BoSox Injection
Fansided

Boston Red Sox best rookies in franchise history at each position

By Rick McNair

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 05: The sun sets behind Fenway Park during the second inning of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins on September 05, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 05: The sun sets behind Fenway Park during the second inning of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins on September 05, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE – JULY 26: Nomar Garciaparra #5 of the Boston Red Sox lunges for a ball during the 3rd inning against the Baltimore Orioles July 26, 2004 at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE – JULY 26: Nomar Garciaparra #5 of the Boston Red Sox lunges for a ball during the 3rd inning against the Baltimore Orioles July 26, 2004 at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Shortstop

This is the domain of Nomar Garciaparra who was also a legit ROY in 1997. Nomar was outstanding that first season hitting 30 home runs, hitting .303, and gathering in 98 RBI. Garciaparra only got better winning a pair of batting titles and providing a power bat at a position usually reserved for quick hands and a slow bat.

Garciaparra and the Red Sox finally blew up in 2004 with contract issues and a subtext of Nomar’s lack of intensity. A parting of the ways that resulted in an upgrade defensively at short and the end of “The Curse.”

As for Garciaparra, who had suffered a significant wrist injury with Boston, it was a slow retreat until retirement.  Nomar certainly had the credentials to be an eventual HOF player.

Honorable Mention: A solid case could be made for Johnny Pesky and his 1942 season. Pesky hit .331 and led the AL in hits with 205. A favorite player of mine was “The Rooster” Rick Burleson who hit .284 in his first year with a solid play at short.

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