Vaughn Grissom discusses his evolution
The focus on Chris Sale for these two days in Atlanta is understandable. In the trade that sent the pitcher to the Braves, he was undeniably the name everyone was immediately drawn to.
But once the novelty of Sale's start Wednesday night comes and goes, there is only one piece of that trade equation that the Red Sox should be focusing on: Vaughn Grissom.
Without nearly the fanfare of the veteran lefty pitcher, Grissom was reunited with the organization he had come up with, the Braves. It wasn't exactly the celebration the second baseman or his team was hoping for, with the Red Sox stranding 13 runners en route to a 4-2 loss in the series opener.
It is far too early to make an judgement on Grissom as a member of the Red Sox. He has played in just three games, collecting two hits in 13 at-bats. And the optimism and reputation the 23-year-old arrived with still lingers, as was most recently evidenced by Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulous' appearance on the 'Baseball Isn't Boring' podcast.
"You know, I've said this many times: I think Vaughn is going to be an All-Star caliber player," Anthopoulos said. "The makeup. I think he's type of guy that can be a core player. Because of the makeup the person, you can't help but smile when you bring up his name, or he walks in that clubhouse. And he can flat-out hit. I mean, there's no doubt about that.
"Look, obviously we have to give to get and. They weren't looking to move Chris Sale. They weren't shopping, and we were the ones that approached them. It always been us initiating the conversation and, trying to engage them. So I think it worked out for both clubs. Obviously, we'll find out over time, but I think it made sense. That's why, like it finally came together."
Alex Anthopoulos talks Chris Sale trade
The Red Sox better hope Anthopoulos is right.
While it's unfair to ask too much of Grissom while he learns this new position at second baseman, Tuesday night in Atlanta offered an example of how much the Red Sox truly need the best version of Grissom's bat sooner rather than later.
The Sox' second base position currently sits at the bottom of all of Major League Baseball in both batting average (.172) and OPS (.453), having run through a combination of Enmanuel Valdez, Pablo Reyes and, most-recently, Zack Short (who is being designated for assignment Wednesday).
Since the departure of Dustin Pedroia, not getting above-average offensive production from second base has been a time-honored tradition, with the Red Sox' second baseman totaling the sixth-worst combined OPS since 2018.
The turnstile at the position has been no secret, with Christian Arroyo possessing the most games at the position (166) of any player over the seven seasons, with Brock Holt sitting at second with 116 games.
Now it's Grissom's turn.
This is a player who hit .330 with a .921 OPS in 102 Triple-A games last season, and has produced offensively throughout a fairly rapid rise through the minor league ranks.
Now, with the Red Sox trying to find a replacement for Triston Casas' offense at first base - (Garrett Cooper and Dominic Smith are currently a combined 5-for-36) - shortstop Ceddanne Rafaela finding his way offensively, and the Sox still seeking some definition at designated hitter, a good Grissom would go a long way.