After watching Alex Verdugo throughout the 2020 season it's fair to surmise that Chaim Bloom didn't miss on that element of the Mookie Betts trade.
But there is another huge part of the deal that has led to some serious debate. Especially after watching Brusdar Graterol close out the Dodgers' National League Wild Card series against the Brewers.
The Red Sox chose not to receive Graterol as the second piece of the Betts trade, raising concerns about the pitcher's physical status.
The Dodgers went on to strike their own deal with the Twins for the reliever, who appeared in 23 regular season games for Los Angeles, finishing with a 3.09 ERA. And now Graterol's name is being mentioned more than ever after earning the save in the series-clincher, raising some thoughts that he actually might get more end-of-game opportunities throughout the postseason.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts continues to say Kenley Jansen is still his closer, but considering Jansen was ready to go and Roberts didn't use him the Graterol promotion isn't crazy to think about.
So, what if the player the Red Sox said, "Thanks, but no thanks," to ends up securing the final out of the World Series? That, of course, immediately puts more focus not he guys Chaim Bloom got back instead of Graterol -- Jeter Downs and Connor Wong.
Both minor-leaguers participated in the Red Sox' alternate site this season after getting some Grapefruit League experience in Spring Training 1.0.
Wong is a catcher who showed some promise and would seemingly be in the mix to backup Christian Vazquez if anything happens to Kevin Plawecki.
But, fair or not, it is Downs who will be put in the crosshairs of those attempting to evaluate the trade involving one of the best players in Red Sox history.
Following the completion of the alternate site's work at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, PawSox/WooSox manager Billy McMillon offered his assessment of the infielder:
"Jeter is kind of interesting. We were introduced to him in Spring Training 1.0 and we could see glimpses of defense and offense. I would say he did better offensively in the first spring training but I think people were thinking about him potentially being a second baseman everyday for the Red Sox. I think the strides he made defensively can asjay some of those questions people had. He made tremendous strides defensively.
"There are some things he needs to work on like his makeup and his confidence and things like that. I those those issues affected how he did offensively. As far as Jeter, I see tremendous upside and his track record of offensive performance indicates that at 7:05 when the lights are on he shows up at the plate. I'm hopeful that his track record offensively meshes well with the strides he made defensively. If that happens I think you've got a pretty good player. I don't want to give a comp or anything like, but I think he would more than hold his own based on what he did defensively and how much better and more consistent he got."
Having not played above Double-A heading into 2020, it might seem a stretch the Red Sox would rely on Downs to man second base on a regular basis in 2021, particularly considering it isn't his natural position.
According to MLB Pipeline, the 22-year-old remains the Red Sox' top prospect. But there are still some things to figure out, such as where Downs will actually end up playing.
"I think he would be a better second baseman long-term, but I do believe he could play shortstop," McMillon said. "He made some plays that we just unbelievably at shortstop. I personally would see him as a better fit at second base if we're talking about 162 games. I think his athleticism, his skills would be a little bit better at second base. But he is still young. I don't want to seem like he can't play shortstop. I think he could do a fine job over there. My eyes, I see second base when I see him."
The final judgment on the Betts trade can't be made until well after Graterol's run through the 2020 postseason. But it is taking shape, a reality that will have Red Sox fans glued to each and every postseason game the Dodgers continue to play in.