Even before Mark Bellhorn was placed on the DL after suffering a sprained left thumb, all signs indicated that he wasn't going to remain in the starting line-up much longer anyway. In the midst of a season long slump, Belhorn was hitting a meager .216 at the time - the lowest of all American League regulars - and was leading he league with 108 strike outs.
Belhorn's woes were even more pronounced at Fenway, where he was hitting just .170 - a sign that he was pressing in an attempt to avoid the ire of the Fenway Faithful.
With the inspired play of Tony Graffanino, now hitting .314 while exhibiting tremendous defensive prowess and terrific base running instincts, Belhorn would've had a difficult time cracking the starting line-up again anyway. But his struggles in Pawtuckett seem to have all but sealed his fate. During a rehab assignment with the PawSox that began on Aug. 1, Bellhorn is batting a woeful .111. It now appears that his time with the Sox may be over.
The second baseman will likely be placed on waivers and, provided he clears, then be offered an outright assignment to Pawtucket.
Red Sox Nation should thank him for his contributions in 2004, and wish him well in the future.
Copyright © 2005 Kennedy's Commentary. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the author's consent.
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