Question
In the wake of the World Series, Red Sox Nation is very high on Jacoby Ellsbury. Where do you see his ceiling? Will he develop enough power to even be a Johnny Damon type of player? - PG1982
In terms of power, I think Ellsbury can be better than Damon. Right now he’s younger, faster, and probably stronger now than Damon is. He knows that to be a great player, he has to start now while he’s young, and he works hard.
What I am unsure of is the playing time he will get this year. I think you need to stick with Coco when healthy because of the experience he brings. This will be Jacoby’s first season which is always tough and will be especially hard for a guy you expect to hit leadoff. The team will ease Jacoby in, drop him lower in the order so that he can get more experience against major league pitching before he starts hitting leadoff and working counts.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:36 am
He has such huge potential. And that was showcased last fall in the playoffs and World Series. He has enough speed to eventually be the lead off hitter and be a terrific outfielder. He may actually be better than JD Drew, but he won’t be moved because of his contract. I think the outfield of Manny, Coco, and Jacoby gives the Red Sox a very fast line up ( think Coco, Jacoby, and Lugo ), and that could be a disruptive force that teams really could not prepare for. A fast Red Sox team?
Just my 2 yens worth.