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Boston Red Sox: Grading the squad before spring training begins

By Rick McNair

FT. MYERS, FL - MARCH 9: A general view during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets on March 9, 2019 at JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
FT. MYERS, FL - MARCH 9: A general view during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets on March 9, 2019 at JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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FT. MYERS, FL – FEBRUARY 15: Alex Verdugo #99 of the Boston Red Sox speaks to the media during a press conference during a team workout on February 15, 2020 at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
FT. MYERS, FL – FEBRUARY 15: Alex Verdugo #99 of the Boston Red Sox speaks to the media during a press conference during a team workout on February 15, 2020 at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

Outfield/DH

How can this still be the best position after losing Mookie Betts? In 2019 the outfield was one of the best in the American League with a 12.0 fWAR. Quite naturally the numbers – offensively and defensively – were spiked by the departed Betts.

What became a statistical drag is two-fold with fold one being Andrew Benintendi and fold two being Jackie Bradley Jr. Nether acquitted themselves offensively in 2019. Having 409.1 innings of defense by J.D. Martinez (-18 UZR/150) and Brock Holt (-10.1 UZR/150) didn’t enhance defensive luster.

The Red Sox have made one savvy move in signing Kevin Pillar on the cheap ($4.25 MM). Pillar is an old hand at the American League East and has a sweet .307 career at his new home. The right-hand swatting Pillar will provide a balance to lefties Benintendi, Bradley, and newcomer Alex Verdugo.

Verdugo has one big plus on Betts and that is Verdugo’s payroll check will be equal to the loose change in Mookie’s Stingray seat cushions. Verdugo has a world of talent especially with the bat, but bat rhymes with back (I think) and that may be a nasty issue this spring.

Since hope springs eternal a healthy Verdugo hitting his LA numbers (.294) would lessen the Betts pain from kidney stone level to root canal.

This spring the outfield has four experienced parts and a fifth in case the Red Sox configures it with Martinez in left or right field. Martinez is best suited for a designated hitter and he is a run-producing machine. The smart move this offseason was Martinez’s decision to remain latched to his $23.750 MM when the market spoke that you have one sweet deal for 2020.

The spring training watch will be the health of Verdugo and if either Benintendi or JBJ are traded.

GRADE: B

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