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Boston Red Sox: Moving forward for 2017

By Rick McNair

Sep 24, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski (left) introduces Mike Hazen (right) as the team
Sep 24, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski (left) introduces Mike Hazen (right) as the team /
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Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) rounds third base to score a run in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) rounds third base to score a run in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Outfield

The Red Sox posted a 14.4 in the ever mystifying fWAR and that was tops in the AL. The numbers are impressive and just start with a .284 batting average – best in AL. The remainder of the more traditional numbers show power with 76 home runs, run production with 284 RBI and even some decent speed with 44 steals.

Considering the fact that left field was in a bit of a flux during the season the end results were still one to demonstrate that the outfield is solid. Chris Young, when healthy, was worth the expenditure and will remain for another season. Don’t forget about Blake Swihart, who impressed until his ankle lost a battle with a wall. Andrew Benintendi will be around for the entire year so the starting triumvirate brings it all –especially defensively.

This is the best defensive outfield I have seen in my many years of suffering or being elated with Boston baseball. Forget Fred Lynn and Dwight Evans. Same with Jackie Jensen and Jim Piersall. Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley are superior defensive players and Benintendi is far above Ted Williams and Jim Rice with the leather.

Prognostication is this is a position with depth and talent on both offense and defense. They’ll be a shield for pitching with their speed and arms – a highlight a day.

Caution point would be the second half numbers of Bradley. A 60+ point drop in average can be a signal flare. A trade possibility?

Prediction: Benintendi is Rookie of the Year. JBJ gets traded.

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