3. Who's at short?

Tony Massarotti, Globe Staff

We all give thanks for Nick Green, but know this: His career high for plate appearances (375) came in 2005, when he played for Tampa Bay. That year, Green batted .292 with a .797 OPS in his first 49 games, just .195 with a .572 OPS in his final 62. He hit the wall in mid-June. So far with the Sox, Green has batted .291 with a .793 OPS in his first 54 games and .133 with a .464 OPS in his last 16. (Uncanny, eh?) Obviously, the Red Sox are expecting Jed Lowrie (pictured at right) back soon, which could mean the end for Julio Lugo (left). Regardless, don't be surprised if Epstein has spent significant time talking about shortstops as the deadline approaches. Defense remains the priority, but if Green starts to fade and Lowrie is not fully recovered from wrist surgery, the Sox may generate little offense from their shortstop in the second half.
We all give thanks for Nick Green, but know this: His career high for plate appearances (375) came in 2005, when he played for Tampa Bay. That year, Green batted .292 with a .797 OPS in his first 49 games, just .195 with a .572 OPS in his final 62. He hit the wall in mid-June. So far with the Sox, Green has batted .291 with a .793 OPS in his first 54 games and .133 with a .464 OPS in his last 16. (Uncanny, eh?) Obviously, the Red Sox are expecting Jed Lowrie (pictured at right) back soon, which could mean the end for Julio Lugo (left). Regardless, don't be surprised if Epstein has spent significant time talking about shortstops as the deadline approaches. Defense remains the priority, but if Green starts to fade and Lowrie is not fully recovered from wrist surgery, the Sox may generate little offense from their shortstop in the second half.
Jim Davis / Globe Staff