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Boston Red Sox 2017: Mookie Betts Will Put the ‘M’ In MVP

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Sep 13, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) heads to the dugout after flying out against the Baltimore Orioles during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) heads to the dugout after flying out against the Baltimore Orioles during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts had a breakout season in 2016.  The MVP finalist hopes to continue his path to stardom in 2017.

Named the No. 1 right fielder by the MLB Network, Boston Red Sox super star outfielder Mookie Betts is drawing comparisons to Hall-of-Famer Dave Winfield.  Though the comparison probably isn’t fair for the young right fielder, if he continues to improve, he may turn out to be better.

Betts, who finished second behind Mike Trout for the 2016 AL MVP, was the MVP in many people’s minds.  His all-around game helped lead the Red Sox to the playoffs and he single handedly defeated the Baltimore Orioles on a couple of occasions.

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A combination of speed, size and athleticism, Mookie Betts finished the season with 31 home runs, 42 doubles, five triples, 113 RBI while batting .318.  He wasn’t just impressive on offense, however, Betts’ defense was also tops in the league.  On those accounts, I can see why he is being compared to Winfield.

"“He reminds me of Dave Winfield so much and I think we have not even seen the best of Mookie Betts,” Ex-MLB slugger Carlos Pena said on the MLB Network show via Masslive.com.  “A lot more to come.”"

If he even mimics the numbers he put up in 2016, Mookie Betts will challenge for the league MVP once again.  He would also be so much more for the Red Sox.  He would be the most consistent, most reliable, most dangerous and with his ability to play outfield and infield, the most viable player they have had on the field in quite a few years.

Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) celebrates at second base after doubling in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

2017 Projections

The 2017 Bill James Handbook projects another great season for Mookie Betts.  He is forecasted to play 155 games, with 27 home runs, 45 doubles, 6 triples, 103 RBI and a .317 batting average.  Great numbers considering opposing pitchers will attempt to find ways to pitch him tougher or take the bat out of his hands all together.

I think the batting average will be a little lower as Betts will aim for more power with the absence of David Ortiz in the lineup.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he hit 35-40 home runs.  If he does that, the Boston Red Sox will have to shell out some major dough to keep him in a Red Sox uniform for years to come.

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