BSJ Daily Briefing 06.28.18 - Evaluator before season: 'I don’t say this lightly - I think he’s the best hitter in the game'

Good morning!

A few random thoughts this morning while I build my ark (man, we really needed this rain — or at least my lawn did)...

• Things I don't get about MLB, Part 103: How are the Red Sox now a half-game up on the Yankees when they have the exact same winning percentage? Isn't that definition of being tied?

• Well, in any event, it will get decided this weekend, hopefully.


• Every time I watch J.D. Martinez hit — and now he has the most home runs through June by any Red Sox player — I'm reminded of the quote a scout gave to Sean McAdam before the season: "I don’t say this lightly — I think he’s the best hitter in the game. He’s so smart and so well-prepared. He may lose some homers in Fenway (because of his tendency to hit the ball to right center), but he’ll do plenty of damage and his preparation will rub off on some others in the lineup.”


• Yes, I thought the guy was crazy and typical preseason hyperbole. But Martinez may very well be the smartest hitter I've seen in my lifetime. And he's not even that naturally talented. He doesn't do anything special. He just, obviously, works his butt off and is smart as hell. What a pleasure to watch.


• The leader stuff is a bonus and one that could be the difference between the Sox flaming out again or actually doing something.


• Just say no on Kawhi. If a guy doesn't want to play for Pop, I don't want to know him.


• Just a brutal loss for Arkansas last night in the College World Series. If it doesn't win tonight, they'll all never live it down (especially the second baseman). Buckner-esque.


• What a choke by Germany. Epic.


• What can I say, I have a big soft spot for the Magicial Muscovite?