Mike Aviles doubled twice and knocked in two runs Saturday night as a Red Sox split-squad topped Boston College 6-3 in seven innings. B.C. made much more of a game of it than Northeastern did earlier in the day, but the Red Sox still didn't have to sweat it. Aviles played shortstop tonight, with Nick Punto at second base. Punto is obviously the superior defender of the two, but if Aviles can play solid defense this spring, he'll likely get the nod once the season starts.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said Sunday that Mike Aviles has the "DNA" of an everyday shortstop. Valentine said he sees Nick Punto in a utility role, while rookie Jose Iglesias could push Aviles for playing time. This is a fantasy position to monitor throughout the spring, as it's an open competition. Aviles may have the edge at this moment, but Iglesias, or even Punto, could overtake him with a strong camp. Iglesias, the thinking goes, isn't ready for the majors with only 671 plate appearances in the minors. But Boston must think highly of him, or Aviles' potential for production at baseball's most important defensive position, after trading Jed Lowrie and Marco Scutaro this winter. Aviles has a bit of raw power and has value in AL-only fantasy leagues, but make sure to keep an eye on this position battle until Opening Day. He batted .255/.289/.409 with seven home runs and 39 RBI in 91 games last season between the Royals and Red Sox.

At least one American League talent evaluator believes Mike Aviles is ''short at all three defensive positions'' as an everyday player. A report from CBS Sports last month indicated the Red Sox were seeking an upgrade over the current duo of Aviles and Nick Punto, so Boston may not be done adding to their infield. The Boston Herald notes that the Red Sox are firm in their belief that shortstop prospect Jose Iglesias isn't ready for a major league job with only 671 plate appearances in the minors. Iglesias is expected to start the season at Triple-A Pawtucket.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the Red Sox are "working many angles" and could be seeking an upgrade at shortstop. Mike Aviles and Nick Punto are currently slated to share the shortstop position following the Marco Scutaro trade, but Heyman isn't convinced that the Sox are really prepared to go with that duo. Making a big splash with someone like Hanley Ramirez is unlikely, but it sounds like Boston isn't done tinkering with their infield.

Mike Aviles is expected to platoon at shortstop this season with Nick Punto. The Red Sox have traded two shortstops this winter in Jed Lowrie and Marco Scutaro, and will now look further down their depth chart. Aviles has a bit of raw power and could take on value in AL-only fantasy leagues.

The Red Sox and INF Mike Aviles avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract with Mike Aviles. Aviles batted .255/.289/.409 with seven home runs and 39 RBI in 91 games last season between the Royals and Red Sox. He'll earn a $1.2 million base salary in 2012.

Mike Aviles doubled and ripped a three-run homer in Sunday's loss to the Rays. Aviles' three-run blast in the seventh inning got the Red Sox back in the game, but they were unable to scratch out any runs over the final two frames. The infielder has provided an unexpected punch to Boston's lineup, batting .364 over 30 games since arriving in Beantown.

Mike Aviles hit a go-ahead solo home run in a win over the Rays on Friday night. Aviles' solo shot in the bottom of the fourth inning proved to be the difference in the ballgame. It was his first home run since being acquired by Boston before the trade deadline. With Kevin Youkilis (hip, hernia) and Led Lowrie (shoulder) sidelined, he should play third base again Saturday.

Red Sox acquired Mike Aviles from the Royals in exchange for INF Yamaico Navarro and RHP Kendal Volz. Aviles has done little at the plate this season, batting .222/.261/.395 and even getting demoted to the minors at one point. But, he also has a pair of .300 seasons under his belt and offers defensive versatility. He'll give the Sox some infield depth.

Royals recalled INF Mike Aviles from Triple-A Omaha. Aviles has batted .307/.329/.586 with nine homers over 140 at-bats with Omaha since being demoted in early June. He should see some spot starts along the infield with Wilson Betemit no longer around but might be a stretch as an add even in AL-only leagues.