Middlebrooks (hand) said he's open to playing a new position, perhaps first base, WEEI.com reports. The third baseman's immediate future is unclear after Boston signed Pablo Sandoval to play third base. It seems that Middlebrooks doesn't have a spot on Boston's roster in 2015 -- even if he transitioned to first base, Mike Napoli will block his playing time there. A trade to another organization is his best bet for major-league playing time, but he's still coming back from a hand injury. Things will remain unclear until spring training, when Middlebrooks' hand has completely healed and other organizations can get a good look at him.