Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Will Benintendi Be Ben Cherington's Enduring Legacy?

(Photo/John Corneau/Spinners)
Ben Cherignton's final first-round pick as GM of the Red Sox sure turned out to be pretty good. Andrew Benintendi was just named the best debuting prospect of 2015 by ESPN's Keith Law. And with good reason! In his first pro go-around at Lowell and Greenville (both Single A affiliates of the Red Sox), Benintendi hit a combined .313 with 11 HRs and 31 RBIs in just 54 games. He also stole ten bases (caught just three times) and finished with an OPS of .972. Apparently, the transition from metal to wooden bats wasn't all that daunting for the 21-year old. If he makes the leap to AA next year with as much success, his road to Fenway could be wicked fast—and make Cherington's legacy a lot brighter than it is now.