Hot corner a hot topic for Red Sox

Oct. 04--It wasn't with the Red Sox' 2015 infield in mind that the third baseman from Abbott and Costello's famous "Who's On First?" comedy routine was referred to as "I Don't Know."

But here's something we do know: Will Middlebrooks won't be playing third for the Sox on Opening Day.

For the past two years, Middlebrooks' hold on a roster spot has gone unchallenged in spring training. And in each of the past two years, a combination of mostly freak injuries and protracted slumps has conspired to make him the least productive third baseman in the majors based on his .629 OPS.

This time, the Red Sox won't allow Middlebrooks a third strike. They will seek an upgrade at third base, preferably with a left-handed or switch-hitter who can help balance a lineup that leans decidedly to the right.

There won't be nearly as much upheaval at the other infield spots, with Dustin Pedroia, Xander Bogaerts and Mike Napoli all but certain to return at second base, shortstop and first base, respectively.

Even behind the plate, manager John Farrell seems content to give the majority of the work to strong-armed catcher Christian Vazquez, especially if the Red Sox can find the right veteran backup.

What went wrong

Injuries, for one thing. Inexperience, for another.

Napoli dislocated his left index finger three weeks into the season, and it remained a swollen, mangled mess for the next five months. Toe, leg and back issues, plus a sleep disorder, piled on, and Napoli wound up with the lowest slugging percentage of his career (.419).

Pedroia, meanwhile, saw his offensive numbers decline for a fourth consecutive season largely due to another left wrist/thumb injury in April that necessitated surgery last month.

Middlebrooks missed considerable time with a fractured finger, which at least partially explains his .191 average and two homers in 215 at-bats. The bigger problem, though, has been his inability to adjust to the way he's being pitched.

Bogaerts struggled in that area, too, and fell into a three-month slump that was deeper than the Red Sox ever imagined. But at least there were stretches in May and September in which, at the tender age of 21, he showed glimpses of being a potential future All-Star.

What went right

In the most obvious no-brainer of the season, the Sox ditched underachieving and abrasive catcher A.J. Pierzynski in early July and called up Vazquez. And although his offense remains a work-in-progress, Vazquez threw out 15-of-29 base stealers and took charge as a game-caller behind the plate.

Super-utilityman Brock Holt was a godsend, especially in the first half of the season after Middlebrooks broke his finger. His ability to play every infield position, as well as transition to the outfield, figures to continue to make him useful as both a spot starter and insurance against injury.

What to do

Because Pedroia had surgery in September, the Sox are optimistic he will be able to begin his typical offseason training program on schedule, something he was unable to do last winter. Moreover, they're confident that rest will restore Napoli to full strength.

Finding a solution at third base won't be as easy.

The Sox would love to put together a package to lure Kyle Seager from Seattle. But the 26-year-old has emerged as a foundational player for the Mariners, who will try to sign him to a contract extension now that he's eligible for salary arbitration.

Other possible trade candidates might emerge, including the Indians' Lonnie Chisenhall, the Cubs' Luis Valbuena and the Pirates' Pedro Alvarez.

The Sox also could turn to the free agent market, where they will find switch-hitters Pablo Sandoval and Chase Headley.

Sandoval tends to be more productive from the left side of the plate, which makes him a fit for the Sox. But there always have been concerns about his weight, which might ultimately force a position change. It's also curious that the Giants didn't lock up Sandoval to a contract extension, as they have done with all of their other prime-aged core players.

Lower on the list of priorities will be finding a catcher to pair with Vazquez. Ideally, the Sox want someone with a veteran presence similar to David Ross but better offensive production.

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