Tag: Xander Bogaerts

Red Sox Playing Smart with JD Martinez; Yanks Team To Beat, but Sox Will Contend

Random thoughts as the Red Sox settle into spring training …

  • Kudos to the Red Sox for not bidding against themselves to sign J.D. Martinez.  With the Red Sox being the only viable bidder, Martinez seems to need the Red Sox more than the Red Sox need Martinez, whose opposite-field swing may not play well in Fenway Park.  The Red Sox finished in the bottom of the league in homers and slugging last season, but nearly every position player underperformed for one reason or another.  A fresh, more upbeat approach from Alex Cora and his staff will benefit young core players such as Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley, and Andrew Benintendi.  I’m not saying Cora alone will turn the Red Sox line up into Murderer’s Row, but a fresh approach, good health, and a less-expensive bat (a Logan Morrison type) could bolster the Red Sox to the middle of the pack in terms of slugging.  Remember they scored the sixth most runs in the league last year despite the power drout.  Increased slugging combined with continued upper echelon pitching, strong defensive play, and aggressive but more careful base running make the Red Sox contenders.
  • The road to the AL East Division Title clearly goes through Yankee Stadium, but the Bronx Bombers are far from unbeatable.  Yes, the combination of of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gary Sanchez poses baseball’s most dangerous power threat.  Yes, the deep, fire-breathing bullpen will shorten games and limit exposure of the not-so-deep Yankees starting rotation.  And yes, the roster in comprised to take full advantage of the cozy confines of Yankee Stadium.  But the Yankees — like every other major league team — are not without their share of problems.  The holes are not gaping, but reason for concern.  As of today, the the Yanks are relying on a pair  untested 22-year-olds second (Gleyber Torres) and third (Miguel Andujar)  basemen — a tall task for a team with World Series aspirations.  The pitching rotation lacks depth.  Luis Servino is electric, but has not proved to be a legitimate ace — at least not yet.  With decrepit knees supporting his bulky frame, 37-year-old C.C. Sabathia cannot be expected to match last year’s performance and Masahiro Tanaka has experienced elbow issues.  The line-up, despite its explosiveness, features a ton of strikeouts and sluggers are prone to long slumps.  The Red Sox have the pitching staff to expose the Yankees flaws and stay competitive.
  • If Chris Sale, David Price, and Rick Porcello perform up to expectations, the Red Sox will have one of the game’s more formidable pitching staffs, making the AL East a two-team race. Chris Sale is an annual Cy Young candidate, but, the success of the 2018 Red Sox may hinge on the condition of Price’s left elbow and ability to stay focused between the lines.  Cora will have his hands full managing Price’s innings and limiting his distractions.  When healthy and in the proper frame of mind, Price eats innings, wins games, and saves bullpens.  Porcello’s 2016 Cy Young campaign poses evidence that he can be an elite pitcher, but his 2017 season indicates that he may be just a bottom of the rotation starter.  I suspect the real Porcello lies somewhere in between, which would be a major boast behind Sale and Price.  Drew Pomeranz, who seems to have found the proper balance between his big-breaking curveball and deceiving fastball, would be a No. 2 starter on most teams.  Eduardo Rodriguez enters the season as the team’s fifth starter, but has the potential to be much more.  With two healthy knees, the 24 year-old Rodriguez is ready to emerge.
  • Rafael Devers is talented and powerful, but extremely raw.  Don’t be surprised if the 21-year-old third baseman hits the “second-year” wall as pitchers find holes in his swing.  How he adjusts will determine his success.  In the meantime, Eduardo Nunez provides depth and insurance.
  • Cora has not etched the starting line up in stone, but has discussed Betts batting first.  At first glance, Betts’ swing and approach seems more suited for the middle of the batting order, but the All-Star right fielder seems most comfortable and productive leading off.  After watching George Springer set the tone for the Astros, Cora likes the idea of aggression and power setting the tone.
  • One of the top priorities for new hitting coach Tim Hyers is restoring Xander Bogaerts’ confidence.  After hurting his hand last year, Bogaerts lost confidence and fell into many bad habits.  Hyers will be charged with finding a way for Bogaerts to drive the ball consistently rather than being content as a contact hitter.  Nunez will also play a role in keeping Bogaerts fresh throughout the season.  

All-Star Shortstop Xander Bogaerts Heats Hobby

Xander Bogaerts entered the 2016 season as an emerging star. Three months into the season, he’s become baseball’s finest shortstop, arguably the game’s top hitter, and a viable American League MVP candidate. Being compared to big-time stars such as Mike Trout, Manny Machado, and Bryce Harper, Bogaerts has become a top star in the collectibles world as well.

