Red Sox first half player and management grades
By Rick McNair
Catcher and Designated Hitter
Sandy Leon – B
Leon was at .180 after April and I was convinced the .307 of 2016 was an illusion. Now hitting .255 with good power. Two out RISP is .333. Batting right or left handed makes little difference. An excellent defensive catcher with 41 CS%.
Crazy stat time is Vaz leads all AL catchers in steals with just three. Hitting just .151 in last month after a fast start. A quality defensive player with a rifle arm. As hitting falls so will his grade.
Hanley Ramirez – C-
An fWAR of just 0.2. Just 33 RBI in the first half. ISO is just .189. Last two weeks (.343) have shown some life and if this is the beginning of an extended hot streak it could ignite entire lineup.