The Obligatory Xander Bogaerts Column

Now that Shank's doing his second Florida go-round, expect him to do what he does every year - focus on one Red Sox player when writing a column.

FORT MYERS, Fla. — He’s still only 24 years old, but we think of him now as almost part of the Fenway furniture. There’s the Green Monster in left, the Citgo sign behind the Monster, Pesky’s Pole in right, and Xander Bogaerts anchoring shortstop for the Boston Red Sox.

Bogaerts and Dustin Pedroia are the only remaining veterans from the 2013 World Series roster, and young Bogey trails only Pedroia in continuous service with this Boston ball club.