Watch CBS News

Gresh & Zo With Sean McAdam: Xander Bogaerts Off To A Hot Start

BOSTON (CBS) - The time has come for Xander Bogaerts, the top prospect in the Red Sox system to take the field as an every day starter. After we were given a glimpse of what the 21-year-old is capable of in last season's World Series, Red Sox fans are eager to see Bogaerts play.

Not since Nomar Garciaparra have the Red Sox had such a sought after shortstop. Bogaerts' journey to the majors has been well documented and his arrival has Red Sox Nation hoping the revolving door at shortstop has finally come to a close. Sean McAdam, fresh off his trip to the White House with the team, joined Andy Gresh and Scott Zolak at Tequila Rain to talk about Bogaerts' progression.

The 21-year old has gotten off to a hot start that includes: being on base eight times in the first three games, five hits in nine at bats and his first three hit game of the season. However, as Sean McAdam points out, what has been most impressive about Bogaerts has been his maturity.

"The poise and maturity he shows, he's not overwhelmed by the circumstances and the surroundings. All the things you've heard about him coming up have proven to be true. He works hard, he has the respect of everyone in the clubhouse because he's willing to put the time in. He's confident without being cocky. In addition to the raw talent and the instincts, it's just the way he handles himself."

The discussion turned to the Red Sox lead off hitter, which has proven to be one of the bigger uncertainties of the season. Gresh asked McAdam why the Red Sox have seemed so reluctant to move Bogaerts to the top of the order. "He's not your prototypical lead off hitter but guess what, they don't have a prototypical lead off guy."

"Does Bogaerts have it in him to be that guy?" asked Gresh

"Absolutely," said McAdam. "I think frankly that as time goes on you're wasting him there because he can be a run producer...he's got an understanding of the strike zone, he's not gonna chase, he understands the importance of seeing pitches and extending at bats, I have no question he can could be a lead off hitter right now."

Listen below to hear Gresh, Zo and McAdam cover a wide variety of Red Sox news:

Xander Bogaerts Off To A Hot Start

MORE RED SOX COVERAGE FROM CBS BOSTON

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.