The Red Sox declined the option on Alex Gonzalez, leaving them for the moment without a starting shortstop:

The Red Sox have declined a $6 million option on shortstop Alex Gonzalez, according to a source, but the club still may have interest in bringing the player back in 2010 on a lesser salary.

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Gonzalez, 32, had a profound impact on the Red Sox’ defense this year (one error in 44 games) while batting a surprising .284 with five home runs.

Errors do not a defensive shortstop make, but Alex was excellent in the field in 2009. He was horrible at the plate, however, leaving him at about replacement level overall. If the Red Sox can get his defense with passable offense, they’ll be in much better shape.