The Red Sox were last in the American League in home runs in 2017 with 168. I don’t care, and neither should you. What I do care about is runs and the Red Sox were sixth with 785. A factor that could be patient zero in this plague or scoring drought is batting average. The Red Sox were ninth in the AL at .258. In 2014 the team hit just .244 and finished last – the only team figure lower this century.
Sure, the addition of J.D. Martinez would be a plus. The potential of an extra 40+ is exciting and could invigorate the lineup, but if JDM chose to go elsewhere, stay in Arizona or join a monastery in Tibet the Red Sox will not only survive but may prosper – if they boost those run totals.