Projected PawSox 2009- Jeff Natale

2008 proved to be a bump in the road for PawSox 2b Jeff Natale.

In 2006 and 2007 the 26 year-old Natale played an average of 125 games a season.  The injury bug took a bite out of Natale in 2008, limiting him to a total of only 48 games.  He was riding high with the PawSox at the beginning of the season before being sidelined with a fractured left forearm after being hit by a pitch on April 21st.

A 32nd round draft pick in 2005, Natale still played well in his brief stint at McCoy.  In the 25 games he played with the PawSox Natale batted .280 with 3 homers and 11 RBI’s.  Scouting reports have praised Natale’s patience at the plate and his lively bat.

Natale’s negatives have come in the field.  Even though he did not commit any errors in his time in Pawtucket last season, Natale was not given a chance to play regularly at second, also sharing time at first and as a DH.

With the Red Sox’ signing of veterans Nick Green and Angel Chavez, it may be difficult for Natale to gain much playing time in the PawSox line-up.  Expect him to be on the Pawtucket roster, serving in the role as an infield back-up.

Photo courtesy Pawtucket Red Sox via Sox Prospects