The Boston Herald is reporting that season ending surgery could be a real possibility for David Ortiz if it doesn't heal while in a cast for the next month.
Should Ortiz have to have surgery, Boston will be left with a huge hole in their lineup. They will likely need to find someone on the trade market which could require giving up a combination of Jed Lowrie, Jon Lester or Justin Masterson, all of whom have raised their value in the opening months of the 2008 season.
Who could Boston look at as replacements?
Barry Bonds would immediately enter discussions and while he would come without losing prospects, he would be unlikely to land in Boston.
Mark Teixeira will be a name mentioned often and Boston has the talent to pry him away from Atlanta, but Boston would need to get him signed to an extension as part of a deal or they wont give up the names needed to land him.
Jim Thome will also be a free agent at seasons end and could probably be had for less the Teixeira and Chicago may look to move him especially if they begin to falter in the Central.
They could try options within the system possibly with Chris Carter who has a decent bat, but is labeled a DH type who was blocked by Ortiz at the major league level. He started off slowly power wise but has come on of late.
Boston could also recall Brandon Moss and use a combination of Moss, Coco Crisp, JacobyEllsbury and JD Drew in the outfield while putting Manny Ramirez at designated hitter while Manny is out.
Recap Kevin Youkilis had a great year in 2007 with the bat and glove. Youk should win the gold glove and could be a fixture at first unless Boston doesn't re-sign Mike Lowell and can't land another third baseman which would require Youk moving across the diamond.
Looking Ahead I would imagine Youkilis remains at first next year and Boston lands a big bat for third. If they don't Boston could move David Ortiz to first and Manny Ramirez to DH, that of course would be an extreme move but not out of the question. The final answer will depend on what happens at third so stay tuned.
Beyond 2008 There is no shortage of power bats who will begin being ready by mid-2008 in the minors. Kevin Youkilis could find his days on the Red Sox infield numbered which would be a sad day for Sox fans. However Youk could possibly move to left field full time when Manny Ramirez' contract expires, if Manny can play it, Youk can.
As for the depth in the minors. Chris Carter has an ETA of 2008 and could be a bench player for the Sox. Aaron Bates should be ready by 2009 and Lars Anderson in 2010. Brandon Moss, an outfielder who has played some first this past year could spend all his time at first in 2008 and be ready for 2009. Moss has an ETA for mid-2008 without taking into account moving to first full time.
