Your 2020 Red Sox starting line-up

Apr 13, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; A view of the scoreboard before opening ceremonies at Fenway Park for the Boston Red Sox home opener against the Washington Nationals. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Armstrong Custer stood a better chance at Little Big Horn than the Red Sox do of making the playoffs for 2015, so what does the future present? And by future – not 2016, but the Red Sox starting line-up for opening day of 2020. Pure fantasy.

Gone are the ponderous contracts of Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez. Gone is the current ownership that has been replaced by Abigail Johnson, who purchased the team for what would be coffee money.

Gone are a few familiar names from 2015 who are playing elsewhere – traded or let go via free agency, such as All-Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts, sold off before his agent, Scott Boras, could tap into Fidelity billions. Jackie Bradley is roaming the outfield in the National League and grabbing Gold Gloves. Christian Vasquez is tossing runners out at a 50% clip – but not in Boston.

So now a look at that starting line-up.

Jul 25, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) hurdles Boston Red Sox center fielder Mookie Betts (50) after completing a double play during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Playing CF and batting first – Mookie Betts (age 27)

The prime years are now for Betts, who has acquired the status of young veteran. The numbers continue to demonstrate what surfaced in 2014 and that was a special player was in the works.

The threat is there every season with double-digit home runs, doubles, and triples. Toss in a consistent 30+ steals, RBI figures that top any lead-off hitter and a stellar defensive play.

The downside is the Red Sox are faced with impending free agency after the season and after the loss of Bogaerts the PR disaster of losing Betts would certainly have The Nation in a rebellious mood.

Jul 21, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) in the dugout before a game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Playing second base and batting second – Dustin Pedroia (age 36)

Pedroia is now where Derek Jeter was in his last five New York seasons. The numbers are accumulating as Pedey zeros in on 2,500 career hits and has already surpassed 500 career doubles. The batting average still hovers in the .300 range and (finally) Pedroia has been officially named captain.

With the current salary scale in 2020 the 13M that Pedroia receives is a bargain price for a now perennial All-Star. As usual, Pedroia remains the ultimate pest on the base paths, clubhouse and just about anywhere else. Some things will never change.

Jul 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Blake Swihart (23) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run during the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Playing first base and batting third – Blake Swihart (age 28)

The smooth swing took a season or two before it developed, but the line drive hits just keep on coming for the switch-hitter. The quick bat and patient hitting have Swihart just where he belongs.

Catching is no longer part of the Swihart baseball tool kit and that daily wear and tear has resulted in improved numbers for Swihart.

The glove is where the athletic Swihart shows his talent as the move to first base was seamless and combine that with a steady .300 average and the Red Sox have a star.

Jun 24, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) connects for a solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the second inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Playing left field and batting fourth – Giancarlo Stanton (age 30)

The Miami Marlins finally pulled the trigger and dealt the talented right-handed power bat to Boston. The Red Sox paid a heavy price in prospects and team controlled talent, but the former National League MVP has been worth it – at least it was for the 2019 season.

Stanton is made for Fenway Park. His first season saw the team record for home runs by a right-handed hitter vaporized and Stanton almost broke the team record set by bench coach David Ortiz. But with 2020 comes a problem – will Stanton opt-out? That option is available after the season and will certainly be a hot topic during the season.

Jul 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; National League outfielder Justin Upton (left) of the San Diego Padres walks with National League first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (right) of the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to the 2015 MLB All Star Game at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Batting sixth at Designated Hitter – Adrian Gonzalez (age 38)

Is baseball love lovelier the second time around? In this instances, it is. The Red Sox have used a mix and match approach to DH since the trade of Ramirez and A-Gon provided consistency in that slot during the 2019 season.

The return to Boston has been quite pleasant and the left-handed stroke certainly provided some significant punch in the lower part of the order.

At 38-years-old Gonzalez has transitioned into elder baseball statesman territory. Gone is the bitterness of the first tour of duty in Boston.

Jul 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (13) sides into second base with an RBI double with Chicago White Sox second baseman Carlos Sanchez (5) taking the throw during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Catching and batting seventh – Salvador Perez (age 30)

An All-Star with huge power numbers not only for a catcher, but for any player. The contract that Perez originally signed with the Royals was a baseball bargain and the money make-up call was coming. The deal with Boston was quickly consummated when Perez was content to sign a new and very generous deal.

Perez is in his prime. The position of catcher drains a player physically, but Perez appears to be similar to any number of Molina’s and just presses on.

The game calling is superlative and his tutelage last season of Anderson Espinoza was key to the successful run to the World Series.

Playing right field and batting eighth – Manuel Margot (Age 25)

The comparisons have started with the mentioning of Dwight Evans and Torii Hunter. The sooth, gliding style in the outfield and an arm that may not be of Evans quality, but is accurate and with a very quick release.

Margot has done reasonably well with his hitting and has demonstrated excellent bat control for a two-year player. Then comes the speed.
Having speed at the bottom of the order adds another dimension to the line-up. Margot has both base stealing and first to third speed.

The right-handed hitting Margot was worth the wait.

Jul 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro (13) makes a play during the fourth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

Playing shortstop and batting ninth – Starlin Castro (Age 30)

A replacement is necessary at short and the best available option is the much maligned Castro.

Never living up to projected promise is not a crime unless you are a baseball player. Castro, a Chicago Cub hot prospect, was eventually shipped out by the Cubs and has moved around considerably since then. Castro provided steady defensive play, quality at bats and some good baseball instincts. This is not Julio Lugo.

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