Barring a minor miracle, the Boston Red Sox will follow up
on their historic 2018 World Series-winning season by missing the playoffs
after uneven and even disinterested-appearing play in 2019. Despite such
disappointment, there are a number of positives that emerged this year and can
be taken forward as positive signs for the future.
The emergence of Rafael
Devers: Still just 22, the third baseman took off like a shot this
season after his first two years in the majors were rife with flashes of
promise and frustrating lapses. So significant was his development, that he is
a legitimate MVP candidate, getting himself into the literal best shape of his
life and responding with a .314 batting average, 29 home runs, 107 RBIs, 49
doubles and 116 runs scored thus far. This has rewarded the team’s decision to
hold on to him when he could have been included in previous trades, and gives
them something to fall back on if star outfielder Mookie
Betts ends up leaving in the near future.
Christian
Vazquez seized the starting catcher role: The Red Sox have struggled to
find a primary catcher since the days of Jason
Varitek. Although the pitching staff
still shows better overall numbers with Sandy Leon
behind the plate, Vazquez, who has been with the organization since 2008
finally grabbed the starter’s job and never let go. He keeps base runners at
bat with his rocket arm, still throwing out more runners than league average,
and has hit .270 with 19 home runs; production that should be surprising to
even the most optimistic fan.
Is Brandon Workman
the closer of the future: Riddled by injuries for years, the right-hander
finally had a season of health and has emerged as a viable long-term closer
candidate. He has been nearly unhittable this year, going 9-1 with 11 saves and
a 2.14 ERA in 64 appearances. The paltry 26 hits and one home run he has
allowed in 63 innings has been offset by 39 walks, which seem to be his only
current Achilles heel. He won’t be a free agent until 2021, so while the team
definitely needs to re-evaluate their bullpen for next year, they may well
already have their closer in place.
Michael Chavis
may be long-term solution at first base: With Mitch Moreland
33 and a free agent this offseason, Boston needs to figure out what they are
doing at first base. The solution that seems to have presented itself is the 23-year-old
Chavis. Although he is currently injured, he made a case for himself earlier
this year, hitting .254 with 18 home runs and 58 RBIs in 95 games. The
right-handed hitter set himself apart with his aggressive play in the field and
tape-measure home runs. To be truly successful, he will need to work on cutting
down his strikeouts, as he has punched out 127 times in 347 at-bats. However,
he is young, cheap and seemingly has room to grow, so it won’t be a surprise if
the position is turned over to him on a full-time basis next season.
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You can check me out on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @historianandrewI have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are available on Amazon.
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