Jose Iglesias Makes Big Impression in 1st Spring Training Game
Shortstop-of-the-future Jose Iglesias made a lasting impression in his 1st game in a Red Sox uniform on Wednesday night’s win over Boston College.
Manager Terry Francona called on Iglesias to pinch-run for starting shortstop Marco Scutaro after he singled in the 3rd inning. Then in his 1st spring at-bat in the following inning, Iglesias jumped on the 1st pitch he saw to deliver a crushing double to left field that cleared the bases with 3 Red Sox runs. Not a bad day at the office.
Iglesias had this to say about his 1st taste of “big league” action: “I was excited. I hit the ball good and I was pumped. But once I got to 2nd base, I had to concentrate on running the bases too because that’s important… It’s like a dream playing here and playing in my first game in a Red Sox uniform. I still have to work hard and do things every day to get better. That’s what I’m coming here to do every day.”
Francona was impressed as well: “He looked like he was ready to play. He wasn’t messing around. He was obviously very excited to play the game and he kind of came out in a hurry.”
This is great news for the red Sox. Scutaro will definitely hold down the fort at shortstop for the next 2 years, maybe 3 depending on how quickly the 20-year old develops. But Iglesias clearly has the tools to be a star shortstop at the big league level for many, many years to come at Fenway Park. Red Sox Nation is salivating right now…
