CLEVELAND — David Ortiz likes what he sees.
Although no one in the Boston Red Sox’s clubhouse is completely satisfied with how the 2015 season has unfolded, the positives have outweighed the negatives of late, creating a sense of optimism for 2016. Just ask Ortiz, who has been a mentor for many up-and-comers tapping into their immense potential.
“You see all the young talent performing at the highest level,” Ortiz said of the Red Sox’s strong finish. “This game is a learning process, and I’m pretty sure they’re getting the memo, they’re pretty much establishing themselves as everyday players and there’s a lot of special things that you have to do to get that.
“What I’ve been seeing lately, to me, I think it’s good, because when it comes down to the end of the season and wanting to be a part of next year’s ball club, this is something that we have a lot of talent.”
The Red Sox entered Friday night’s series opener against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field sitting three games under .500 (78-81) — an impressive feat given where they once stood this season — and playing inspired baseball. Boston owns the American League’s best record (17-9) since Sept. 4.
“I love to see young players perform at the highest level, especially early in their age,” Ortiz said of Boston’s youth-based turnaround. “You see guys like (Xander) Bogaerts, he just turned 23 and he’s having a hell of a season. You see Mookie Betts, another young, talented player putting together the season he’s had. You see guys like (Eduardo) Rodriguez, pitching the way he’s pitched. You see (Jackie Bradley Jr.), the way he performed once he came back up. And (Rick) Porcello, the way he’s finished the season.
“It’s something that gives you lots of hope.”
The Red Sox entered Friday with a 34-23 record since July 30. That’s the third-best record in the AL in that span, and it comes on the heels of Boston posting an AL-worst 44-58 record to open the season.
New Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and Co. still have questions to answer this offseason, as Boston’s rotation and bullpen remain in flux. But the Sox can feel a lot better about where they stand now after a solid couple of months to finish an otherwise disappointing campaign.
“We’re looking good,” Ortiz said. “Hopefully what we’ve been seeing the past three weeks will carry over into next year.”
Thumbnail photo via Anthony Gruppuso/USA TODAY Sports Images
