Red Sox’s Craig Breslow Appears To Be Against Justin Turner, JD Martinez Reunions

Boston doesn’t seem to want a solid hitter

Boston Red Sox baseball manager Craig Breslow was quite transparent with the media for the first time since his introductory press conference.

One of the most talked about quotes was his position at designated hitter, which doesn’t seem to bode well for a potential reunion with Justin Turner or J.D. With Martinez – two of the best right-handed bats on the market.
“I think the versatility of the position helps,” Breslow told The Athleticand#039; This is McCaffrey. “I don’t think it makes much sense to write that for a right-handed hitter who can only DH. But I think we have to be open to ways to improve the team. Since we’re pretty left-handed, it makes sense to look at someone who can hit right-handed.
“At a high level, we’d probably like to give Alex (Cora) as much flexibility as possible,” Breslow continued. “Understand it’s a long season and there’s going to be times when he wants to get rid of guys, but keep the bullpen lined up. I don’t think it’s possible to do that. Now obviously playing with a guy who’s been commanding the DH spot. for a while (David Ortiz) and he succeeded quite well. I think it makes sense to have as many creative opportunities as we can manage.”

Turner has played 41 games at first base, 10 at second base and seven at third base, but he is far from defensive and will fill the role of designated hitter for most of the season. It’s possible that the 38-year-old’s lineup with Triston Casas and Rafael Devers’ ability to nail down a starting spot at third base would remove him from the one-dimensional description that Breslow paints, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

Martinez was about as clean a hitter as you can get, playing 110 games in that role and just three for the Los Angeles Dodgers — a total of 12 innings.
With this news in mind, the Red Sox may prefer to select Lourdes Gurriel Jr., a solid offensive player who plays above-average left field. Teoscar Hernández can play in the field, but not very well. Jorge Soler portrays more of a designated striker. There aren’t many free agents who fit Breslowand’s description — assuming the new righty can produce at the same level Turner did a year ago.
While the Red Sox should have silverware next season in addition to an improved defense, Breslow and Cora already seem like a more cohesive front than Bloom / Cora.