Face of the Franchise

[ifmanis5]

We had Mookie penciled in as the FOTF for the next 10 years at least. Now the job is open.

So, who is on the cover of the Red Sox media guide now and/or going forward?

I vote Bogie but it's not clear cut in my mind. Still healing the wounds.

 

[Ale Xander]

Is this a trick question?

 

[jon abbey]

I voted other: Chaim Bloom.

 

[Omar's Wacky Neighbor]

I vote Bogie but it's not clear cut in my mind. Still healing the wounds.

Which is exactly why we need RCV in these polls.

 

[Kliq]

The answer is obviously Papi. No Red Sox star will be able to surpass his star power in the city, even if he hasn't played for a decade, as long as he is commercials and makes appearances he will remain much more beloved than any active Red Sox player and the defacto face of the Red Sox. If Mookie was around for five more years, won another MVP and had a clutch run of hits en route to another WS victory he would have been in the conversation.

 

[shaggydog2000]

It's either Raffi or Xander. We still have great young stars on this team.

 

[bosockboy]

Xander.

 

[The_Powa_of_Seiji_Ozawa]

Wally.

 

[Reardon's Beard]

Samuel Adams Summer Ale.

 

[E5 Yaz]

George Washington

 

[Bob Montgomerys Helmet Hat]

It might have been Xander as early as last season.

 

[BaseballJones]

It's either Raffi or Xander. We still have great young stars on this team.

If there was a random team out there that had:

- Three guys who hit .300/30/100 last year
- Two of whom were 26 and 22 years of age
- Three other quality starting position players who were under 30
- A starting 2b who, at age 23, hit 18 homers in just 347 ab
- A power-hitting CI prospect who has hit 59 homers in the past two years (in 927 ab) ready to join the MLB club this year
- A starting pitcher who, at age 26, just put up a 19-win, 3.81 era, 9.4 k/9 season and finished 6th in the AL CYA race (and who has won 32 games with a 3.81 era and 9.7 k/9 the past two seasons)
- Another starting pitcher who was dealing with health concerns but who has been an absolute ace his whole career and as recently as 2 years ago, with a career era of 3.03 and a career k/9 of 11.1

I'd think that we'd all agree that that's a really good foundation for what could be an excellent team. Or at least there'd be reason for that team to be optimistic heading into this season.

 

[Shaky Walton]

The vote thus far accords with my reaction and suspicion. I don't see this one as particularly close.

I mean, Papi is a one of a kind, but I think the "face" has to come from the existing roster and as good as Devers is, Xander is a five tool, likable and relatable star. He also plays SS, right smack in the middle of things. It's gotta be him.

 

[bankshot1]

It seems like its going to pass to X or Devers

if they can't pick up Mookie's mantle (sorry had to), maybe Yaz can fill-in

 

[ifmanis5]

Wally.

Damn, should have had that. Well played.

 

[brandonchristensen]

Xander until we know what's happening with Devers.

 

[shaggydog2000]

The vote thus far accords with my reaction and suspicion. I don't see this one as particularly close.

I mean, Papi is a one of a kind, but I think the "face" has to come from the existing roster and as good as Devers is, Xander is a five tool, likable and relatable star. He also plays SS, right smack in the middle of things. It's gotta be him.

I voted Xander, and for all the reasons you say. But Devers is just incredibly likable, and if he breaks out big he could be the face of the franchise pretty easily.

 

[pedro1918]

Is "The RemDawg" still our "President"?

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

George Washington

Woodrow Wilson.

This team doesn't play with $1 bills

 

[Patek's 3 Dingers]

Woodrow Wilson.

This team doesn't play with $1 bills

I would go with X, but if one of the others wins a Cy Young or MVP, I'll quickly change my mind.

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

It's Bogaerts because of his contract. He signed the discounted extension to stick around. Devers is second in line and until he's locked up into his free agency years, he probably will remain there.

 

[CarolinaBeerGuy]

Xander until we know what's happening with Devers.

What do you mean?

 

[brandonchristensen]

What do you mean?

If he continues to play as well as he did last year, I could see him growing into a larger than life figure if he is a stud for years. And he's so damn pinchable, which will help.

 

[nvalvo]

I voted Xander, but on reflection, it's obviously BRUSDAR!

 

[Earthbound64]

maybe Yaz can fill-in

I think that San Francisco might take issue with that.

 

[azsoxpatsfan]

I think it’s clearly Xander. One of the longest tenured guys on the team, 2 World Series, shortstop, absolute stud, team friendly long term extension

Edit: this could just seem obvious to me because I’m biased. X has been my favorite player since Ortiz retired even tho I knew Mookie was a superior player. I’ve loved bogey since I first heard about him in like 2012

 

[bankshot1]

I think that San Francisco might take issue with that.

In this case I'm pretty sure there is a grand-father clause that can apply.

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

Woodrow Wilson.

This team doesn't play with $1 bills

For those who need visuals (and since I am off mobile)

 

[Hank Scorpio]

The Woo Sox Emoji

 

[Norm Siebern]

For those who need visuals (and since I am off mobile)

And, he was connected as a love interest for Edna Krabapple to boot. That's enough for me.

 

[bg1025]

I vote for Xander. It’s my oldest sons name so hopefully he stays with us for his whole career.

 

[Seels]

John Henry. He owns this trade, and will for a long time.

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

John Henry. He owns this trade, and will for a long time.

Exactly. As long as he owns the four titles his ownership has brought to this city.

 

[E5 Yaz]

Exactly. As long as he owns the four titles his ownership has brought to this city.

Ancient history

 

[Patek's 3 Dingers]

Ancient history

True, but "Twenty Eighteen" sounds better than "Nineteen Eighteen" when chanted by Yankees fans.

 

[CarolinaBeerGuy]

X is the face and Devers is the future.

 

[JimD]

I love X - he does everything right and I'm very happy that he signed an extension and will be playing in Boston for at least three more years - but I voted for Devers. Rafael looks like he is having so much fun out there and he is already showing what mindblowing offensive feats he is capable of. It is not a stretch to see him cementing his position as one of the top hitters in baseball.

It's kind of a shame for Bogaerts - he's been overshadowed by Mookie all these years, and now that this is arguably 'his team', here's Devers to provide the fireworks that will be shown on MLB Tonight. Not that I think X would complain, of course, because he certainly seems like a classy dude and good teammate.