The diversity of Bogaerts’ skills have been on full display since the start of the season. Spraying the ball to all fields, while also finding the gaps, Bogaerts has exploited defensive shifts by hitting to the open areas. The result has been a higher batting average and increased production — more hits with runners on base while anchoring a potent Red Sox offense from the third spot in the lineup. Wade Boggs’ Red Sox single-season hit record (240) is well within his sights.

Taking baseball and the hobby by surprise, Bogaerts game-used memorabilia and certified autographed cards are few and far between for the time being. His limited 2015 Topps Gypsy Queen Red Framed Jersey card is a hot item selling for $12, while his popular 2015 Topps Career Highlights Game Used Jersey card sells for as much as $10. A 26-game hitting streak earlier in the season put Bogaerts in the national spotlight, increasing the the interest and value of his memorabilia cards.

Bogaerts has led the league in hits and batting for most of the season, while also placing among the league best in runs, RBI, doubles, and OPS. Most defensive metrics rank him among baseball’s best fielding shortstops. He also excels on the basepaths, stealing bases at opportune times while taking extra bases with regularity.

With an All-Star appearance in the offing, Bogaerts will be a focal point of many mid- and late-season baseball card releases. Expect to see a wide assortment of new Bogaerts game used and autographed cards in the coming months. For now, his 2012 Rize Prodigy Gold Autographed insert limited to a pr
oduction run of 100 is selling for $40

Just 23 years old, Bogaerts has become the best all-around shortstop to wear a Red Sox uniform since Nomar Garciaparra’s prime years of 1998-2000. Like Garciaparra rookie cards in the late ‘90s, Bogaerts’ earliest cards have become “must haves” for Red Sox collectors. His 2012 Bowman Chrome Rookie — a mere common card less than a year ago — is selling for $5. Limited autographed Bowman Chrome rookies are selling for $124, with “Blue Refractor” autographed versions limited to a production run of 50 approaching $1,000.

Impressed by his athletic ability and live bat, the Red Sox signed Bogaerts at the age of 17 out of his native Aruba for $410,000. As a teenager, Bogaerts represented the Netherlands in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, opening eyes with his play on the field and his maturity off the field. Bumped to third base to accommodate slick-fielding fellow countryman Andrelton Simmons, Bogaerts looked like a seasoned veteran, hitting .263 with a .364 on base percentage.

Off the field he impressed with advanced people skills and speaking fluently to reporters in four different languages (English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamento). One of his rarest baseball cards is the 2013 Topps Tribute World Baseball Classic Game Worn Jersey, which is limited to a production run of 67 and is becoming increasingly popular, selling for $80. The Bogaerts base card from the WBC set can be had for $3.

With his baseball IQ on par with his on-the-field proficiency, Bogaerts looks to be a pillar in the Red Sox lineup for many years to come. An increasing international following will heighten the demand and value of his cards, so buy early and often. With David Ortiz in the twilight of his career, Bogaerts is quickly becoming the face of the Red Sox.

What To Expect From The Red Sox Lineup in 2016

Around the horn with the Red Sox lineup …

DAVID ORTIZ
Ortiz Ortiz is the only major leaguer to slug 30 homers and 100 RBI in each of the last three seasons. The Red Sox need the same  production from their 40-year-old DH during the Big Papi Farewell Tour. The spotlight usually brings the best out of Ortiz, which is good news for the Red Sox. Ortiz rookie and memorabilia cards will be hot commodities by season’s end.

HANLEY RAMIREZ

By all accounts, Ramirez’s transition to first base has been far from flawless, but much better than expected. I still have reservations. Ramirez has frustrated coaching staffs with overall indifference throughout his career. Entering his 13th big league season, should we expect a change in attitude? Ramirez has displayed the ability to field ground balls and handle cut-offs. He struggles with scooping balls thrown in the dirt. I’m having trouble picturing the less-than-nibble Ramirez starting and finishing a 3-6-3 double play. Much of the Red Sox success — or lack of success — will depend on Ramirez’s ability to be an offensive force while learning a new position — a position where there is little room for error.

DUSTIN PEDROIA

When Pedroia is healthy, he’s one of the game’s best all-around second baseman and a lynchpin at the top of the Red Sox batting order. He’s at the point of his career where he may have to sit once a week or so. Keeping Pedroia strong and playing at a high level is one of the main goals of the coaching staff this season.

XANDER BOGAERTS
xanderHe’s becoming one of the game’s top shortstops right before our very eyes. Hard work has brought out his natural offensive and defensive abilities. Look for a little less batting average and a little more power and production in 2016. Buy his baseball cards early and often while they are still affordable.

TRAVIS SHAW

A former first baseman, Shaw has quickly become the best third baseman on the team — not by default, but from tremendous overall play at the end of last season and to this point in spring training. A left-handed hitter with the ability to drive the ball to all fields, the Red Sox are intrigued by Shaw’s Fenway power potential. At this point, Shaw is an absolute must everyday player. Taking a look at Shaw’s early baseball cards isn’t a bad idea.

