Top 5 Spring Training Offensive Performers

The Boston Red Sox are 7-6 in spring training games so far this year. As camp moves along, the coaching staff with get to see more action for those who are going to make the opening day roster.

The Red Sox already made cuts earlier in the week, reassigning Deven Marreo and Justin Henry to minor league camp and optioning Drake Britton to Double-A Portland after his DUI arrest.

Those left at camp are getting into game action. Red Sox Nation has been able to get a look at one of the top Red Sox prospect in Jackie Bradley Jr. and first looks at new offensive acquisitions, Mike Napoli, Jonny Gomes and Shane Victorino. Napoli and Gomes have already made their presence known hitting three homers between the two.

Of course, how well a player performs in spring training doesn’t always translate into the regular season, however it is fun to watch new and old faces get back into the lineup and see some baseball action.

A few Red Sox players have stood out of the crowd, performing well in their first baseball games of 2013. Taking a look at the top offensive performers on the team, some of them are obvious, while others may be a surprise to most. Here are the top five right now.

Here is an honorable mention, who just missed the top five:

Jose Iglesias, SS


2013 Spring Training Stats: 8 G, .300 AVG, HR, 5 RBI

Iglesias’ offense is a great sign for the Red Sox, it is the only thing that has kept him from becoming the regular shortstop at Fenway Park.

Justin Soderberg is a Boston Red Sox writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, "Like" him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.

5. Pedro Ciriaco, IF

2013 Spring Training Stats: 8 G, .350 AVG, 4 RBI, 3 SB

The battle between backup infielders, Pedro Ciriaco and Brock Holt seems to have Ciriaco in the lead. His speed on the bases has been a welcome sight in Fort Myers.

4. Dustin Pedroia, 2B

2013 Spring Training Stats: 6 G, .412 AVG, HR, 5 RBI

Dustin Pedroia has to step up and be the leader of the team this season. His statistical spring training is off to a good start. Although he has only played in six games, he has knocked in five RBI.

3. Jackie Bradley Jr., OF

2013 Spring Training Stats: 10 G, .500 AVG, 2 RBI, SB

By far the most watched prospect in Fort Myers is Jackie Bradley Jr., who is Major League Baseball’s 32nd ranked prospect. After 10 games in spring training, the outfielder has batted .500 with two RBI. He is playing well enough to make the opening day roster, however it is very unlikely he will.


2. Mike Napoli, 1B

2013 Spring Training Stats: 3 G, .571 AVG, 2 HR, 5 RBI

Mike Napoli is a power bat the Boston Red Sox signed this past offseason. After an injury scare during his physical, Napoli seems to be healthy and hitting for power. Two homers in three games is just what the doctor asked for.

1. J.C. Linares, OF

2013 Spring Training Stats: 9 G, .400 AVG, HR, 5 RBI

The biggest surprise is the play of outfielder, Juan Carlos Linares, also know as, J.C. Linares. The 28-year-old is fighting for a backup outfield position with the Boston Red Sox, however there doesn’t appear to be room. Linares will be sent to the minors as camp dwindles down, but he is having fun while at spring training.

Justin Soderberg is a Boston Red Sox writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, "Like" him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.