The Red Sox and Yankees early results: How do they match-up?
By Rick McNair
First Base
The Yankees once again lost Greg Bird and now first is in the hands or fisticuffs of Tyler Austin with newcomer Neil Walker sharing duties. But Walker may soon be gone due to performance issues. Austin does have some punch (pun intended) with five home runs, but neither will be in any Gold Glove debates. The 0.0 fWAR tells the story.
Hanley Ramirez and Mitch Moreland handle the first base chores for Boston and both have hit – especially HanRam – as they hover around a collective .300. Defensively Ramirez is questionable, and Moreland has a Gold Glove in his back pocket. If Ramirez is back to a 2016 level he will most certainly enjoy his contract kick in.
The Red Sox also have some minor league talent is Sam Travis who had an outstanding spring training for the Red Sox with some respectable power. At Pawtucket, Travis finished April in a bit of a slump and dropped below .300.
April Edge: Red Sox
Season Prediction: Red Sox and Ramirez/Moreland combo offsetting a Byrd home run binge.