The Boston Red Sox have the best record in baseball (22-13) as they look to complete a four-game sweep of the Orioles in Baltimore tonight.
There are many reasons for the worst to first turnaround for Boston, but Alex Verdugo’s contributions at the top of the line-up have stood out.
Red Sox manager, Alex Cora told Chris Ryan on “The Press Pass” that he enjoys the energy which Alex Verdugo brings every day. Cora also likes Verdugo’s work ethic and versatility. He’s hitting .306 with four home runs and 16 RBI.
Alex Verdugo came to the Red Sox from the LA Dodgers as part of the Mookie Betts trade. Whether it’s fair or unfair, it is inevitable that people compare Verdugo to fan favorite and MVP Mookie Betts. Alex Cora accepts the comparison of the two players, but he points out that Verdugo is a young player who is still developing.
Cora half-joked that he wouldn’t mind having the Mookie vs. Verdugo debate right now considering Betts is off to a slow start (.261, four home runs, and 11 RBI).
Many people are surprised with the success of teams, like the Orioles, which were not predicted to be contenders. Cora welcomes the parity which seems to be present in baseball this year, especially in the Eastern Division of the American League.
“In this division, it’s going to be a dog fight all the way to the end.”
Chris will talk to Alex Verdugo on this week’s edition of “The Press Pass” at 11a on news radio 610 and 96.7 and Noon on WKXL 103.9/1450.