ALCS and the X-Man Cometh
 |
| Image from Marvel movie 'The Last Stand' |
Contributing Writer
After one of the more gutsy performances in the ALDS final game four, we are all thinking about the upcoming ALCS series and whether Xander Bogearts will be making an appearance.
After showing up late to the ALDS show, through no fault of his own, he grinds out two walks and scored two of the three runs needed to eliminate the Tampa Bay Rays. Not only that he made a defensive stop that was nothing short of amazing, even if he was not able to throw out the speedy Desmond Jennings, you could hear the crowd gasping as he dived to stop the ball.
He also pinch ran in ALDS game three and scored a run.
Pay attention now, that is an OBP of 1.000, or as we like to call it, perfection.
Expect to see him in the ALCS make appearances against lefties for sure, but most likely as a pinch runner and pinch hitting for Steven Drew.
Steven Drew has put up some pretty meager numbers against the Rays, hitting .133 over 15 at bats, with two RBI's, two strikeouts, 2 walks, and his OBP is at .400. He has been pretty good defensively, but the Red Sox are going to need better hitting from their shortstop to justify keeping him in there when he struggles at the plate, especially as he struggles more against lefties.
It boils down to the manager having a faster trigger to pull him when Xander Bogaerts is your backup option.
He is showing amazing poise, patience, and maturity for a 20 year old rookie late season call up.
What a dream start for him in the majors, called up this season, three appearances in the ALDS, who know what is still in store for him down the stretch.
One thing is for sure, the X-Man cometh.
Post a comment or via twitter @ericschabell with your thoughts.
More by Eric D. Schabell
