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Red Sox ALDS Preview: Five Players Who Can’t Buckle Under Pressure

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Oct 2, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Fans hold signs during the fifth inning in honor of Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) in a game agains the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Fans hold signs during the fifth inning in honor of Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) in a game agains the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 24, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) is congratulated after he scored a run during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

 Mookie Betts

An MVP candidate, Mookie Betts has had a breakout season. His .318 batting average along with 31 homers and 113 RBI ranks him as the player with the greatest all-around season on a postseason team this year.  The right fielder has done it at the plate and on defense.  At just 23 years old, Betts has a bright future with the Red Sox and a big pay day coming.  But often times the greatness of a player is measure by how they perform on the big stage.

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As Betts will be making his postseason debut Thursday night against the Cleveland Indians, he will find himself in some pressure situations both offensively and defensively.  How he responds could determine how deep the Red Sox go.

Could the Red Sox win without major production out of Betts?  Most certainly.

Anytime a player like David Ortiz is in the lineup, the team has a shot.  Betts, however, can make life easier for the entire lineup with his ability to get on base, steal bases and deliver power when needed.  At times during the season, mainly against the Baltimore Orioles, Betts has single handedly won games with his bat.  He may be needed to do that a couple of times during Boston’s playoff run.

Overall, I believe Betts can’t buckle under pressure more because of his individual accomplishments more than the impact that his lack of effectiveness may have on the overall success of the team.  In a team sport that may sound selfish, but its important for a player like Betts to get off to a good start, especially with the playoff experience being new to him.  Not knowing what to expect, his focus is to have fun.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a little different,” Betts said via csnne.com.  “But as much as I control my nerves, I will.  But 9 (he goal is to) have fun, primarily.”

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