Yankees' Aaron Boone Defends Red Sox's 'Really Good' Lineup
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New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone believes the Boston Red Sox lineup deserves more respect entering Opening Day.
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Projection systems are skeptical of Boston's power production, and the Red Sox may lack a true offensive star unless Roman Anthony fills the role in his first full MLB season. However, via MLB.com's Ian Browne, Boone downplayed concerns over his rival's offense on Wednesday.
"I think [their offense] is really good," Boone said. "I think it's really versatile. I think you have the hopes, too, of younger players that are becoming part of their core, going to that next level."
Anthony leads that young nucleus after notching an .859 OPS as a rookie. Yet Ceddanne Rafaela and Marcelo Mayer could progress at the plate, and it's too soon to write off Kristian Campbell and Triston Casas.
Meanwhile, Boone believes Boston's biggest offseason lineup acquisition has flown under the radar. First baseman Willson Contreras brings a .258/.352/.459 career slash line to the Red Sox after three seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals.
"It doesn't feel like people are talking about Contreras enough from a production standpoint, and how consistent he's been throughout his career," Boone said.
The Red Sox also acquired former Yankees prospect Caleb Durbin, who struck out in just 9.9 percent of his plate appearances as a rookie. Durbin fits into a contact-oriented lineup that doesn't necessarily need 30-homer mashers to score.
"It's going to be a team that I think puts the ball in play," Boone predicted. "They've got athleticism, they've got some complementary core parts. I think they’re going to be good offensively.”
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