Happy Wednesday, folks! The Red Sox got beat down by the Seattle Mariners last night, but the legend of Mickey Gasper grew even more after he hit his seventh home run in 13 games. Along with the seven home runs, he has three doubles, 11 walks, and two hit-by-pitches, almost entirely against right-handed pitching. With Willson Contreras on the mend, Gasper slotted in at first base with Jarren Duran in left field, Roman Anthony in right, and Wilyer Abreu as the designated hitter. When Contreras returns, one of those guys will be the odd man out.
So, my question is, who should it be? There are really only two options in my mind: Gasper or Duran. Duran has also hit better of late, posting a 106 wRC+ since the start of August and hitting six home runs of his own. Gasper’s hitting has been undeniable, but Duran provides more defensively and on the basepaths. He also has a much longer track record of big-league success, even though this year has been a disappointment. So, what’s your alignment? Do you start Mickey at DH and keep Duran’s legs on the bench, putting Roman in left field, or do you keep Mickey as a bench bat and hope to find a spot to bring him in for an at-bat?
