Author Archives: Olivia Winchenbach

Andrew Benintendi: From Rookie to Key Player

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No Longer the Sox Rookie

The Arkansas Razorback alum is in the spotlight today. Andrew Benintendi is entering his 2nd full season with the Boston Red Sox. Sadly, he won’t be basking in the limelight of being the team’s rookie. But, there is no doubt that the 23-year-old left fielder will be in any shadow unless given by the green monster. He had an unbelievable rookie year coming in second place behind Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees for AL Rookie of the Year.

Benny and the Razorbacks

The small, lightweight boy from Madeira, Ohio quickly became a force to be reckoned with in Arizona. He wasn’t just a bench warmer or a place holder. He stepped up and was awarded in doing so. His accolades speak for themselves:

  • Was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team
  • Led Arkansas with 17 stolen base
  • Golden Spikes Award Winner
  • Dick Howser Trophy Winner
  • SEC Male Athlete of the Year
  • Baseball America National Player of the Year
  • Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Year
  • SEC Player of the Year (Coaches)
  • All-SEC First Team (Coaches)
  • Louisville Slugger All-America First Team
  • ABCA/Rawlings All-America First Team
  • NCBWA All-America First Team
  • D1Baseball All-America First Team
  • Baseball America All-America First Team
  • Collegiate Baseball All-America First Team
  • NCAA Stillwater Regional All-Tournament Team
  • MLB Draft Pick – No. 7 Overall – Red Sox

Benintendi has quite the college resume for only playing with the Razorbacks for 2 years before entering the MLB draft as a number 7 prospect in the MLB. This is clearly not a normal resume as some collegiate baseball players look to reach the same level as Benintendi in their senior year to get the final push. No doubt the Razorbacks had a special player on their hands.

His Struggles Will Not Stop Him

He had some amazing moments, but he also had moments where he was in a slump. Every player faces these moments and for Andrew’s was slightly more targeted with him being the rookie. Commentators and fans doubted him. But there was no way he would let himself be known as just an okay baseball player. He was in his prime the season before his rookie year, being called up into the big leagues. That came to an abrupt stop on August 24, 2016, while playing the Rays. He has always had a problem with his knee but this sprain seemed to be the one to take him out. Throughout the 2017 season if his knee was hit or he tweaked it slightly the coaches took many precautions when making sure the healing process was never interrupted.

Rookie Season: A Quick Overview

“It felt good to get it out of the way. It’s just one of those things you dream about your entire life. I got to first base and it kind of set in.” Andrew Benintendi on first major league hit.

Opening day at Fenway in 2017 and Andrew Benintendi, number 16, left fielder, was introduced to the Red Sox Nation. He had the looks and was certainly very humble and honored to be a part of the team. There are a handful of moments that truly stood out for Mr. Benintendi that will stay in the minds of the Sox fans for years.

Up first is the over the wall catch in Tampa Bay. To this day people still wonder how he did it. The rookie made a risky move and succeeded. Not many can say that they flung themselves over a wall onto a table to catch a baseball and only came out of it a little sore.

Up second is the way he protects the monster. Not many left fielders can succeed when it comes to the beloved monster at Fenway. But Benny caught on quick and learned how to use the wall. It’s not easy and he has work to do, but it’s now known that he can play the wall.

Lastly, his swing. He has the beautiful stance. The breathtaking form. When he hits the ball and it goes where it needs to, it truly is perfect. He plays with passion and doesn’t take or for granted. He always talks about how he wants to be better. The 23-year-old seems to focus on something new every day.

Looking into the Future for Benintendi

Hardworking and humble are just a few words to describe the young man. I can see him being in a Sox uniform for many years. He’s made the special bond with his teammates and truly loves playing in the city of Boston.

“Just the presence he has, he’s always under control. He controls his at-bats. He’s going to be good for a long time.” -Dustin Pedroia on Andrew Benintendi

 

Sources

NBC Sports

MLB

Arizona Razorbacks Baseball

A look at the new Red Sox Coaching Staff

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The New Sox Coaching Staff starts fresh

The Red Sox coaching staff has been filling up quickly with the 2017 officially coming to an end. Most of the incoming staff has ties to the organization in some way. Here are the new faces:

Alex Cora

Get to know him and start loving him Sox Nation. You’re looking at the new manager for the Red Sox. Not only is he qualified for the job, given his recent success as the bench coach for the Astros, but during his baseball career, he also played for the Sox. Furthermore, Cora is aware of the strong bond between the sports teams and the fans in Boston. He knows what it is like to play a game at America’s ballpark. Cora was part of one of the most well known teams of Boston, the 2007 team. Sox Nation is looking to Alex Cora to create his 2018 coaching staff.

Dana LeVangie

He’s one on the few names you may recognize, he just finished his fifth season as the Red Sox bullpen coach. LeVangie will now be the pitching coach for the 2018 season. It is known that the Sox bullpen has had its ups and downs, and Dana has been witness to it. Hopefully, with the new set of coaches, there will be a more cohesive relationship between the bullpen and starting pitchers. I believe with the right support, LeVangie will continue to bring a strong bullpen in Boston.

