The Boston Red Sox may have found their answer to replace the retired David Ortiz in the cleanup spot with rookie Andrew Benintendi.
How could a team possibly fill a spot in the lineup that has been occupied by a Hall of Fame slugger for the past decade? Many would say you can’t, but just 5 weeks into the season, the Red Sox may have done just that.
Who could it be? How can one person possibly take on the same role that David Ortiz, arguably one of the best power hitters to ever play the game, has done so well? Look no further than the 22-year old phenom, Andrew Benintendi.
Yes, I understand that he isn’t 6’3”, 230-pound beast that ‘Big Papi’ was. Standing at just 5’10”, Benintendi may not be the most physically appealing cleanup hitter in the game, but since John Farrell switched him to the 4-hole, the Sox have dominated offensively.
More from Red Sox News
- How realistic are the Boston Red Sox/Chris Sale trade rumors?
- Giants’ desperation post-Carlos Correa debacle highlights Red Sox’ lack of urgency
- Dave Dombrowski reunites with former Red Sox ace on Phillies
- 10 grievances against the Boston Red Sox in honor of Seinfeld holiday Festivus
- Red Sox risk repeating rookie mistake with Eric Hosmer release
After a 4-3 loss at the hands of the Twins on Friday night, John Farrell made the move to bat the rookie Benintendi in the cleanup spot. Since then, the Sox have scored eleven runs, seventeen runs, and 7 runs, respectively, all well above their season average from last year (5.3 rpg).
Over that three game span, the Sox are hitting .324 as a team with 9 home runs. It’s safe to say that if the Sox keep up those numbers, they will be playing into October.
Benintendi has also seen an increase in production since his switch into the 4-hole. In his first thirty games, Benintendi was hitting very well at .309. Yet, in his three games in the cleanup spot, the rookie is hitting .571.
Whether it’s just a strange coincidence that the lineup has performed ridiculously better with Benintendi in the cleanup spot or not, it’s clear that John Farrell made the correct move.
The Red Sox may have finally found Big Papi’s replacement in the cleanup spot.