Red Sox first half player and management grades
By Rick McNair
Outfield
Mookie Betts – B
Best defensive right fielder in the American League. No one even close in defensive runs saved. Another Gold Glove is on the way. Where it has sunk for Betts is his hitting that has reached 40 points lower during the season than his .318 of 2016. The power numbers are down, but not by much. Still the catalyst in the lineup. On pace for 100+ RBI.
Jackie Bradley – B
Mr. Inconsistency. Players have slumps, but JBJ makes it into an art form. Just when you are ready to cut bait comes a JBJ hot streak. Expect Bradley to go .270/20/80 for the season. Great glove compensates for prolonged slumps.
Benintendi will not be Rookie of the Year, but he will play excellent – at times – defense and get some key hits. Leads league in sacrifice flies. Hit lefties at a .262 clip. RISP with two outs is .382. The surprise is a negative UZR/150.
Chris Young – B
Good player off the bench in 2016 and has repeated in 2017. Reliable pinch hitter at .364. Has done little as a designated hitter at .207. Surprise stat:235 against lefties and .274 against righties.