MLB Playoffs: 5 Boston Red Sox Players On the Postseason Roster Bubble

Here are 5 Boston Red Sox Players On the Postseason Roster Bubble

It has been a very successful season for the Boston Red Sox. They have clinched their division and left a lot of breathing room between them and the Tampa Bay Rays. They are currently in the chase to have the best record in the AL, which would give them home-field advantage in the playoffs. That would be very important for them when you consider how well they play at home. With just a few games left in the regular season, one of the big topics being discussed is what the postseason roster is going to look like for Boston.

There are quite a few players who are literally right on the bubble and it will be interesting to see what decisions the Red Sox will make as to who will be playing in October. They have certain players who have unique skill sets that could help Boston quite a bit. Talented veterans, upcoming prospects, there is an abundance of talent. Let's clarify one thing regarding this list. There isn't a player like Ryan Dempster who is definitely going to be on the roster but is just being used in a different role. These are guys who it really is up for some serious debate as to whether or not they will be on the roster when it is announced, probably at the beginning of the week. It's Friday night, and here are five Red Sox players who are on the postseason roster bubble. It is a Friday Night Five. Let's head to the list.

Carter Roane is a Boston Red Sox writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter@CarterGRoane, "Like" him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

No. 5 Felix Doubront

Felix Doubront has been one of Boston's most reliable and consistent starters all season long. There was a stretch of time during the season where he was perhaps their best starter. But in a short series and Clay Buchholz back, there doesn't seem to be much room for him in the rotation. He also has expressed that he doesn't want to go to the bullpen. When he has been down there, it takes him a long time to get him warmed up, which isn't helpful. As well, they have more than a few lefties in the bullpen so Doubront would be redundant. My guess is that he isn't on the Division Series roster, but would be on the ALCS roster if Boston were to advance.

No. 4 Franklin Morales

Franklin Morales is another lefty pitcher who is on the bubble. He has been hurt a lot this season, so much so that he has almost been forgotten. However, over the last month or so, he has pitched very well. He may have some of the best stuff on the team if he could get it over the plate consistently. He could get a huge strikeout when needed not unlike Andrew Miller, who has really been missed. He could be an important cog if he makes the roster.

No. 3 John McDonald

Man, I love watching this guy play. If you follow baseball casually, you might be wondering why Boston even picked him up. Let's face facts; he can't hit and never really has. However, that's not what he is known for. Quite simply, he is one of the best defensive infielders in the game today. He has a fielding percentage of .975 which is remarkably high. He made a backhanded pick against the Toronto Blue Jays a few weeks ago that I can think of three other players in the game being able to make besides him. Dustin Pedroia, Robinson Cano and Jose Iglesias. That's it. In a tight low-scoring game, that is a guy you want somewhere on the field to save you runs. Sigh, if only he could hit which brings us to...

No. 2 Xander Bogaerts

Xander Bogaerts is probably the reason McDonald wouldn't make the roster. You have seen how special Bogaerts is and he can actually hit and hit well in the short time he has been in the Majors. He could win a game with a base hit and has shown he could play third base very well. He isn't McDonald defensively though. Which is better, Bogaert's bat or McDonald's glove?

No. 1 Jackie Bradley, Jr.

This guy was a source of discussion in March and he is becoming a topic again in October. The No. 1 player on the bubble is Jackie Bradley, Jr. He has struggled offensively in his first year in the majors but he is coming around and made some adjustments. He is as smooth as they come defensively and that could also be huge in a postseason game. The problem is Boston has a lot of outfielders. None of them are as gifted defensively as Bradley. Having his glove in the late innings could be huge.

There you have it, five Red Sox players on the postseason roster bubble. Lots of decisions and tough conversations to be had.