Designated Hitter and Catcher
Start with the DH. As long as David Ortiz has his feet in stable condition this will be a Sayonara for the ages. Big Papi is just killing the ball and if pitchers could prosecute then Papi would be on death row. I always considered the sendoff season by Ted Williams in 1960 to be the benchmark for going out with a flourish. Ortiz is now approaching that standard.
Catching is in a collective hitting slump league wide. Baseball has a cyclical nature and there are seven teams in the AL where the batting average of the backstops is below the Mendoza Line. Boston is not one. Do not look for any power, as Christian Vazquez has that lone home run – a memorable one at that.
The catchers, to no surprise, lead the league in runs scored, as either Bradley follows them in the order or the collection of .300 hitters that start at the top of the order. Get on base and get your track cleats on. The RBI totals are in the middle of the pack, so you get the occasional tough at-bat. What I will note is Ryan Hanigan is well behind his usual match of walks to strikeout and that – of course – could be traced to keep him off base with the meat coming up.
Defensively enough has been written about the capabilities of Vazquez to terrorize base runners and keep a leash on petulant pitchers. Vaz has game calling skills, exceptional footwork, a strong work ethic, respect from the staff and game smarts. Toss the metrics out with the baby in the wash. This duo is as solid as they come.
Hanigan is what he is and that is a capable reserve. You will get a tad of slippage defensively and offensively when Hanigan takes his turn, but with this lineup they can carry both catchers. And don’t forget Swihart. Swihart can give the versatility to pinch hit and not make roster moves out of a sudden injury.
First Third Surprise: Vazquez coming back strong from TJ surgery.
First Third Disappointment: Swihart getting sent packing.
First Third Results: Very Good.
Second Third Prognosis: Very Good.