ALDS 2017: 5 reasons the Boston Red Sox win

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 30: Mookie Betts #50, Andrew Benintendi #16,and Jackie Bradley Jr. #19 of the Boston Red Sox react after the final out was recorded to clinch the American League East Division against the Houston Astros on September 30, 2017 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 30: Mookie Betts #50, Andrew Benintendi #16,and Jackie Bradley Jr. #19 of the Boston Red Sox react after the final out was recorded to clinch the American League East Division against the Houston Astros on September 30, 2017 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

4. The outfield defense

There is not a better group of young outfielders in the league than Boston’s trio of Andrew Benintendi, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mookie Betts. This is the most dynamic, talented group in the league, especially on defense. Bradley makes highlight reel plays look easy and Betts and Benintendi could be center fielders on nearly every other team in baseball.

Bradley, Betts and Benintendi will face a substantial test in trying to contain the Astros lineup in this series. Houston led the AL in doubles and features a relentless attack that rarely strikes out and makes hard contact nearly every time up.

The Red Sox will be counting on their outfielders to run down balls in the gap, prevent the speedy Astros from taking an extra base and rob a few extra-base hits or home runs. Outfield defense is going to have to impact this series for the Red Sox to have a chance of winning.

Bradley is the best of the bunch, one of the top defenders in the league. If not for Byron Buxton’s superman act in Minnesota, he might be the best center fielder in the game. Both stadiums in this series feature tricky dimensions, but the Red Sox will be ready and could swing the series with huge defensive plays in the outfield.

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