Red Sox: Top 5 defensive web gem plays of 2016 season
By Sean Penney
Everyone loves a web gem! Counting down the top five defensive plays made by a Boston Red Sox fielder during the 2016 season.
The Boston Red Sox were one of the best defensive teams in baseball this year, finishing fourth in the majors with a collective 49 defensive runs saved.
While most teams have a weakness somewhere on the field, Boston ranged from average to exceptional at virtually every position. Fine, maybe Hanley Ramirez was below average by most defensive metrics, but given the low expectations he entered the season with, it’s fair to say that his transition to first base was a success.
Elsewhere on the field the Red Sox showcased some of the best gloves in baseball, treating fans to jaw-dropping plays and uncanny feats of athleticism. The 2016 season brought us plenty of web gem moments, but here are a few of my favorites.
Let’s start with one from Ramirez. He obviously doesn’t have the best reputation as a defensive player, which is why his diving leap to rob
of extra bases in Game 1 of the ALDS was so stunning.
Ramirez lays out to snatch a hard chopper down the first base line, picks himself up and takes it to the bag to end the eighth inning. Boston would still end up losing the game, but this great play from an unlikely source helped keep the game close enough to give the Red Sox a chance in the ninth.