The Boston Red Sox are at a fascinating crossroads, exceeding expectations but still seeming a notch short of a true World Series contender.
Since July 4th, the team has had the second-best record in baseball, getting dazzling production from a once-shaky rotation behind ace Garrett Crochet.
This scorching stretch has largely coincided with the arrival of Roman Anthony, the 21-year-old outfielder who is already a superstar.
Through his first 52 games, Anthony is on lists with the likes of Ted Williams, Albert Pujols, and Juan Soto for his discipline at the plate and elite bat-to-ball skills.
Despite this sensational start to his career, local Boston radio host Nick “Fitzy” Stevens suggested Anthony might have to adjust to help the Red Sox’s postseason push.
“The Fenway faithful would find it hard to find the power hitter or home run threat in this lineup,” Fitzy said. “During this upcoming home stretch, I’m going to ask for Roman Anthony, who is excellent at making contact and at getting on base, to alter that swing a little bit to give the Sox some extra power in the lineup.”
This quote came just hours before Anthony hit his second homer in as many days to raise his OPS to .966 after the All-Star break.
It’s not like Anthony is a dink-and-dunk hitter—he is a doubles machine who can spray the ball all over the yard.
The power is clearly there; Anthony just has to get a little more flight on the ball, and the pop will follow.
The idea that a generational rookie should make any dramatic tweaks at this stage is absurd.
