Red Sox rumors: Xander Bogaerts close to untouchable

Boston Red Sox top shortstop prospect Xander Bogaerts is as close to untouchable as any player in the team's organization, according to Sean McAdam of CSN New England:

Rival teams routinely inquired about him this past off-season, only to be summarily dismissed by GM Ben Cherington. Bogaerts, a native of Aruba, is as close to untouchable as any player in the Boston organization.

McAdam expects Bogaerts to be at the Red Sox major league spring training, though the 20-year-old is likely to begin the regular season at the Double-A level. He's not expected to remain there long, as McAdam sees the prospect making his major league debut later in 2013 after a quick stop at Triple-A.

Some believe that at 6-foot-3 and already showing pop, Bogaerts will ultimately shift to third base. However, Bogaerts thinks he has the athleticism to stick at short.

Bogaerts was named the Red Sox Minor League Offensive Player of the Year last season. Between high- and Double-A he hit .307/.373/.523 with 37 doubles, three triples and 20 home runs. He owns a career line of .296/.366/.495 over three seasons in the minors.