Before Tuesday's game against the Rays, the Red Sox optioned Jose Iglesias to Triple-A Pawtucket, likely paving the way for Mike Aviles to patrol the shortstop position on Opening Day.
For Bobby Valentine, the decision stemmed from Iglesias' recent 2-for-15 stretch at the plate, which came after the 22-year-old missed a week with a groin injury.
"I don't stop believing in a player until I see him stop believing in himself," Valentine said. "I saw that the other day. I just thought that he came into the dugout and he had that look of wonderment, of wondering, that I don't like to see. It's not the time to be searching. You can't go into the major league season searching. You have to be confident."
Valentine called the Tuesday morning conversation with Iglesias "emotional" and hinted the youngster was surprised by the decision. But Iglesias is determined to climb his way back to the major league roster.
"At the end of the day, I know I can't control that," Iglesias said. "Getting better, that's what I can control and that's what I will. It always difficult to get the news, but I think they know what they're doing and it's the best for my development and career."
Since the start of spring, Aviles has produced at the plate without issue, going 15-for-45 with seven doubles and four RBIs. The 31-year-old has amassed more doubles (seven) than Iglesias has accumulated hits (five).
As a result, Valentine was effusive in his praise for Aviles. The Red Sox skipper went as far as saying he was "very comfortable" with him as the Opening Day shortstop against Detroit.
"Mike just didn't do anything wrong, that's for sure," Valentine said. "He did most everything right."
Despite the demotion, Iglesias is looking forward to gaining more at-bats. In his two professional seasons with the Red Sox organization, he's only tallied 618 at-bats, showing a lack of seasoning compared to most starters.
When asked if he thought he'd eventually receive a promotion to the majors in 2012, Iglesias nodded.
"Sure, I feel like I'm going to help this team in any way," Iglesias said. "Like I said, I'm going to go back to Triple-A do my best with my hitting, fielding and everything and we'll see."
Valentine can sympathize with Iglesias' emotions. As a shortstop in his heyday, the skipper was sent down and remembered sulking about the decisions. But he's also watched other players, like now Red Sox first-base coach Alex Ochoa, evolve into assets with added experience.
"My message to [Iglesias] was the same one I gave Alex Ochoa 100 years ago, and that was, 'Just because God delays does not mean God denies,'" Valentine said. "He won't be denied. That's what I believe. That's what Ben [Cherington] believes.
"It's not if, it's when."
For now, Iglesias will have to be patient.
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