Boston Red Sox vs Kansas City Royals: Two teams, two different directions
Sluggers at the bat
Back in 2017, the Boston Red Sox were able to capture the A.L. East despite the lack of a true power hitter.
This has not been the case in 2018, thanks in large part to J.D. Martinez.
Martinez — Boston’s big offseason acquisition — is simply knocking the cover off the ball. So much, in fact, if he keeps it up he might be on pace to pursue the Triple Crown.
His 26 home runs and 71 RBI’s lead the American League. Martinez owns a 1.034 OPS and his batting average, the third leg of the Triple Crown, sits at .327
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The man leading the American League in batting average is none other than the teammate of Martinez, Mookie Betts. Betts continues to lock down the top of the lineup, hitting .338 with 21 home runs and 42 RBI’s.
This is not say production hasn’t occurred elsewhere in the lineup. Mitch Moreland and Andrew Benintendi have been more than solid and new acquisition Steve Pearce is 4-13 (.308) in his short time in Boston.
Others throughout the lineup have had their share of hot streaks in 2018. Once more consistent production kicks in from the likes of Rafael Devers, Jackie Bradley Jr. Christian Vazquez, Xander Bogaerts, and whoever is playing second base, the Red Sox will be even scarier than they are now.
The Royals, however, cannot say the same. Former all-stars Mike Moustakas (16) and Salvador Perez (11) are the only players on their team with double digit home runs. Moustakas also has 53 RBI’s to lead the team, with Whit Merrifield being Kansas City’s top hitter (.288 batting average).