McAdam: Verudgo stands out in an otherwise disappointing season

Very little has gone right for the Red Sox in 2020 -- as demonstrated by their record and place in the standings.

Their pitching has been the worst in the game. Their most reliable run-producer has had his worst season ever. The bullpen, tasked with providing the most innings in either league, has been found wanting.

But one positive development can't be ignored: the play of Alex Verdugo.

Acquired in February as the centerpiece of the five-player blockbuster with the Dodgers that cost the Sox both Mookie Betts and David Price, Verdugo has performed like an All-Star and stands as one of the season's few bright spots.

With just over two weeks remaining in a forgettable year, Verdugo entered the weekend with highest OPS (.887) among qualifying regulars. He also led the team in hits, runs and doubles, as well as OPS+. He led all of baseball in outfield assists and splitting his time almost equally between left field and right field, has been a well above-average defender no matter where he plays.

After some initial reservations, he's even taken to the leadoff spot -- something he had done very little of prior to his arrival in Boston -- with a .377 on-base percentage.

With Mitch Moreland traded and Rafael Devers limited by a poor first month, a case could be made that Verdugo has been both the most consistent and best everyday Red Sox player. Only Xander Bogaerts could provide him with competition.

"I really like this guy,'' gushed Ron Roenicke. "I think he's going to be a really nice player.''

In truth, the numbers only tell a part of the story. Verdugo has also brought an undeniable energy and swagger to the team. For a team out of contention only weeks into the season, watching Verdugo's effort and his demonstrable personality has kept the Sox at least mildly watchable.

On the field, he doesn't hide his emotion. In an empty ballpark, it's easy to hear him curse himself when he pops a ball up. And, on one memorable occasion, his celebratory shout after leaping to take away a homer in front of the visiting bullpen one night at Fenway marked one of the season's highlights.

If Major League Baseball wants players with personality, the sport doesn't have to look much beyond Verdugo.

Despite the team's failings, Verdugo has been who the Red Sox had hoped he would be. There's been no adjustment to Boston, no tough transition in switching leagues. Verdugo seemed to hit the ground running -- literally -- and hasn't stopped. Other newcomers have been intimidated by the expectations that come with playing in Boston, but not Verdugo.

"I think it's who I am as a person,'' he said. "I don't back down from a challenge. I don't shy away from the big moment. Once I came here, I knew I had an opportunity. To come over here and know you have a starting spot and just out there and play and just keep showing little aspects of your game, it's great. I think this has been like a 60-game little sprint to show everybody what you have.''

If there's been a missing ingredient for Verdugo, it's been not having fans in the stands.

Initially, having been the only established player the Red Sox received when they traded off a star like Betts, that might have been a good thing. Verdugo never had to endure the wrath of fans who took out their frustration about the deal on him.

But with the season he'd had and the style he displays, it's clear Verdugo could energize the ballpark and the fans -- once they're allowed to return.

"When people see him when there's fans in the stands,'' said Roenicke said, "they're going to really appreciate the effort he puts in and the energy that he has.''

"I love playing in front of fans, man,'' he said. "I love 'em. It doesn't matter if it's home team or on the road. Being on the road, you hear everything. They talk their smack and I feast off of it. I kind of jaw back with them, in a well-meaning way. I like to have a good time. I like to chirp with them.

"The same thing at home. It would be nice to hear people screaming when you're coming up to the plate if you make a good play. It's nice to hear genuine reactions on the spot. I do miss the interactions with them and how they make you feel.''

If there's an unknown about Verdugo, it's his power. He's hit six homers -- which would roughly translate to about 25 homers in a full schedule -- and there's some debate about whether he can become more of a home run threat. Verdugo tends to hit line drives and Fenway's dimensions -- with a deep right field -- may cost him in the power department.

"I'm actually hoping that the power isn't a big deal with his game,'' said Roenicke. "I really like how he approaches it. He battles at the plate. He doesn't chase pitches. He hits the ball the other way. If they shift on him, he'll hit a ground ball the other way to get a hit and get on base. Wherever he ends up in the lineup, it's important for him to continue getting on base.

"A lot of times, when these guys start hitting for power, all of a sudden the on-base (element) goes down and they start swinging for the fences. I think he's a good hitter because he doesn't swing for the fences. I think he'll hit some home runs. Whatever that number is, (I don't know). Whatever it is, I think it's going to be plenty -- as long as he continues to be a really good hitter.''