Position Player Candidates
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Red Sox manager John Farrell claims that Monday night’s performance in Texas was one of the best he’s seen from Dustin Pedroia. While that may be a bit of an exaggeration considering the number of outstanding performances we’ve witnessed from the four-time All-Star, there’s no denying that finding a hitter hotter than Pedroia right now is no easy task. Pedroia hit .435/.606/.565 with three doubles and 10 RBI over his last six games. He drew 10 walks and only struck out once. The veteran second baseman continues to deliver timely hitting and Gold Glove caliber defense.
Who says that Deven Marrero can’t hit? Defense is the calling card that earned him a spot in the lineup, but lately he’s out to prove that his bat isn’t a complete liability. Marrero went 11-for-26 (.423) with three doubles and seven RBI over this past week. He also stole a couple of bags and dropped down a bunt base hit to show how his speed can be an asset. This recent hot streak has carried his batting average over the Mendoza Line. If he continues to hit at anywhere near this level while providing his usual stellar defense, the Red Sox may think twice about overpaying for one of the mediocre options available on the trade market at the deadline.
Apparently all it takes to get Hanley Ramirez going is for the media to point out how poorly he’s been hitting. He’s been lighting it up ever since, batting .400 with a 1.183 OPS, two homers and three doubles over his last seven games.
Jackie Bradley finished up a torrid month of June in which he hit .353 with a 1.009 OPS. He hasn’t carried that momentum with him into July, but still owns a .364 average and .885 OPS over the last seven games.