Red Sox: Player awards for first half of 2017 season
By Rick McNair
First Half Player – Offense
When did Mookie Betts hit 16 home runs? Seemed like a few weeks ago Betts had not reached double-digits. Betts is the choice almost by default. A case can certainly be made for Dustin Pedroia, Andrew Benintendi, Xander Bogaerts and even hot/cold Jackie Bradley, but it is Betts.
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Betts leads the team in doubles, home runs, RBI, runs, steals, and is one hit behind XB for that lead. Seems like Betts is “The Man” when things go right and for Betts that usually means a big day such as two home runs and eight RBI against the Jays. As good as Betts is on offense, he may actually be better on defense. No right fielder in the American League is close to Betts defensively.
The downside for Betts is his average that is now at .272 and that is almost a 50 point drop from 2016. The reality is Betts’ other numbers are on track to match his “I was screwed over MVP” season of a year ago. As Mookie goes so goes the offense as he is a real catalyst.