PABLO SANDOVAL

A complete bust. The weight issues, anemic hitting and lack of range are well documented. Quite simply, Sandoval was MLB’s Least Valuable Player last season. With little defensive ability these days and no proven record as a pinch hitter, the former World Series MVP is not expected to make much of an impact this season. With $75 million still owed to him, Sandoval appears to be untradeable — unless the Red Sox eat a ton of money. Bad situation not matter how you look at it.

MOOKIE BETTS
BettsHe’s young, dynamic, extremely talented, articulate, good natured, and committed to excellence — reminiscent of Andrew McCutchen. Enjoy the ride folks, you don’t see this type of player very often. I’m looking for deals on his baseball cards as well.

JACKIE BRADLEY, Jr.

A bit of an enigma early in his career, Bradley needs to prove he’s more than an all-field, no-hit player. Defensively, Bradley is in a class by himself, combining speed, athleticism and an uncanny ability read the ball off the bat. Offensively he’s displayed stretches of power and production along with on base potential. There have also been miserable stretches of non-stop swinging and missing. Will the real Jackie Bradley Jr. please stand up.

BROCK HOLT

The jack-of-all-trades player will get most of his at bats in left field to start the season. The Brock Star won’t put up huge numbers, but he’s a smart, steady, grinding type of player with lots of energy. One of the more valuable players on the team, Holt will also serve as backup for all infield positions. Just call him Ben Zobrist-lite.

CHRIS YOUNG

Mashes left handed pitching, should be a good fit at Fenway. Platooning with Holt leaves the Red Sox left field is in good hands.

RUSNEY CASTILLO

Castillo has a huge contract and lots of potential, but is fifth on the Red Sox outfield depth chart — not a good place to be considering all of the talent above him. A plus fielder and fast runner, Castillo has yet to prove he can consistently hit major league fastballs. Most of the competition in Cuba threw an assortment of junk, which Castillo mashed. He’s finding the power pitching of the majors much more challenging. Wouldn’t call Castillo a bust just yet, but the Red Sox may have overestimated his talent.

BLAKE SWIHART / RYAN HANIGAN / CHRISTAIN VAZQUEZ

Swihart gets the nod to start the season. The Red Sox expect big things offensively from 24-year-old switch-hitter and continued improvement defensively. Vazquez is a defensive specialist adept at calling games and framing pitches. The Red Sox will bring him along slowly, hoping to restore his cannon arm a year removed from Tommy John surgery. At some point, the Red Sox will need to decide between the Swihart’s offensive production and Vazquez’s defense and leadership. Not a bad problem to have. In the meantime, Hanigan is a sound backup.

Xander Bogaerts Looks To Anchor Red Sox Line Up

The emergence of Xander Bogaerts was the top takeaway from the Red Sox dismal 2015 season. The 23-year-old shortstop had a legitimate breakout season, batting.320 — trailing only four-time league batting champion Miguel Cabrera — and appears to be on the verge of stardom.

In 156 games, Bogaerts compiled a .776 OPS, tops among American League shortstops. His 45 extra base hits 81 RBI — not to mention significantly improved defense — made Bogaerts the best all-around shortstop to wear a Red Sox uniform since Nomar Garciaparra’s prime years of 1998 – 2000.
xander

A work in progress, Bogaerts sacrificed power for batting average last season. After hitting 13 home runs in his first 582 major league at bats, Bogaerts hit just 7 homers last season. Spraying the ball to all fields, while also finding the gaps, Bogaerts exploited defensive shifts by hitting to the open areas. The result was a higher batting average and increased production — more hits with runners on base while batting third in the batting order for much of the season.

Recently, Bogaerts has been working with hitting coach Chili Davis on harnessing his natural power. Davis is encouraging Bogaerts to still use the entire field, but to also take advantage of the game’s circumstances — turning on pitches on favorable counts and pulling the ball in the right situations.

Manager John Farrell has experimented with batting Bogaerts clean up, hoping to maximize the rising star’s production. Hitting behind Mookie Betts, Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz will give Bogaerts more RBI opportunities, possibly enhanced with additional power. With his baseball IQ on par with his on-the-field proficiency, Bogaerts could be the anchor of the Red Sox lineup for many years to come.

Bogaerts is already entering his seventh season with the Red Sox. Impressed by his athletic ability and live bat, the Red Sox signed Bogaerts at the age of 17 out of his native Aruba for $410,000. As a teenager, Bogaerts impressed off the field at the World Baseball Classic, displaying people skills and speaking fluently to reporters in four different languages (English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamento). One of his most limited baseball cards is the 2013 Topps Tribute World Baseball Classic Game Worn Jersey, which is limited to a production run of 67.

Bogaerts’ 2012 Bowman Chrome “First Card”, generally regarded as a rookie, is readily available, while the “Refractor Autograph” version is limited and highly coveted.