Most Disappointing Boston Red Sox Players in Spring Training so Far

Over a week's worth of spring training games are now in the books for the Boston Red Sox.  While there is still plenty of exhibition baseball remaining, it's not too early to start taking a look at how certain players are performing.

While examining the most disappointing Red Sox so far, it's obviously premature to make any real judgments.  Just one or two good days could easily turn anyone's spring around.  

Whether it's due to a big free-agent contract, a rough end to last year or simply a competition to make the team, the following players all came to camp with something to prove.  To this point, each has yet to do so.

Robbie Ross Jr.

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

Ross is fighting for a spot in Boston's bullpen.

Robbie Ross Jr. has made two appearances this spring: against the Miami Marlins on March 6 and the New York Mets on March 8.  He produced nearly identical stat lines on each occasion, both times allowing three hits and an earned run in one inning.  Over two outings, he has an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 3.50.

Ross is battling for what will likely be just one or two available spots for a lefty in the Red Sox bullpen.  Craig Breslow, Tommy Layne, Edwin Escobar and possibly Eduardo Rodriguez are all in the mix as well.  Ross needs to start getting hitters out if he wants to make the team.

Koji Uehara

Associated Press

Does Uehara have another great season in him?

During Koji Uehara's final nine outings of 2014, he allowed 15 hits and 10 earned runs in only 7.2 innings.  Uehara will also turn 40 years old before Opening Day.  The Red Sox were not deterred, though, as they inked him to a two-year, $18 million contract this offseason.

In Uehara's first inning of work this spring, he surrendered one run on three hits, two of which were doubles.  Afterwards, he did not appear concerned.

Via Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com, Uehara said, "I'm not even looking at my location or anything (at this point). I'm just trying to get my innings in. ... (I was focused) on just being on the mound and being able to repeat my pitches. I think I was able to do that."

His second outing was much better, although Uehara did give up a hit in one inning while striking out two.  A subpar Grapefruit League campaign could be absolutely meaningless for the veteran closer, but it also might be an indication he's finally showing signs of age.

Joe Kelly

Associated Press

Where will Kelly land in Boston's rotation?

Joe Kelly's first start this spring couldn't have gone much worse.  The Minnesota Twins lit up the 26-year-old for seven hits and four earned runs in just 1.2 innings.  In his next time out, Kelly allowed three hits and two runs in three innings of work against the New York Yankees.

While the stat line is unimpressive, there were encouraging signs from Kelly's second performance.  NESN's Ricky Doyle wrote:

"

Joe Kelly looked untouchable through the first two innings before running into trouble in the third. Kelly retired six straight to open the game, four via strikeouts (two looking, two swinging). The right-hander then allowed two earned runs on three hits and a walk in the third. It was a strong effort for Kelly despite the third-inning implosion, especially when compared to his spring debut, when his control and his pure stuff both seemed off against the Minnesota Twins.

"

Kelly's spring numbers now stand at 4.2 innings pitched, 10 hits, six earned runs, one walk and six strikeouts.  In January, Kelly told WEEI in Boston that he would win the American League Cy Young Award this season.  He's got a long way to go to make that happen.

Allen Craig

USA TODAY Sports

Does Craig have a chance to crack the everyday lineup?

Allen Craig was an All-Star with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2013.  After being acquired by the Red Sox at last year's trade deadline, Craig hit just .128 in Boston with one home run and two RBI in 94 at-bats.

Throughout his career, Craig has played the majority of his time at first base and the corner outfield positions.  Mike Napoli, Hanley Ramirez and Shane Victorino stand in his way, with Mookie Betts, Rusney Castillo, Daniel Nava and Jackie Bradley Jr. further crowding the outfield situation.  Designated hitter is another possibility for Craig, but David Ortiz has that job locked down

Via Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald, Red Sox manager John Farrell recently said the following about Craig's status:

"

It'll be an adjustment — how difficult remains to be seen. He's been accustomed to being an everyday player.

[...]

We fully expect him to be on this team. There's nothing to expect otherwise. He's the one in particular that we just said, 'Let's get the appropriate number of at-bats that spring training would provide,' and we'll go from there. His attitude has been great. He understands the situation that he's in. He understands that, coming off last year, we had to make decisions to improve the team, and he's got to compete for at-bats. He's more than willing to embrace that.

"

It's not obvious where Craig fits on this roster, and he will clearly have to fight for playing time.  So far, his spring showing is not helping his case.  Craig has three hits in 15 at-bats, good for a .200 average, a .294 on-base percentage and a .267 slugging percentage.

Pablo Sandoval

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

Should Red Sox fans be concerned about Sandoval's weight?

Pablo Sandoval signed a five-year, $95 million deal this winter with the expectation that he would be a key component of a potent Red Sox lineup.  But when he showed up in Florida, he had a distinct not-so-svelte look about him.  It's nothing new for Sandoval, but it immediately put fears in the heads of Boston fans that he might be content to simply relax and enjoy his money.

Despite reports that he works out constantly, the best way for Sandoval to put those concerns to rest would've been a hot start at the plate this March.  Unfortunately, that is not the case.  Through his first three games, Sandoval has just one hit, a .125 batting average, .222 OBP and a .125 slugging percentage.

Granted, it is a tiny sample size.  And as is the case with Ross, Uehara, Kelly and Craig, Sandoval is only a big game or two away from shifting a disappointing spring into an encouraging one.

Mark Vandeusen is a Featured Columnist covering the Boston Red Sox for Bleacher Report.  Follow him on Twitter @LucidSportsFan. Unless otherwise noted, all statistics via RedSox.com and contract information via spotrac.com.