Red Sox Prospect Watch: Spring Training comes to an end

Mar 24, 2017; Dunedin, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Marco Hernandez (40) throws to first for the out on Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Steve Pearce (28) in the third inning of a baseball game during spring training at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Dunedin, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Marco Hernandez (40) throws to first for the out on Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Steve Pearce (28) in the third inning of a baseball game during spring training at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 28, 2017; Bradenton, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi (16) fields the ball in the first inning of the spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; Bradenton, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi (16) fields the ball in the first inning of the spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Benintendi

Most baseball analysts are very high on Andrew Benintendi.  So high, that he is ranked the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball (MLB’s rankings).  Boston fans were able to see the bright future that Benintendi should have in Boston last year.  As soon as he was called up, he was a good, not great, hitter.  In the fiasco that was the ALDS, he was one of the few bright spots.

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“Benny Baseball” has been a big part of this team’s Spring Training roster.  He has logged the 2nd most at-bats of anyone on the team, and is hitting a very good .298.  Another stat that is very positive is the type of hits he is getting.

Of the 17 hits that Benintendi has piled up, over half of them have been extra-base hits.  That includes 6 doubles and 3 home runs.  While Benintendi is never going to win a home run title, he is showcasing his ability to put the ball in the gap and create offense.

Benintendi’s success should come as no surprise.  Just roughly 20 months ago, he won the 2015 Golden Spikes Award.  That is given to the best player in college baseball.  And now, he is poised to play for one of the best teams in baseball.

While the loss of David Ortiz can never been replaced, it does open the doors for players to try and shoulder some of his production.  One of those players is none other than Benintendi.  Already a fan favorite, if he can stay away from a sophomore slump the sky is the limit for him.

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