The Boston Red Sox have released journeyman outfielder Jeremy Hermida, according to Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com. As much as Hermida expressed surprise when he was designated for assignment at the end of July, surely his outright release yesterday could be considered a shock.
Hermida’s release was confirmed late last night via an online announcement on RedSox.com.
Before being designated for assignment at the non-waiver trade deadline, Hermida had managed to hit a meager .203 in 171 plate appearances with the 2010 Red Sox. After being sent down to Triple-A Pawtucket, the 26-year-old Georgian improved to a .288 average and 723 OPS, but those are hardly the kind of numbers that will earn a spot back up at The Show.
Certainly, when the Red Sox acquired Hermida from the Florida Marlins during the offseason, they were optimistic he might finally fulfill the potential associated with his first-round draft status.
Hermida’s tale remains one of unmet expectations. Originally brought in to replace Rocco Baldelli as Boston’s reserve outfielder, Hermida entered 2010 with little pressure to prove himself. However, injuries to Jacoby Ellsbury and Mike Cameron gave Hermida the opportunity to be all that he could be in Beantown. Hermida wasn’t up to the challenge.
A career .259 hitter with a mediocre glove, Hermida has spent much of the 2010 campaign overshadowed by the likes of Darnell McDonald, Daniel Nava, and Ryan Kalish. Hermida should have topped that pack, but the Fenway hotbox seems to have been too much for him.
McDonald (.272 AVG / 777 OPS), Nava (.256 AVG / 730 OPS), and Kalish (.228 AVG / 604 OPS) have all surpassed Hermida. With his above-average defense, McDonald should be the favorite to hang onto the reserve outfield spot in 2011.
Thanks for stopping by during this injury-plagued 2010 campaign, Mr. Hermida. The Fenway Faithful hardly knew you.
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