Weekly Superlatives: Adrian Gonzalez, Nate Spears, Dan Butler & More
By Brian Phair
As MLB opening day is upon us and we sit just a day away from the opening of the 2011 season for the Boston Red Sox, it is time to take a look at the entire body of work in spring training. In order to wrap-up the final spring at City of Palms Park for the Red Sox ,and in honor of the state of Texas where the Red Sox begin their quest for a title, this week’s edition will be super-sized, with 5 Red Sox awards and an extra-special bonus award. From overall individual performances to one special moment, the awards cover the range of successes this spring for the Red Sox. The next edition of Weekly Superlatives will be the 1st of the 2011 season and will contain some award predictions for the season, so come back next Thursday for that. Enjoy the final 2011 spring training edition of Weekly Superlatives.
The ‘Most Likely to Surprise the Critics’ Award
Salty has his critics right where he wants them. They are down on his ability to be a strong, everyday defensive catcher and have questioned his ability to hit consistently. Well, if spring is any indication, Salty is ready to light the world on fire and prove them wrong. He was a monster at the plate this spring, hitting .405 with 1 home run and 10 RBIs in 15 games. He has looked confident and poised, both behind the plate and in the batter’s box, limiting mistakes and working to improve his game on a daily basis. Working with catching coach Gary Tuck this spring and being given the opening day nod early, have motivated Salty to take advantage of the opportunity he has been given and I expect big things from him in 2011. This is his year to either prove himself or fall off the map in terms of future potential.
The ‘Most Likely to Never Have Another Spring Training Like this One Again’ Award
What a Spring Training for the young infielder. Spears came into spring training knowing a major-league roster spot was not a possibility, but he played like his career depended on it. In 28 games, Spears hit .290 with 4 extra base hits (3 triples) and 9 RBIs. He stole 4 bases without being caught and impressed everyone around him with his poise and control. Because of his impressive spring, the Red Sox decided to take him with the team to their final game yesterday in Houston as a reward. After packing up his things at City of Palms Park, he quickly went around and got everyone he could in the locker room to autograph his jersey, because he knows just how rare and special this spring has been for him. It’s a great story, and I hope we hear more from Spears, but he is sitting behind a hefty lineup of infielders before he can get a true shot in Boston.
The ‘Most Likely to Hit the Mass Pike with a Home Run at Fenway Park’ Award
If there is one thing I have learned about Adrian Gonzalez this spring, it is that he is a true power-hitter in every sense of the phrase. He hits for average and to the opposite field, and after seeing both his monster home runs this spring, I can honestly say that his power has the potential to be the best I have ever seen. He spent most of the spring rehabbing from his shoulder surgery, so he didn’t get a lot of game action, but in 11 games, he hit .323 with 2 big jacks and showed off his ability to swing easy and drive the ball with extreme power. What does a left-handed power hitter that naturally hits to the opposite-field mean in Fenway Park? Find a new place to park your car and don’t drive on the Mass Pike during Red Sox home games, because your life may be in danger. Oh, and if you have Monster Seats this season at Fenway, pay attention and bring a glove. Concussions are an issue on and off the field.
Curt Young
The ‘Most Likely to Get Dice-K to Throw Strikes in 2011’ Award
The most impressive performance this spring may actually have come from someone not on the playing field. New Red Sox pitching coach Curt Young has settled into his role with the team and already made an impact on some of the big name pitchers. After struggling a bit out of the gate, Young adjusted Daisuke Matsuzaka’s routine in-between starts, separating his long-toss and bullpen sessions onto different days. The last few starts for Dice-K were significantly better, and the Japanese righty spent more time attacking the strike-zone and appeared to be sharper with his pitches. As I have said a million times, spring stats don’t mean a lot, but to see Dice-K have success and not walk people, whether spring or regular season, is a miracle. If Dice-K can use the adjustments he has made this season and have a strong campaign in the 5-slot in the rotation, 100 wins may not be so crazy after all.
Dan Butler
The ‘Least Likely to Hit Another 2-Run Bomb in Front of his Family’ Award
Butler could be the greatest story of the entire spring. No, I’m not the basketball team that is making its second Final Four appearance this weekend, but Red Sox catcher Dan Butler. Terry Francona brought him along on the team’s trip to Houston as a nice gesture. He promised to let him play a few innings in front of a contingent of family and friends that came to see him and he did not disappoint. After the Red Sox had piled on 8 runs and where ready to end the season with a big W in Houston, Butler stood in for his only at-bat of the night in the top of the 9th with 2 outs and a man on base. His family was happy to see him play and get a chance to hit, but what did this kid do? He took advantage of his opportunity to bat and crushed a ball deep into the Houston night for a 2-run home run, likely a hit he will remember for the rest of his life. He didn’t just hit a home run, he obliterated the baseball, hitting the train-tracks in left-field at Minute Maid Park. What a great way to end spring training, don’t ya think?
Bonus:
Philadelphia Phillies
The ‘Most Likely to Resemble the 2010 Red Sox’ Award
Prior to Spring Training this season, the Philadelphia Phillies were one of, if not, the favorite to win the World Series in 2011. They still are considered to be favorites in the NL, but have had some tough injuries already and are beginning to resemble a team many of us watched last year. So far, they have had injuries to starting 2nd baseman Chase Utley, closer Brad Lidge, 3rd baseman Placido Polanco and a near severe injury to starter Roy Oswalt. None of the injuries appear to be truly long-term (some already mostly or fully healed), but a few weeks can lead to a month and can lead to lingering injuries that affect performance during the entire season. I don’t wish a plethora of injuries on any team (especially after enduring it all last season with the Red Sox) and would love to see a Phillies/Red Sox World Series in 2011, but I get a bad feeling about this Phillies team and staying healthy. I hope I am wrong.
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