob Refsnyder to you
again because they dared to say Dalbec was inconsistent. I wasn’t saying he doesn’t need a backup.
Is Upton an option for us?
Yes. Platoon with JBJ.
I agree.
Verdugo in LF, Hernandez in CF, Bradley Jr. in RF against righties. And Upton in LF, Hernandez in CF, and Verdugo in RF against lefties
Yes Upton…, for 600 000!
Only thing is Cora already said he wasn’t moving Verdugo around. I agree though with getting Upton once he clears waivers.
hopefully you’re at least talking about Justin Upton… and no he and his $28M salary isn’t an option for the Sox… on the other hand if you’re talking about BJ Upton… dude hasn’t played in majors in YEARS…
He will be a free agent in a few days and can be signed for league minimum
he and his $28M salary isn’t an option for the Sox…
=====================================
Are you aware that he was DFAd?
Ok, let’s trot out the litany…no one will claim J-Up and his $28 mill. salary, the Angels will place him on waivers and no one will pay the $28 mill. except the Angels. Once he’s been released, anyone can make a deal with him and the Angels will owe $28 mill. less whatever he signs for.
Wow I apologize. I somehow totally missed that he was DFA’d … in that case assuming he’s not a clubhouse problem I’d say go for it. Not much to lose with Refsnyer as the alternative.
He supposedly is a headache but playing on a contender hopefully solves that. if not, you cut him and move on.
That’ll teach the Red Sox. We’re not going to leave even if you want us to.
What if we ask Shaw really nicely to opt out?
??? Not sure if that was trolling but if not it just means he’ll go to Worcester instead of becoming a free agent should he not make club this last week if spring training.
Franchy Cordero has hit real well in spring training. More importantly he has figured out to go with the pitch and not swing for the fences I am wondering if anyone else has noticed this he just looks different. I wonder if perhaps he might make the team. Maybe that has sailed and no matter what he has done he won’t make it but it sure would be a shame to see him make good in that talent with another team.
I agree… I still feel like he is someone who can put the pieces together and emerge as a quality hitter. I hope he doesn’t wind up with the Rusney Castillo treatment (yes I know that was $ related but point still stands)
Jeff, not the same due to the money. If Cordero could play first or was a righty, he’d likely make the club. That said, we have to remember it’s spring training, the same way Fitzgerald’s pop hasn’t created much buzz so far. Although the team is likely to take 15 pitchers at the beginning, should they not Cordero and/or Fitzgerald suddenly become more palatable for the bench.
dewey: Cordero hasn’t just done it in ST, he tore up Worcester last season. He’s only gotten 400 Major League ABs, he should get another chance. I’d rather give Cordero a shot at 4th/5th OF over Refsnyder (Age 31, Career OPS+ 86). Just because Refsnyder is a righty, isn’t a good enough reason.
Unfortunately Cordero can’t be in the infield. We’re talking about jus out of the gate.
Cordero has on average faced high-A competition in spring training and still struck out at a 20% clip.
Kenny, saddest part of your statement is a 20% strikeout rate against ANY pitching is not just deemed acceptable but is actually welcomed.
Will Middlebrooks works for
NESN? Nice to see him find a spot in the environs of baseball…..
Bring back Boom Boom
Mildred Turner? For those too young, Look up All in the Family. very funny scenes.
Did Jenny Dell get him the job?
Oh, she gave him a job all right…
Not sure about Holland but Shaw is a good guy to keep. Can be clutch and streaky at times but it pays off. Scrappy guys for the win.
My best bet is a trade is coming. As someone mentioned, Cordero is doing really well, Casas will be up soon, someone’s got to be traded here to make something work. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Dalbec gets traded or JD Martinez (probably not as likely). Call me crazy, but we can trade JD, move guys around and make it work offensively. JD costs a lot and is gone after this year.
I have a feeling that Duran might be traded as part of a bigger trade for pitching help. I’m not sure how much trade value he has but I just get the feeling he is not going to get his chance in Boston. Maybe he will part of a Montas deal.
Forgot about Duran. I agree, he can be a trade chip.
Duran might hit but the arm I saw does not play in the majors.
That’s also looked better this spring also. He didn’t seem to have that huge delay he last year. He looked decent in spring ball. I just get the feeling they aren’t counting on him anymore.