Unsung Heroes...
For a moment, forget about the guy with the Jesus beard and rock star hair. Set aside the obscene power of this generation’s version of the “Bash Brothers” in David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. Discount the leadership, sturdiness, and all-around positive influence that Jason Varitek brings to this team, and, instead, let us pay homage to the other guys; the ones who have quietly put together solid seasons at the plate, in the field, and behind-the-scenes.
For Trot Nixon, great is never good enough. This is a man who never thinks he’s done enough to help this team win. Never mind the fact that Nixon has stealthily put up a .300 batting average and a gaudy .849 OPS, with 8 dingers, 39 RBI, and one of the best fielding percentages in the league. He embodies the term “Dirt Dog”, from his style of play to his tattered uniform and superstitiously filthy cap, and is one of the most consistently underrated players of his generation. Nixon’s also addressed his one glaring weakness, which was facing left-handed pitching, and is batting .286 against southpaws heading into July.
Bill Mueller, meanwhile, has bounced back from knee surgery and a slow start, and is now hinting that his stellar 2003 season may not have been a fluke after all. Mueller, nicknamed “The Professional” on the Sons of Sam Horn website, looks to finish out June hitting just a shade under .300. Mueller has not only been positively clutch at the plate since May (his .392 OBP is eight in the AL), he’s also been outstanding in the field. Factor in his relatively meager $2.5 million dollar salary for 2005, and you’ve got one of the best bargains in baseball.
While the major stat numbers may not show it, Mark Bellhorn continues to contribute to this team with solid defense at second base, and, when teamed with Edgar Renteria, has accounted for fifty double plays, tied for second in all of baseball. And, while his knack for striking out (a league leading 85 times in 234 at bats) his 44 walks ties him for fourth in the league. Bellhorn’s average has hovered dangerously close to .230 much of the season, but his five home runs, 24 RBI, and .343 OBP are respectable numbers for a number nine man, especially when he sets the table for the blazing hot Damon.
One of the few bright spots in the Sox bullpen has been Mike Timlin. The 39 year old veteran has been stymieing hitters all season, especially right handed batters, who he has held to a .197 average when facing them. His 1.21 ERA over 37 and a third innings is amongst the best in the majors, and may just net him his first All Star appearance.
So while the fans may be sporting the numbers of Ortiz, Damon, Ramirez, and ‘Tek, let us not forget the smaller but no less intricate parts of this year’s Red Sox machine.
News and Notes:
How Sweep it is...
Last week’s sweep of Cleveland and Philadelphia was the first time the Red Sox have gone 6-0 on the road since 1977.
What a Manny...
Manny Ramirez was named the AL Player of the Week for the second time this season last week, and has hit a blistering 407 (11-for-27) with five home runs and 15 RBIs in six games last week. Ramirez also hit his 19th career grand slam, tying him for second on the all time list.
For a moment, forget about the guy with the Jesus beard and rock star hair. Set aside the obscene power of this generation’s version of the “Bash Brothers” in David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. Discount the leadership, sturdiness, and all-around positive influence that Jason Varitek brings to this team, and, instead, let us pay homage to the other guys; the ones who have quietly put together solid seasons at the plate, in the field, and behind-the-scenes.
