Red Sox Opening Day 2017: What lineup should be used?

Feb 28, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell (53) looks on |N at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell (53) looks on |N at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 28, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi (16) singles during the first inning against the New York Yankees at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi (16) singles during the first inning against the New York Yankees at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The ‘Benintendi 2nd, Bogaerts 6th’ Lineup

  1. Pedroia (R)
  2. Benintendi (L)
  3. Betts (R)
  4. Ramirez (R)
  5. Moreland (L)
  6. Bogaerts (R)
  7. Bradley Jr. (L)
  8. Sandoval (S)
  9. Leon (S)

This lineup slides Xander Bogaerts down a little bit and it seems odd to place a star like Bogaerts in the 6 spot. However, this lineup balances out the right-handed and left-handed hitters perfectly. If Pedroia and Benintendi can consistently get on base at the top of the order, a ton of runs will be produced.

This lineup puts a lot of pressure on Benintendi to hit. At only 22 years old, it’s a lot of pressure to put on a rookie, especially now since some pitchers have gotten a look at him and there is somewhat of a scouting report on him. Although everyone loves Benintendi, its tough to throw him right into a crucial spot in the order sandwiched between Pedroia and Betts.

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