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Red Sox: Potential team Most Valuable Players for 2017

By Rick McNair

Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) reacts after scoring 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: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) reacts after scoring 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: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 30, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) celebrates his two run home run with right fielder Mookie Betts (50) against the Toronto Blue Jays in the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) celebrates his two run home run with right fielder Mookie Betts (50) against the Toronto Blue Jays in the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

The clear favorite

Mookie Betts finished second in the American League MVP race and the best way from my provincial point of view is “He got screwed.” Betts does it all and is a legitimate five-tool player that is just dynamic and a clear game changer with a bat, glove and especially on the base paths.

Betts is a disciplined hitter as noted by his 80 strikeouts in 732 plate appearances. Toss in 31 home runs, 113 RBI, 26 steals (in 30 attempts) and a slash of .318/.363/.534 and the hitting and speed are well described. And the glove, Grasshopper? A Gold Glove and the prestigious Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award.

What can stop Betts?

Betts is a player who is a sponge for baseball information. An apt student of all things baseball with a desire for self-improvement. The upside for Betts may be higher – far higher – than the 2016 season. The only possible concern would be injury since it seems pitchers can’t stop him from hitting and catchers can’t stop him from stealing.

Betts is the clear favorite for team MVP and possibly even league MVP if writers can somehow understand and equate a player’s performance to team performance.

With David Ortiz in retirement mode and turning out some of the most enjoyable television commercials – jock commercials – in recent year it leaves two “older” players as possibilities to become team MVP.

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