Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Boston Red Sox 100 game Report Card: Grading a World Series contender

By Gio Rivera

TORONTO, ON - MAY 12: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox is congratulated by J.D. Martinez #28 after scoring a run in the third inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 12, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 12: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox is congratulated by J.D. Martinez #28 after scoring a run in the third inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 12, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 10
Next
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Eduardo Nunez, Brock Holt, and Steve Pearce (The platoon, bench trio)

All three guys began their tenure’s in Boston very hot. It started with Brock Holt. The only representative of the Boston Red Sox in 2015. Holt hit .295/.383/.807 to earn the All-Star honors.

Then came the “Brock-Star” phenomenon on the streets of Fenway. Nobody knew what we were getting with the Brock Holt part in the six-player trade. The one in which Boston was getting their closer for the future, Joel Hanrahan. Honestly say what you want about him now, but who saw this coming from a 5’10” infielder?

Current stats: .287 BA/1 HRs/25 RBIs/.362 OBP/.383 SLG/.744 OPS.

Related Story: The valuable impact of a sizzling Eduardo Nunez

Similar situation with Eduardo Nunez. An acquisition many saw coming with Boston in need of the infield depth at the time. Nunez instantly emerged as one of the hottest hitters in town. Through just 38 games, Nunez went .321/.353/.539 with 8 home runs and 27 runs batted in and earned himself a re-signing which granted came unusually late. Nonetheless, Nunez is back for another run at it this season.

Current stats:  .252 BA/6 HRs/24 RBIs/.272 OBP/.355 SLG/.635 OPS.

And then there’s Steve Pearce. Fairly identical to the Edurado Nunez acquisition.Not a big name. Not a big trade. Just a player flourishing and contributing in his role. The 12-year veteran and 35-year old, Pearce gives Cora much needed flexibility in situations. Pearce is solid first-baseman who can come off for pinch hitting situations and give Mitch Moreland rest.

Current stats: .328 BA/5 HRs/22 RBIs/.392 OBP/.552 SLG/.944 OPS.

Home/Boston Red Sox