Prospects Get the Call: Garin Cecchini

Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Garin Cecchini against the East during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

According to numerous media outlets, the Boston Red Sox will call up Garin Cecchini ahead of Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays. This move comes at quite a surprise as recently re-signed Stephen Drew will likely join the Red Sox on Monday. Once Drew joins the team, Xander Bogaerts will likely move to third base, leaving Cecchini without a spot to play, meaning it may be jsut a one day call-up.

There has been some question as to whether or not Cecchini will be able to stick at third base defensively, but one thing that is not a question is his ability to get on base. Over parts of four minor league seasons he has posted an on-base percentage over .400 and is hitting over .300. He does not project to be much of a power hitter, his career slugging sits at just .440, but he could certainly be a potential prototypical number two hitter.

Cecchini’s approach at the plate is a well balanced mix of patience and aggressiveness. If he sees a fastball he can hit with the first pitch of the at-bat, he will almost certainly put it in the gap for a double. If he does not like the first pitch he sees, the pitcher is likely in for a 5+ pitch battle.

Cecchini is certainly one of the biggest named prospects to be called up so far this season, but his immediate future seems very uncertain. With Drew and Bogaerts set to hold down the left side of the infield, there is a small chance Cecchini could see time in one of the corner outfield spots. The outfield has been as productive as the Red Sox had hoped coming into the season, but Cecchini has yet to see time at any position other than third base thus far in the minor leagues.

Overall, the Cecchini call-up is very odd, but that doesn’t take away from his future potential. There may still be questions regarding what position he will ultimately play, but there is little doubt he will be able to get on base at a high rate, which is a skill the Red Sox hold in very high regards.