Train Roll On…
The subtle, incremental improvements for the Red Sox continue while the mainstream media can’t see it because the Yankees managed to sign Jaret Wright. Or something.
Jay Payton (3-year splits): .289/.344/.460
Gabe Kapler 2004: .272/.311/.390
Ramon Vazquez (3-year splits): .264/.338/.348
Pokey Reese 2004: .221/.271/.303
I’ll miss Dave Roberts. Though limited, he was both smart and electric - the type of player that would have truly thrived in another era. He will be forever remembered around these parts for speedily traversing the most important 90 feet in the history of Boston sports.
But credit Theo Epstein for this acquisition. Payton is Kapler but much better and more versatile. Vazquez is Reese minus the sparkling glove but also more versatile and a much better bat. As loveable as Roberts was, trading a 32 year old outfielder with a .679 career OPS for two bona fide Major Leaguers, a prospect and cash was a no-brainer.