Boston Red Sox: Jackie Bradley Jr.’s Play Continues to Force Tough Decision

Jackie Bradley Jr. continues to make the decision about where he will start the season for the Boston Red Sox tougher by the game. Bradley Jr.  came into today’s game with the Philadelphia Phillies hitting a toasty .429 (21-for-49) with four doubles, one home run and five RBIs in  Grapefruit League 22 games. Today he went 1-for-3 with 4 RBI  and a home run. The home run came off Phillies starter Cliff Lee.

“Cliff Lee can throw any pitch for a strike at any time. I didn’t want to fall behind for sure, so I looked to put on an early swing,” the lefty-hitting Bradley said after slugging a three-run homer against one of baseball’s elite left-handers.

Bradley was supposed to come to his first big-league camp,  enjoy the learning experience  and head back to the minor leagues.

Instead the 22-year-old prospect as taking advantage of every opportunity presented to him this spring. The slow recovery of David Ortiz has given Bradley Jr.  more opportunities and he has delivered. Even though it is spring training, hitting  over .400  all spring forces people to take notice. While there is never a shortage of stories coming out Red Sox  camp,  Bradley Jr. IS the story for  Red Sox Spring training 2013.

Whether or not  he begins the year in Boston or in Pawtucket  is out of his control, but  there is one thing he can control. “I’m going to continue to work hard to get to where I want to be, and that’s in the major leagues. Hopefully I am close, Bradley said.

Asked if Bradley is major league-ready, Manager John Farrell said, “Could be.”