David Ortiz is leading the Red Sox in just about every offensive category, he’s clearly been their MVP so far this season (crazy how we all thought he was washed up 4 years ago). But after him, it’s pretty ridiculous who’s got the next best numbers: Mike Aviles. Fairly ironic considering that heading into spring training probably the #1 concern for Sox fans was the lack of an everyday shortstop (also take note of what my biggest concern was).
Aviles is 2nd on the team in RBI’s (37), 2nd in total bases (105), tied for 2nd in runs scored (31), 3rd in hits (66), 1st in stolen bases (7), and even tied for 3rd in home runs (8). The angry Sox fan might choose to look at this as another example of how so many players (and the team as a whole) have underachieved. But not me. I think it’s rather encouraging. Here’s the thing, the offense has actually been surprisingly effective. Boston is second in the Majors in total runs scored (319, trailing only Texas, 335). Just wait till Jacoby, Crawford, and hopefully the real Pedroia, Youk, and Gonzalez return; imagine how good they’ll be.
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