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Friday, September 14, 2012

Argument 15: What Is The All-Time Red Sox All-Star Team

Book Answer: Fisk, Vaughn, Doerr, Nomar, Boggs, Ted, Speaker, Evans, Ortiz, Clemens, and Radatz.

This one's hard because of that left field position, but alas, a valiant effort will take place.

C - Carlton Fisk. It's a coin toss for Fisk and Varitek. Both of them were model Red Sox players and both could call a game, but Fisk's offensive statistics were a touch better. Although, I wouldn't be angry if you went with Varitek.

1B - Jimmie Foxx. Mo Vaughn is the tempting choice because Foxx was only in Boston for six seasons. He was an All-Star every season, won the MVP, and narrowly missed out on the Triple Crown. Plus he's in the Hall with a B on his cap.

2B - Dustin Pedroia. A strong argument can be made for Bobby Doerr, but the Laser Show is well on his way to breaking Doerr's Sox second baseman records. Not to mention that MVP and Rookie of the Year.

3B - Wade Boggs. He's really the only option here. Who else will you pick? Lowell? Mueller? No one really like Boggs. He's got a career .328 average along with over 3000 hits and eight Boston All-Star appearances and five batting titles.

SS - Joe Cronin. It's a four horse race with Cronin, Petrocelli, Nomar, and Pesky, but you really gotta say Cronin. Not only because his #4 is retired, but he was a Red Sox player from 1935-1945, but here's the kicker: their manager from 1935-1947.

LF - Ted Williams. We all know the Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived. The barrage of homers easily slides Teddy Ballgame into the spot, but it's hard to know that guys like Yaz and Jim Rice aren't on the team.

CF - Fred Lynn. I almost picked Dom Dimaggio. I almost picked Tris Speaker. But this guy was so incredible in Boston. Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same year. In an equally impressive feat: in his six years in Boston, all six were All-Star years for him.

RF - Dwight Evans. In his eighteen seasons in Boston, he totaled over 350 home runs. Tony C is the sentimental pick. J.D. Drew is the awful pick. Dewey is the right pick. And it's kinda hard to go against eight Gold Gloves.

DH - David Ortiz. This is the most lopsided category. More lopsided than third base. Big Papi has over 400 career home runs and has long been a fan favorite. With 2004, in mind, you kinda have to give it to him. But with 2006's 54 home run season in mind, it's mandatory.

SP - Cy Young. How can you not pick the guy who the best pitcher award is named after. Cy Young! Sure, Clemens, Pedro, Lefty and Tiante were all dandy, but this guy named Cy had 511 career wins. I can personally guarantee that that will never happen again.

RP - Bob Stanley. He set the MLB record for relief innings and had 132 saves in his Sox lifetime. It's a coin toss for this position, but Stanley really does hold an edge over Foulke, Papelbon and Radatz.


So there you have it. This team could probably finish above .500 unlike a certain 2012 Boston team.

1 comment:

  1. Wow. That would be quite the team! Of course, mind would have Varitek as the catcher. :)

    ReplyDelete