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.
Shane Victorino never met a wall that he wasn’t willing to crash into. That’s become abundantly clear this season.
Victorino signed a three-year, $39 million contract during the offseason that had many Red Sox fans scratching their heads. Now, many fans are probably scratching their heads wondering why he didn’t earn more on the open market. Victorino has proved his worth, and then some.
Victorino has been a big part of the Red Sox’ offensive success this season. He has batted mostly out of the No. 2 hole, which is important given Jacoby Ellsbury‘s propensity for stealing bags, and he has handled the job well. Ellsbury and Victorino have provided a potent 1-2 combo, with Victorino looking especially locked in during the month of August.
Victorio’s impact is hardly limited to the batter’s box, though. He’s been a threat on the bases, and his defense is really something to marvel at. Victorino not only has a strong arm, but he’s extremely accurate with his throws. In other words, he produces runs and prevents them.
Click here for Victorino’s top five moments of 2013 >>
Vote for “Bostons’ Best Newcomer” at the matchup links below.
