In the latest edition of “Sox Talk” with Will Middlebrooks on NESN.com, focus is turned to what could have been a more robust representation for the Boston Red Sox at the All-Star Game. Middlebrooks, a former Red Sox player and current NESN analyst, discussed the Red Sox players who earned All-Star honors and those who might have also deserved a nod.
The Red Sox were proud to see Rafael Devers, Jarren Duran, and Tanner Houck named to the American League All-Star team, but Middlebrooks highlighted that another player seemed deserving and possibly overlooked in the selection process.
Middlebrooks called particular attention to Kenley Jansen, the Red Sox’s closer, whom he believes was unfairly left out, considering his performance compared to his peers, specifically New York Yankees’ reliever Clay Holmes. “Kenley Jansen was at a competitive disadvantage in the voting,” he explained. “If we’re evaluating based on the stats, Jansen, who is 3-1 with an ERA of 2.01 and a WHIP of 1.05, has outperformed Holmes who holds a 1-3 record with a 3.00 ERA and a WHIP of 1.31.”
He also pointed out Holmes’ five blown saves on the season in contrast to Jansen’s single blown save, which adds weight to Jansen’s case as an All-Star. The direct comparison came to a head during a recent series in the Bronx, where Jansen managed to secure two game victories, including a critical save in an extra-inning affair, only made possible by Holmes yielding a two-run homer to Masataka Yoshida in the ninth.
Although Jansen isn’t exhibiting the overpowering velocity he was known for during his peak years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Middlebrooks noted his effectiveness remains undiminished when pitching high in the strike zone. “He still has that cut and the pitch’s movement makes it exceptionally challenging for batters to connect solidly,” Middlebrooks observed.
Beyond Jansen, Middlebrooks recognized the efforts of Connor Wong, the Red Sox’s primary catcher. Wong has been impressive, batting .309 with seven homers and 31 RBIs, alongside four stolen bases. Yet, the dilemma of limited roster spots for catchers meant Wong was overshadowed by Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles and veteran Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals.
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Middlebrooks admitted, “While it’s tough to make the cut when only two catchers are selected, Wong’s performance truly contends him as the third-best based on overall production, even if his power hitting doesn’t quite match up to Perez.”
As the season progresses, Middlebrooks’ insights continue to shed light on the depth and potential within the Boston Red Sox roster, especially highlighting those who could have shone on the All-Star stage.
