1. Hanigan has always been a solid defender, better than most, and as a backup and mentor, he isn’t likely to wear down due to his age 34 decrepitude. That’s a joke.
Vasquez, who will likely work off the rust in AAA as he rehabs from TJ, is considered elite, and should help the team by midseason, giving Swihart’s D a chance to continue to evolve. His premature adjustment to the
Majors was pretty good by August. So catching should be at least average, probably better.

2. Multiple GG Pedroia is by no means done. He will give above average defense at 2B for most of the year, at least. If hurt, Holt’s glove is well above average, maybe elite at both 2nd and SS. So Pedey and backups are limely above average at 2B.
3 Ditto for SS. Xander went from below to above average in 2015. He and Pedey are working out together, in AZ, again. They might become a well above average duo up the middle, which will benefit the pitchers and enhance run-prevention and DP strategies.
4. Awesome defensive OF. Three speedy Center Fielders
with excellent gloves. Elite arms in LF and CF and a decent arm in RF for well above average assists, shutting down running games and preventing runs. This well above average OF will also be fun to watch, and worth the price of admission. And last year was essentially the rookie years for both Betts and Castillo. With reps and stability, they and JBJ wlll improve individually and as a unit. And Chris Young as 4th OF and insurance adds to tbe awesomeness and predictability of this OF.
5. With Swihart, Hanigan, Vasquez, Castillo, JBJ, Mookie, Pedey, Xander, Holt, Marrero, the running game of opposing teams will fade to inconsequentiality, victim of intimidation by true talent at 6 positions.
That’s about as defensive as a team can get.
6. Yes there are weak links, and you identified them as HanRam and Panda. If 2014 Panda sbows up he will provide better defense at 3B than the team has enjoyed in several years. If not, and he doesn’t magically disappear tbrough DDo slight of hand, then Any combination of Holt, Shaw, Marrero will provide average or better defense, tbough I share your confidence that he will, at age 28, return to the player we thoight we signed. On the other side of the diamond, Hanley is more difficult to anticipate. He was never an above a erage infielder and is unlikely to be better at 1B, but if he gets the routine plays, and Shaw/Holt replaces him late in games or against tough RHP, then he won’t often give away wins.
In summary, I guess I am more optimistic about this defense, for good reasons, and hooe I am right; as I am really looking forward to this OF gelling, to see to what level Pedey and XB have reached in AZ 2015/16, to how well CV and Swihart return fro their setbacks, and to see just how good Shaw and Marrero can be in the Bigs. I have no concerns about Hanigan, Holt, Young who are among the very best defenders available for their roles.