Outfielders Galore in Fort Myers

Hanley Ramirez. Mookie Betts. Rusney Castillo. Shane Victorino. Allen Craig. Daniel Nava. Jackie Bradley, Jr. Brock Holt. 8 guys for 3 starting spots. Betts, Holt, Nava & Craig can play infield spots as well, but how often can you spell, or do you want to spell, Pablo, X-man, Pedey & Nap? It's going to be tough to find playing time for all of these guys. Of these 8, Nava & Bradley, Jr. are the only left-handed hitters now that Victorino is strictly from the right. Betts & Castillo possess the same skill set as Victorino, but they are younger & cheaper options. And Allen Craig could still be a middle of the order bat if he returns to form. Let's not forget JBJ's stellar outfield play as well. Lots of decisions. Obviously, several of these guys will have to be traded. Betts performed well in a short sample size in 2014 & that was after learning a new position in CF on the fly. But we have seen the sophomore jinx set in on other rookies - like Middlebrooks & Bradley. Betts' trade value is as high as it will ever be before he gets more exposure. And since the Betts for Strasburg trade was mentioned a few weeks ago all has been quiet since - which means maybe the talks are continuing. Ben Cherington says he likes to have more options than less. The Sox can deal from a position of strength. Look for some of these outfielders to be moved during spring training.