The Red Sox and Yankees early results: How do they match-up?

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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 29: Sandy Leon #3 of the Boston Red Sox singles in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on April 29, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

Catcher

Gary Sanchez is hitting around .200, but it is as hard and dangerous .200 I have ever seen. And defensively the New York catchers are metrically ahead of the Boston tandem of Sandy Leon and Christian Vazquez. Offensively the Red Sox duo is dead last in MLB. Don’t discount New York’s Austin Romine who seems to be able to get some key hits. A worthy backup.

The Red Sox may need an offensive upgrade at catching with Leon and Vazquez just not hitting as expected and that could mean an opportunity for Blake Swihart. But based on Sanchez’s numbers the Red Sox need a Jason Varitek to counter. Maybe even a Carlton Fisk?

If there is one position on both teams where the advantage is predominant it is catcher. Neither Red Sox catcher can provide the power and clutch hitting of Sanchez who will undoubtedly raise his average above the near .200 it rested at in April. And Sanchez may not have the footwork of Leon or Vaz, but his arm certainly matches up with any catcher.

April Edge: Yankees

Season End Prediction: Yankees with Sanchez an All-Star and in the MVP mix.

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