First Base
You don’t simply replace someone like David Ortiz in the Red Sox lineup. For as much as numbers can be quantified, there’s the qualitative measure about Ortiz that will remain untouched around the clubhouse for years to go.
The combination of Mitch Moreland and Hanley Ramirez in the lineup at first base and designated hitter will be key in the Red Sox in vying for the American League East and trying to return for the World Series for the first time in four years.
Moreland will be a question mark somewhat offensively for the lineup in the early-going.
One can ask: How will Moreland’s bat play with the dimensions of Fenway? Will he be able to rebound from his second lowest-hitting season of his career?
The answers to those questions are complex, and as hypotheticals, time will tell.
In a small sample size — 14 career games — Moreland’s numbers at Fenway are eye-popping. A 1.061 OPS, .341 BA and six extra-base hits in those 14 games.
While those numbers at the park are good, one can speculate how they’ll translate over a full season, as the large outfield dimensions (380-383′ to the bullpens) may bring those numbers down.
Moreland’s rate of driving the ball the other way, if history proves to be right, won’t be an advantage for the Red Sox as well, as Moreland over his career has gone the other way only 23.3-percent of the time.
Of note, in 2015 — the first full healthy season for Moreland following his putrid 2013 season — the lefty batted .278 with 23 home runs and 85 RBIs. If the Red Sox can get close to that from Moreland, they’ll be in good position come September with the expected performance of others as well.