By hitting just four home runs through the first eight games of the season, the Red Sox began revealing David Ortiz’ absence could leave them light on power. A problem? Only four teams in the last 50 years — full seasons only — made the playoffs hitting 81 homers or fewer, and none since the 1982 Cardinals won the World Series.
The lightest-hitting Red Sox teams of the last 50 years:
1992: 84 home runs
Leader: T. Brunansky (15)
Runs scored: 599
Record: 73-89
Playoffs: No
1990: 106 home runs
Leader: Ellis Burks (21)
Runs scored: 699
Record: 88-74
Playoffs: Lost LCS to A’s
1989: 108 home runs
Leader: Nick Esasky (30)
Runs scored: 774
Record: 83-79
Playoffs: No
1974: 109 home runs
Leader: Carl Yastrzemski, Rico Petrocelli (15)
Runs scored: 696
Record: 84-78
Playoffs: No