Trevor Story and the Red Sox roll through Cleveland
Another day, another Red Sox win. At least, that’s how it feels as of late as Boston improved to 19-4 in the month of June. Today saw the fellas notch an 8-3 win over the Guardians en route to securing their second series sweep in a row. From top to bottom the lineup showed up today with guys getting on base by any means necessary. At the end of the day, we’re going to celebrate the win but a member of the roster may have a little more to be happy about.
Trevor Story went 2-6 this afternoon, not exactly the prettiest stat line in the batter’s box, especially considering the fact that he left seven runners on base. However, it wasn’t for nothing as one of those two hits led to the Red Sox infielder knocking in a pair of runners which helped secure Boston’s latest win. So why am I focusing on a hit that knocked in some runs, I’ll tell ya.
Story’s two-run single in the fifth not only pushed the Sox to a 5-0 lead it earned him his 48th and 50th RBI on the season but more importantly, it earned him his 499th and 500th career RBI. That’s right, Red Sox Nation, our second baseman has joined the 500 club in regards to runs batted in. While there are more than plenty of players that are above that mark the number of players that never hit that point is beyond extensive.
To some, it may not seem like anything special but we need to remember that Story is only in his seventh MLB season and at his age, he has plenty of years left in the tank. Also, with his new contract, he’ll be able to add many more to that tally while wearing that Boston “B” on his cap. We can’t project where he’ll finish this season or his career I think it’s safe to say that he’ll more than eclipse that 500 mark in the record books.
It’s been a very interesting and intriguing season for Story since signing with the Red Sox. A late arrival missed with lost time for good and bad, has led to a curious first half with the team. He was lost in April, started to see a massive turnaround in May, and has leveled out in June. The thing is, when he’s on, the Sox are one. Not only has he been the catalyst for wins but more often than not when Big Trev is cookin’ so is Boston.
Add in the fact that he is learning a new position on the fly, and this season has been a success up to this point. There are members of this fanbase that expected him to go 4-4 every night due to his contract terms but that’s just being ridiculous.
At times I’ll admit I’ve been disappointed in what he’s done on the field but I have to admit that more often than not, I’ve been happy with his level of play. His work at second base has been beyond impressive and it’s hard to believe that he hasn’t been in that position for his entire career, just ask Alex Cora.
Through today, Story is sitting on a .227 average with a .718 OPS. He also has 11 homers to go along with the above-mentioned 50 RBI. Even better, he has a team-leading 10 stolen bases with his tenth also coming this afternoon. All in all, today was a pretty damn good day for the Red Sox infielder at Progressive Field. He’s going to need to do a lot more to prove himself to a portion of the fanbase but for those of us connected to reality, he’s done his job so far.
Trevor Story joined the Red Sox under heavy expectations and even scrutiny from some within the Fenway Faithful. Those that made the goalposts incredibly hard to hit were upset he got the money that they felt should’ve gone to Xander Bogaerts. The thing is, Bogey was a key piece in bringing Story to the club. The team has more than enough in the budget to keep both and I believe they’ll achieve that this winter. Through June 26th, Trevor has done more than enough to earn what he’s getting and has the opportunity to only get better with time.