Red Sox: Alex Verdugo’s new pre-game approach is paying off for Boston
Alex Verdugo’s new approach is paying off for the Red Sox
As we make our way through the second half of the season the Red Sox are continuing their winning ways much in the same fashion they did through the beginning of the campaign. Whether it be a massive offensive explosion thanks to Boston’s power-hitting or late-game heroics, this squad doesn’t like to lose. Alex Verdugo has become a major component in the machine that is this club since arriving last spring and he’s only getting better.
With each passing game, Verdugo’s clutch gene is becoming more and more apparent and he’s someone Alex Cora can rely on heavily. I will say it’s been rough watching him play through what may still be a wonky hamstring but he’ll never let you know he’s hurting. He’s also been in a bit of a funk lately which saw AC drop him in the lineup to let him get this mojo back. Like with much of what Cora does, the mad scientist is once again playing chess while the league plays checkers and Dugie is getting white-hot.
His game-winning homer last night capped off Boston’s MLB leading 33rd comeback win of the season. Not only did they put another tally in the win column but it was against a divisional rival in Toronto. Though Verdugo wasn’t the most thrilled about being moved down the batting order he did tell the media that it’s helping him get back in the groove. But someone else may be to thank for the energetic outfielder becoming Boston’s latest hero.
"“When I’m going right and I’m normal and I know where my swing’s at, the cage is perfect because it’s line drives up the middle. If you’re a little late in the game, you go to left,” Verdugo said. “If you’re a little early, you go to right. For me, it just felt like a couple small adjustments needed to be worked on and I just thought hitting on the field would be good for my eyes. See the field, obviously, and see the batter’s box I’m going to be in that night.”"
J.D. Martinez, the defacto hitting coach for the Red Sox, sorry Tim Hyers, brought Dugie into the laboratory. His biggest piece of advice was for Alex to start taking his batting practice in the park as opposed to in the batting cage. Martinez’s thought process behind the suggestion was that by working outside Verdugo would be able to actually see how the ball was going to react that night and what to expect.
More from Red Sox News
- Red Sox Nation deserves far more from Fenway Sports Group
- Bizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
- Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
- Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure
I can’t argue against the advice from J.D. as it makes perfect sense to get as close to a real at-bat rather than taking pitches in a perfectly controlled setting. Last night wasn’t Verdugo’s only clutch hit this week as he was the hero that broke up Domingo German’s no-hitter on Sunday and got that insane eighth inning cooking. It’s pretty clear that the adjustments he’s making to get ready for the game are paying off and the Red Sox organization should be thrilled.
This squad is in a full playoff push right now and with damn near nothing but AL East opponents on the docket coming up, having one of their best hitting getting hot is beyond ideal. This stretch is a serious chance for the Sox to bury the rest of the division and give themselves some breathing room as October inches closer. Also, by moving Verdugo down the batting order the middle of this order becomes more dangerous. If Jarren Duran can get comfortable then the rest of the league is in trouble because Cora will be marching out a murderer’s row batting 1-7, uh-oh.
Next. Carlos Santana is the ideal upgrade at 1B. dark
Alex Verdugo came to Boston with a black cloud over him as the guy that had to fill Mookie Betts’ shoes. While he may never be a player of Mookie’s caliber he’s more than fitting into this squad and has been embraced by Red Sox Nation. His dynamic style of play, enigmatic personality, and penchant for clutch hits have endeared him to this city. If he continues to put the ball into play as he has been the last few games, the AL East crown could be coming back to Fenway Park.