What If Boston Lands Teixeira

A lot of talk recently within the Boston sports world is about what happens if Boston signs Mark Teixeira to a contract this winter.

As I write this I had just finished reading a post at Fire Brand of the American League, it is a decent look at the recent Coco trade and what it could lead to over the rest of the winter.

The commenter's on the post also get into the discussion and one name mentioned in the comments led me to write this post... Lars Anderson.

The signing of Mark Teixeira does not necessarily mean the end of the road to Boston for Anderson.

Anderson just turned 21 at the end of September and with David Ortiz turning 33 next week there certainly is a possibility that in the near future Boston will have a DH spot open in its lineup. Ortiz is signed through 2010 with a team option for 2011.

A safe bet would be that in 2009 Anderson starts the season in Portland and by seasons end will be in Pawtucket and we could assume 2010 will be in AAA as well but certainly with the likelihood that at some point in 2010 Anderson gets a call to Boston.

Assuming Ortiz has regained his bat and is still productive the team would pick up his 2011 option and Anderson would also be part of the 2011 team in some capacity. Following 2011 the Sox will have as good an idea on where Anderson is as a hitter as they ever will and a decision can be made whether its time for him to be an everyday player in Boston.

In 2012 when he would then take over as an everyday player he would still just be 24 years old.

Boston would now have two decent first basemen (by then Kevin Youkilis would have already taken over at third base) who can split time between first and DH.

This could take place a year sooner if Boston felt Anderson were ready.

There of course is a issue that will be on the front burner much sooner with a Teixeira signing, what to do in 2009 with David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, Mike Lowell and Teixeria all under contract with three positions available between them.

There's no reason you cant be creative here. Ortiz is a year older and more rest wouldn't be a bad thing for him, same with Lowell. Giving Youkilis rest could also be beneficial in the second half when he has usually fallen off in the past.

The Red Sox could move the lineup around where each gets regular rest and is available late in games to pinch hit. Would you rather see Ortiz pinch hit in the 9th or someone like Alex Cora?

Youkilis of course can also play the role of an emergency OF if it was ever necessary.

Some may remember the constant talk of mixing in Dustin Pedroia, Julio Lugo and Alex Cora early in 2007 when Cora was off to such a hot start, the same idea can be used here.

One day you play Ortiz and Lowell, the next Ortiz and Youk and then Youk and Lowell. They each play two in a row and then have a day off. Occasionally you give Teixeira a day off and have the other three all in the lineup.

The situation would be easier to resolve if Boston were able to trade Mike Lowell if they do Sign Teixeira, but at no point would I want Boston trading Youkilis or Ortiz, I'd rather have a 3 man rotation.