Boston Red Sox Must Option Will Middlebrooks If Kevin Youkilis Isn't Traded

The Boston Red Sox have done their best to juggle playing time for three players and two positions, but now it’s time to make decisions. Boston can no longer platoon Will Middlebrooks and Kevin Youkilis at third base and Adrian Gonzalez and Youkilis at first base.

Despite spiraling trade rumors involving Youkilis, Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington continues to play dumb with the media and fans. He recently talked about the trade rumors with WEEI, according to ESPN.

"

The reality is there’s nothing going on. We’ve talked to teams about several things. Yeah, teams have called to check in on Youk. That was a while back, right before he went out on his rehab assignment (in mid-May). Right now we’re just focused on getting Kevin going. He’s an important part of the team and we know when he’s clicking and feeling good he makes our lineup tough to pitch to.

"

How in the world can nothing be going on, Ben? Correct me if I’m wrong, which I’m not, but Will Middlebrooks is not only the future at third base but is also a major piece of the franchise’s future.

If you aren’t going to trade Youkilis away before or at the trade deadline, then just send Middlebrooks back to Triple-A Pawtucket. You’re hurting him whether you think you are or not.

A couple of days ago I wrote about how Gonzalez’s move to right field has really hurt his production at the plate. The same goes for Middlebrooks since Youkilis has returned from injury and they’ve shared time.

Middlebrooks played in 18 games for Boston completely free of Youkilis in the picture, hitting .297/.325/.581 with five home runs, 16 RBI and 12 runs. Since Youkilis has returned to the lineup, Middlebrooks hasn’t been as productive despite still getting hits. He isn’t driving the ball nearly as far and has struck out 11 times in 55 at-bats. He just seems off.

The lack of consistency in playing time has to be affecting Middlebrooks. He’s been the everyday third baseman throughout his entire professional career and has never had to platoon. He’s had to sit entire games out to get Youkilis time at third base while Gonzalez can play first and has also come into games late.

A young, developing player like Middlebrooks needs to be playing every day. Cherington is stupid for not doing something about this earlier. If he isn’t going to trade Youkilis to give Middlebrooks the full-time role, just send him to Pawtucket. At least there he can continue to hit off of live pitching on a daily basis.

We can no longer blame Youkilis for taking time away from Middlebrooks, because in the end, it’s all Cherington’s fault. He needs to figure out the direction of this team and figure it out fast.