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MLB Playoffs 2016: 3 reasons the Red Sox will make it

By Joshua Sadlock

Jul 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) celebrates his three-run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) celebrates his three-run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The AL East race seems all but decided. Barring a catastrophic collapse, the Boston Red Sox will be champions.

With only 11 games left in the regular season, the Boston Red Sox hold an almost insurmountable four-game lead in the AL East. It would take an almost unfathomable collapse for the Red Sox to slip out of first place, let alone the playoffs (something something chicken and beer). Everything is clicking right now for the BoSox, who have been the American League’s hottest team in the second half and are currently riding a six-game winning streak.

In Big Papi’s final season, the stars seem to have aligned for a lengthy Boston Red Sox postseason run. Here are three reasons (besides destiny in Papi’s last year) why that is exactly what will happen come the end of the regular season.

Sep 18, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Hanley Ramirez (13) hits a home run during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Hanley Ramirez (13) hits a home run during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Hanley Ramirez is back

Last season, the entirety of Red Sox Nation was ready to give up on the mercurial Hanley Ramirez. My, how times have changed. While Pablo Sandoval is still a mess, Ramirez is having his best full season since 2009. He has also handled his move to first base surprisingly well.

In the second half, Ramirez has been excellent at the plate. He has batted .297/.356/.623 with 20 home runs. Ramirez has clubbed nine home runs in only 18 September games.

Keeping Han Ram hot entering the postseason is a huge key for the Red Sox. While their lineup has run roughshod over most of the American League this year, it does have a soft underbelly. After the top four of Dustin Pedroia, Xander Bogaerts, Mookie Betts and David Ortiz, there is a drop off to the likes of Travis Shaw, Chris Young and Sandy Leon. If Ramirez can sustain his phenomenal month of September, it will continue taking pressure off the top half of the order.

For years, it has been a challenge for front offices and managers to keep Hanley Ramirez happy. The move to the outfield last year was an unmitigated disaster, and Ramirez hated every second of it. Some players can shake that off and go about their business in the batter’s box, but not Hanley. Back in the infield, he has felt connected with the action and his teammates, and has had an infectious smile on his face all year. That $88-million investment looks much better in the second year.

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