In somewhat of a surprise move the Red Sox declined to exercise their club option for 2010 of $6 million on SS Alex Gonzalez. Gonzalez was acquired mid-season from the Cincinnati Reds. He returned from injuries to solidify the Red Sox infield & hit over .280 from the #9 spot. There is still an opportunity for the Sox to re-sign Gonzo at a lower salary than $6 million, but he is now eligible for free agency.
In 2009 Jed Lowrie was slated as the starting SS as the club broke from Spring Training, but another injury-plagued season kept Lowrie from fulfilling the starting job. Nick Green was a capable replacement for a few months, but he ran out of steam during the stretch & was also sidelined with an injury. Gonzalez provided much-needed stability to help the Sox fight off the Rangers for the AL Wild Card.
Shortstop has been a rotating black hole for the Red Sox since the departure of Nomar in 2004. Gonzalez filled the job in 2006 for 1 year. Other past SS's include Orlando Cabrera, Edgar Renteria & Julio Lugo.
Who else is out there? I don't know. Casey Kelly & Jose Iglesia are too young yet to move up from the minors. If Theo can save a little & bring Gonzo back for 1 more year, I would do it.
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