mwonow said:
Something had to give in the outfield, but wow - that's a serious plunge for a guy who had defenders all over this board a month ago. Here's hoping he gets straightened out in Pawtucket - 2013 Nava could really help the Sox, even if 2014 Nava was basically a black hole.
It's 75 PA. While he hasn't looked good, he also has a .167 BABIP. I think the move makes sense, but I also expect him to figure things out and be back soon.
The chain of events of his career are pretty amazing.:
-Ignored by his varsity high school team for have a late growth spurt, so only played HS for two years (during which he was great)
-Ignored by colleges for being small and only having two years of HS comp, is offered a spot on a team but can't afford college without a scholarship, so goes to community college (rakes)
-Ignored by MLB teams for only having one year of college against good competition, so plays in indie league (rakes)
-Bought by the Sox for a dollar, hits at every level but results are discounted due to scouting and being old for his level
-Is one of the best hitters in the league vs RHP in 2013, but results are discounted because of his history and is benched in the world series because he doesn't have a beard
-Has a slump to start 2014 and is demoted because he's the only guy with options and the ultimate guy who looks good in jeans is on the team.
If he had his growth spurt a bit earlier, or if his family had been wealthier so he could have put up 3+ years of stats against good competition, he probably has enough service time so that he can't be optioned after a 75 PA slump. It's amazing to think how many things have to break right even if a guy does nothing but hit at nearly every stop. Meanwhile someone like Delmon Young gets chance after chance, and Grady Sizemore has already made more money this year than Nava will for the whole year.
As I said, it makes sense from the Sox' perspective. Just kind of amazing.