Random Notes

First of all, congratulations to Brandon McCarthy and Brian Anderson for nabbing spots 23 and 32 respectively on Baseball Prospectus' Top 50 Prospects list. Ryan Sweeney also added an impressive nod as the favorite outfield prospect of BP's prospect guru Rany Jazayerli during the site's outfield prospect roundtable.

Today's interesting bit of news regards Willie Harris' prospects of making the roster as the Sox' utility infielder. The Chicago Tribune states:

Guillen wasn't sure about having Harris take ground balls at short to add to his versatility. Harris played some shortstop in Double-A and also can play center field.

"It's not easy moving from one position to another, especially shortstop," Guillen said. "He had some innings there but I don't know that he can play shortstop that quickly at this level."

It's assumed Harris is going to be shopped this spring, but the Sox may want to wait and see how Iguchi looks when the games start. Plus, Harris' speed would seem to fit Guillen's style.

The bottom line is that while Harris has limited experience playing shortstop, he is not completely green at the position and appears to clearly represent the club's best option as a utility infielder at this point in time. Harris' would be a valuable asset as a pinch runner, has demonstrated strong on base skills despite his lack of power, and would presumably make up for minimal defensive lapses at shortstop with the versatility of being able to play any outfield position. If Harris proves himself completely unable to handle SS in spring training, the trading block seems like a reasonable option. Otherwise, Harris should be given the hardest look of any player on the roster at the utility infielder spot this spring.