Tzu-Wei Lin making a push for roster spot

FORT MYERS, Fla. – It’s a decision that won’t be made, likely, until the final days of spring training. But with just two and a half weeks remaining, things are beginning to crystalize some:

Could the Red Sox choose Tzu-Wei Lin as their utility man over Brock Holt?

There are reasons the question is -- at least -- being considered.

For one thing, going with Lin could represent a small but significant savings in payroll, with Holt scheduled to earn about four times what Lin would make. For a team cognizant of every dollar spent as it bumps up against a third luxury tax level, that could mean a great deal.

Next, there's versatility. Holt has played seven different positions for the Sox over the last five seasons, appearing everywhere but on the mound and behind the plate.  But when manager Alex Cora was asked if anyone in camp could match Holt in terms of versatility, he didn’t hesitate to offer Lin’s name.

“He’s a good defensive player,’’ said Cora, “a very good defensive player.’’

Lin has yet to demonstrate that he can play as many positions as Holt, but he’s getting there. Lin is getting accustomed to second base, where he doesn’t have a lot of experience. He’s played center in the minor leagues and in two games this spring. And while he hasn’t played the corner outfield spots, Cora has little doubt that he could handle both.

“He hasn’t had too many chances,’’ said Cora, “but from everything I’ve heard and from what people tell me, he can handle center field. He gets good jumps, throws to the right base. He understands the game.’’

The left side of the infield isn’t a concern. Lin is a well above-average defender at third and short, with the latter particularly critical since, with the current roster configuration, he would provide the lone backup option to starter Xander Bogaerts.

In fact, Cora deemed Lin capable of playing short for a “championship-caliber team; I feel that way.’’

Lin has yet to be tried at first, but with Mitch Moreland, Hanley Ramirez and Blake Swihart available there, that’s not a huge need.

More than ever, teams are looking for roster flexibility. It’s imperative to have bench players who can contribute at several different positions. In the post-PED, post-stimulant era, regulars require more rest over the course of the season. And with 12-man pitching staffs, it’s imperative that the three non-catchers on the bench be capable of helping out all over the field.

“You’ve got to have certain options on your roster,’’ said Cora, “We’ve been talking about getting people rest through the season and when you have guys like Lin, Blake and Holt, it makes it easier for you as a manager. I’ve seen it throughout the years. I saw it last year as a bench coach (in Houston). For me, Marwin Gonzalez was the MVP of that team because he was able to play first, play second, play short, play third, play left field. (He) gave the guys rest.

"And you have an extra starter. That’s the way I see it – you have another card that you can (play) and use on a regular basis. But at the same time, he’s helping everybody out. Sometimes it will help the pitching staff, too. If you want to carry an extra pitcher, well, you have those guys who can help you out with the position players."

The questions about Lin mostly surround his offense. In limited playing time, he's hitting just .174, though Cora was quick to point out that, as with many spring training numbers, is a bit misleading.

“His at-bats are good,’’ Cora said. “He controls the strike zone. I started looking at numbers and at-bats, and you see the batting average and it’s below .200.  It really doesn’t matter, but it caught my eye because you see the batting average and you don’t see the same thing. That’s a good sign, because he’s putting up quality at-bats.

“But he controls the strike zone. He’s a lot stronger than I thought he was. His confidence is getting bigger and bigger. We’re very happy with the way he plays.’’

Lin made the jump from Double A last season when the team ran short of infielders as Holt was in concussion protocol and Marco Hernandez was lost for the season with a shoulder injury. He impressed the organization with his poise, and posted an acceptable slash line of .268/.369/.339.

The question now: Do the Red Sox like him enough to choose over Holt?

Much of that answer may depend on which Holt the Red Sox currently have. Is he the one who was an All-Star selection in 2015? Or the diminished version (.548 OPS, seven RBI in 140 RBI) from a year ago, limited by the after-effects of several concussions?

Holt has options remaining, and it’s conceivable the Sox could stash him in Pawtucket and go with Lin. But in that scenario, Holt’s $2.225 million salary would still count against the competitive balance tax. For the Sox to go with Lin, it’s far more likely they would end up dealing Holt and taking advantage of the fact that Lin will make little more than the $545,000 major league minimum.

To the degree that much can be taken from Grapefruit League performances, Holt’s spring at-bats have been better and he appears to have regained his stroke at the plate.

Ultimately, Holt may be the safer bet. But Lin’s youth, energy and payroll savings can’t be easily dismissed.

“In the clubhouse, he’s amazing,’’ said Cora of Lin. “He’s a professional and people like him. He’s very likable. This guy’s going to contribute. He’s a big leaguer.’’