Brian Bannister

Bannister was brought in a few years ago by the Sox, and is now looking to complete his first full season as the assistant pitching coach. His family screams baseball, with his father, two brothers, and uncle playing in the Majors. Bannister was hired as a scout in 2015, and is familiar with the new players on the team. He has seen numerous pitchers come and go throughout his time with the Sox.

Tim Hyers

Hyers is entering his first year as Boston’s hitting coach. He has an extensive background. He has spent the past two years as assistant hitting coach with the Dodgers, in addition to spending seven seasons with the Sox. Not only has Hyers coached Major League teams, but he has also coached in the Minors as well. He played for the Padres, Tigers and the Marlins, as a first baseman and outfielder from 1994-1999.

Victor Rodriguez

He is entering his sixth season as assistant hitting coach for the Sox organization. Boston has led in runs (3113), and doubles (1282), since Rodriguez has been a part of the team. Rodriguez had his start with coaching back in 1995, with the triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox. Victor was signed by Baltimore in 1977, at age 15, and proceeded to play for the Orioles, Padres, Cardinals, Phillies, Marlins and the Red Sox, until the end of his playing career in 1995.

Tom Goodwin

Goodwin is here to start his first season as first base coach for the Boston Red Sox. Tim Goodwin was a base running coordinator for the Red Sox organization in the minors, from 2008-2011.  He played 14 seasons, from 1991-2004, with the Dodgers, Royals, Rangers, Rockies, Giants and Cubs. Goodwin has been to the World Series, in the top for number of stolen bases, and was on an Olympic gold medal team during his career.

Ron Roenicke

Roenicke is a name that I personally am excited to see as a part of the Sox organization. Ron Roenicke is looking to start his first season as the Red Sox third base coach. Roenicke has had experience both being a manager, and a base coach. He coached the 2012 NL All Star team, and has managed minor league teams. He spent 8 seasons playing in the majors with the Dodgers, Mariners, Padres, Giants, Phillies and the Reds (1981-1988). Roenicke should be a positive addition to the 2018 coaching staff.

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Bullpen Needs Additions In 2018 Season

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Bullpen Needs New Starting Pitchers

The Red Sox were rebuilding their bullpen during the 2017 season, but with a new coaching staff for 2018, another update may be needed.

E-Rod Now in Recovery

Eduardo Rodriguez recently had surgery, and is now in the recovery process. He will not be able to start until May or June, at the earliest. Even then, he may only be pitching out of the bullpen. Rodriguez struggled with his knee throughout the season, and was eventually placed on the 10-day DL. After his return, it was obvious Rodriguez was going to need to look at surgical options during the offseason. With Rodriguez out for spring training, the Red Sox will need to look into another starting pitcher for the 2018 season.

Is Price The New Secret Weapon?

After David Price returned from the DL, it took time to work him back into the pitching rotation. The coaching staff decided he wouldn’t start, but rather would play when necessary. Price was quick to show his injury not only made him stronger, but he was also back to earn his spot in the rotation. He proved his value in late middle relief. He thrives off run support, and a strong offense behind him. With Price pitching as middle relief, things are looking up for the bullpen.

Porcello Not As Strong As 2016

It was clear to Red Sox Nation that something about Rick Porcello was different this season. He didn’t play like the Cy Young winner he was for the 2016 season. After watching Porcello play, he didn’t seem injured. It appeared as though he was not practicing, or looking for any way to improve. Porcello needs to work on his pitching throughout the offseason if he wants to stay in the starting rotation for 2018.

Doug Fister- A Giant Question Mark

Doug Fister was a question mark all season. No one knew if he would have a great game, or a terrible one. With Alex Cora coming in, he will want the starting rotation to be reliable. Fister showed progress throughout the 2017 season. He carried an ERA of 4.88 for 2017, which was the highest ERA of his career. This could be a red flag to the new pitching staff when deciding if they will re-sign him for 2018.

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My Continuing Battle With Brain Surgery

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My Story

It was my freshman year of high school in 2014 when I learned that I had a brain tumor the size of an apple on the back of my brain stem.  I would need surgery within a month. I spent the next year completely separated from everyone as the recovery process was very difficult. My junior year of high school I started to feel like my body was getting back to normal, but then news came that made my family and I think otherwise.

Surgery: Take Two

The night before the first day of senior year my oncologist called. I was going to need to go in and meet with a new team of surgeons. I had fluid build up in my brain that I will get removed in December of this year. Just when I thought that I was finally healing and wasn’t going to have to go through everything again. The way I have to think about this surgery is that it will only make things better.

Exciting Things have Happened

My family and I have always been huge Boston Red Sox fans since before I was born. Baseball has been the one stable thing in my life lately. This season I had the amazing opportunity to go to six different games. The cancer clinic that I am a part of has a partnership with the Red Sox organization.  My story was told to the board. On September 4th I met with a representative from the clinic who put me in contact with Jackie Bradley Jr. Although I did not meet Jackie, when we spoke he told me that I was an inspiration to both him and his teammates.   I was going to get through this, he told me.  To hear someone that you look up to say that you inspire them is a true blessing.

Two weeks ago, through the help of many on Twitter, I met Tom Caron of NESN when I went to Fenway. I was able to meet the whole NESN crew and spend a few hours talking about the Red Sox. I’ve met some of my best friends because of the Red Sox that I never would’ve met otherwise. And they are always there when I need them.