The Boston Red Sox have the attention of teams across Major League Baseball.
ESPN’s Jayson Stark recently polled 25 baseball executives to collect their thoughts on who they think will win the 2016 World Series. The Chicago Cubs, who went 103-58 during the regular season, received the most votes (seven), but the astute baseball minds also think very highly of Boston’s chances.
The Red Sox garnered the second-most votes (six), ranking ahead of the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers, who received four votes apiece.
Boston is widely considered the American League Favorite, according to the poll, as 16 respondents think the Red Sox are the most-feared team in the AL. The Rangers rank second in that category with seven votes.
Stark predicted the Red Sox to win the Fall Classic in his column, which featured some interesting quotes from the executives he polled. Much of the praise heaped on the Red Sox centers around their potent offense, although Stark added that Boston’s rotation is better than it’s given credit for.
“Boston’s offense is the singular best strength of all the teams,” a rival general manager told Stark.
“Their lineup is so deep and so good,” one AL executive reportedly said of the Sox. “The way they work counts, foul balls off, wear down pitchers, they’re just so good. And they hit good pitching.”
The Cubs might be the favorites going into the postseason based on their fantastic season to date and their loaded roster, but don’t sell the Red Sox short. Boston has an excellent chance to win its fourth World Series title since 2004, and the rest of baseball seems to understand that.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
