Ryan Kalish's role in 2013

He needs to go to Triple-A and prove that he can stay healthy and be productive when he is so. After two years of injury, they can't count on him for anything yet.

4th string quarterback

Kalish has been a personal favorite of mine for a while now. It's really unfortunate that he's had to deal with so many injuries. He might be a little bit out of the picture right now but he's still an asset to this team. Hopefully he can stay healthy and on the field in 2013.

I've been a HUGE fan of Ryan Kalish for a long time.

I remember him fondly in Greenville as a player who really stood out. I saw him many times in that town, but the 1st time I saw him was in Kannapolis. The players were walking out of the club-house down the left-field line, and here comes a player who just looked like a player. He exuded confidence and he played that day with a lot of energy and success. Made all the plays in right, showed a solid arm, hustled on each play, and had two ropes for hits.

Even then, Kalish looked like a future major-leaguer. I've followed his career very closely and caught him in Charlotte (NC). Injuries are the only thing that has held him back from being a very solid addition to our line-up in Boston.

This year is big for him. He is getting to an age where he HAS to show his talents on a consistent basis or become an after-thought. I always have my doubts when a player is 26 or older and hasn't made his mark.

With that said, I really want him to have the opportunity this spring to show he is healthy. I think it is a GREAT idea for him to play 1st base some. We are actively looking for a player who bats left-handed, can play the outfield, and 1st base.

Several of my fellow posters have mentioned, understandably, platooning Gomes with Daniel Nava in left-field. May work just fine......but I'd love the 25 year-old Kalish, with MUCH more potential, to take that job and also be a possibility for 1st base when Napoli is behind the plate or when he needs a break.

For sure, Pawtucket is probably where he will start out. I just hope he comes to Ft Myers, once and for all, very healthy and really opens everyone's eyes big.

Zach Daeges redux?

The inuries had to be incredibly extensive and severe given the number of surgeries, recovery time, rehab etc. and he is still not fully back physically. Will they and the process of treatment operate to diminish Kalish's abilities short and long term??

At this point, I can't see him in the playing equation at the MLB level for this season. If he can handle it physically, give him 500 ABs at AAA. Anything beyond that I think falls into the category of 'wishin' & hopin'.

As many have said, Kalish's role in 2013 is in Pawtucket. He needs to make a full season without getting injured.

Kalish's roll in 2013 is to do something with his career that doesn't make me sad.

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This.
Don't understand why so many Kalish fans are willing to guarantee him a spot on the opening day roster.

No one, on here, has advocated giving Ryan Kalish a roster spot. But his talents and versatility would have a very positive effect on the team we will assemble.

I have nothing but respect for what Daniel Nava has done for the Red Sox, but there is no comparison between him and what Kalish can add. Higher OBP? Maybe. But that is it.

But let me say it again, if he is NOT 100%, he begins in AAA. But if Ryan Kalish can FINALLY establish himself in the majors this year, it will be BIG for Red Sox Nation.

FWIW, you're correct that nobody in here has, but I've seen him suggested as at least a platoon parter in the outfield in other places on the board, and certainly moreso in the media that he would start in Boston.

I agree with some here that he coud be up midseason if he performs well, although, as always, that would depend on the opportunity opening up as well. For me, "show he's healthy" doesn't necessarily mean stay healthy for a whole year, but rather demonstrate that the shoulder injury that has nagged at him for two years is completely healthy by going out and performing for, say, a month or two without any recurrences, and with the docs signing off on him being healthy again. However, the Sox can't count on that happening is the problem.

One would wonder how much of an impact all these injuries would affect Kalish down the road. Usually it isn't a good sign for young players to go through that much.