FORT MYERS, Fla. -- In an effort to have become more versatile, the Red Sox are having Michael Chavis move around the infield. Drafted as a shortstop, he was shifted to third base. He's also seen some playing time at first base and this spring, he's been working out almost exclusively at second.
In his first game action Friday, it wasn't a smooth transition. Taking over at second mid-game from Chad de la Guerra in the Red Sox' annual exhibition opener, Chavis committed an error and didn't get over to second in time to take a throw on a stolen base attempt.
"It's obviously still new,'' Chavis acknowledged after the Sox blanked Northeastern, 6-0. "That was my first game reps I've ever had at second base, so it was good to be in that position. I've been working at second; it feels good in practice and stuff like that -- the footwork and the path you take to the ball is different on that side of the infield than it is at third or short.
"It's feeling good in practice, but you take as many fungoes as you want, but (games) are completely different. Things speed up, you've got a real baserunner, things like that. Everything's different. Today, obviously, I made the error, but I'm just focused on the process right now and sticking with it. I'm excited to see where it goes and I'm all for it.''
It's unclear what the Sox' intentions are for Chavis when the season begins. Will he play second? First? Move around?
"It's kind of hard to say,'' admitted Chavis. "I've been purposely not trying to read into it too much. Honestly, I have no idea. I would assume I'm doing this work for a reason. Obviously, they'd like to see me there. But I'm just going to do my best and see what happens. As long as I'm in the lineup, I'm going to be happy wherever I'm at.''
"It was good for him to just go out there with no pressure and get his feet wet,'' said Alex Cora. "He's been working at it the last few days and he's going to start at third (Saturday) and first later this week.''
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