Red Sox fans can enjoy a J.D. Martinez versus Mookie Betts batting race

The Boston Red Sox have several outstanding hitters and two great ones in J.D. Martinez and Mookie Betts. Just who do you root for in the batting race?

Just who do you root for? Occasionally a parent will be in a position where two siblings face off against one another and look no further than tennis at its highest level for an example. Now there is a baseball version of “Sophie’s Choice” with Boston Red Sox fans – J.D. Martinez or Mookie Betts for the batting title.

The last time I remember such an interesting quandary was in 1958 when Ted Williams and Pete Runnels came down to the last week vying for the American League batting title. Williams, then 39-years-old, captured the crown with a .328 average to Runnels .322. Cry not for Runnels, who eventually won two batting titles playing for Boston.

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A few weeks ago a Martinez or even defending champion Jose Altuve winning the title appeared a long shot, but Betts has slumped.  Not a precipitous slump, but a slow decline until Martinez is within relatively easy reach for September. Is Red Sox Nation soon to be a divided nation with father against son and brother against brother divided over the outcome of a tumultuous batting race?

Martinez is also involved in another periphery race and that is the home run crown. This may also come  down to the final week of the season or even the final game. Likewise, home runs produce RBIs and Martinez has had a steady lead in that department so what presents itself is the potential for a Triple Crown for Martinez.

Betts is younger than Martinez and may have the opportunity for a few more batting titles in what apparently is becoming a notable statistical march to the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1954, Willie Mays (.345) edged out Don Mueller (.342) for the National League title. I recall reading how Mueller was given a large dose of sympathy since it was expected Mays would put several titles into his back pocket. Didn’t happen.

Betts versus Martinez is a popularity contest, but how in the world do you select one over the other? I am sure internally in the clubhouse there are “friendly bets” among players and Betts and Martinez are undoubtedly engaged in their own tender exchanges about the race. The beauty is two players on the same team.

Picking a favorite is one issue I would avoid since it would change daily.  The most important issue is just keeping the team on track for winning a division, but if I was one of those incurable London bookies I’d have Betts as a slight favorite.

Betts has speed and speed can get you an extra hit or two.  Think again of Ted Williams in 1957 hitting .388. Just six hits away from .400. If TSW could ever run and not loap he could have done it. Betts also makes contact at a higher rate than Martinez and putting the ball in play can have positive outcomes. Betts strikes out about half as often as Martinez.

On a selfish side is the contract. If either wins the crown it will cost the team, but with Martinez, a repeat in 2019 could trigger an opt-out on his part. For Betts, it will mean a probable record in arbitration. The Red Sox will pay either way, but if a World Series flag is flying it will represent money well spent.

So the subplot will continue as September approaches with both players dueling it out with a (hopefully) flurry of hits, RBI, and home runs. Just watch out for Altuve.