Editor’s note: NESN.com is holding a three-week tournament to determine “Boston’s Best Newcomer.” The Red Sox added a lot of new faces in 2013, and the results have been impressive. It’s time to determine which new addition from 2013 best embodies Boston baseball.
Round 1 was a doozy.
NESN.com launched its “Boston’s Best Newcomer” tournament last week to determine which of the Red Sox’ new additions from 2013 best embodies Boston baseball. We already have two upsets to report, although the votes were extremely close.
Jake Peavy, who was given a No. 6 seed, received more votes than third-seeded Mike Napoli despite his short stint with the club. It was clear that many Red Sox fans grappled over the inherent complexities of a pitcher-versus-position player matchup, and pitching ultimately won out. Peavy’s start against the Orioles on Wednesday will only be his ninth with the Red Sox, but the right-hander has helped spearhead a terrific stretch of starting pitching for Boston. Peavy won 51.34 percent to 48.66 percent in the round’s closest vote.
Stephen Drew also was on the winning end of an upset. He narrowly defeated — 51.99 percent to 48.01 percent — Jonny Gomes in a matchup that pitted Drew’s overall production with Gomes’ contagious personality and flair for the dramatic.
Top-seeded Koji Uehara and second-seeded Shane Victorino won their matchups handily, although judging by the comments of some NESN.com readers, there’s a deep respect for everyone on this year’s Red Sox roster — and for good reason.
The complete Round 1 results can be found below. Be sure to cast your Round 2 votes.
