For three and a half seasons, Rich Hill and Justin Turner were teammates with the Los Angeles Dodgers. If things break right this winter, they could be reunited as teammates on the Red Sox.
But whether that happens or not, Hill believes Turner is the perfect fit for the Sox.
"Obviously, he's a great player,'' said Hill of Turner, who signed a two-year deal with an opt-out after the first year Sunday with the Sox. "But he's going to bring a lot to the clubhouse with his leadership and understanding of what it takes to win a championship. You're talking about a guy who hasn't had the smoothest path to the big leagues. So he understands the importance of using your time to make an impact with other players and passing along your knowledge to other guys on the team. That was something I saw on a daily basis in L.A.
"The consistency of his work ethic is something that's big, too -- the healthy obsession with hitting, and how to pick up little things about pitchers, understanding how pitchers are trying to attack each hitter. His input is right on when he starts talking about how to attack certain pitchers, and how some guys can benefit from that advice.''
After the loss of free agents Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez, the Red Sox had a void in veteran leadership. Rafael Devers is now the position player with the longest tenure on the Red Sox' roster, and, at least at this stage of his career, doesn't fit the role of leader. Plus, the loss of Martinez, who had served as something of a hitting savant and doubled as an unofficial assistant hitting coach, left another hole for the Sox.
Turner is qualified to fill both.
"He just has this ability to connect,'' said Hill. "And it's not just younger players, like (Dodgers catcher) Austin Barnes, who he helped a lot. Even veteran players can benefit.''
Sometimes, leaders are found among spare parts and utility players, who impart their wisdom from the bench. But Turner has exhibited leadership qualities as an everyday position player, which can make his contributions even more meaningful. Teammates can see for themselves how Turner's approach has helped him enjoy a long, successful major league career.
"I think the consistency he shows and his dedication has helped him be the player he is,'' said Hill. "And other guys see it and feed off that. Everyone can benefit from his leadership and experience. It's different coming from an everyday position player. You have leaders who are starting pitchers, or relievers coming in from the bullpen, but they relate better to guys on the (pitching) staff. It's different when you're a position player; you want someone who goes through the same routine (in a leadership role). It's just a different level of understanding. That carries a lot of weight in the clubhouse.''
It helps, too, that Turner has known nothing but success over the last decade or so. The Dodgers qualified for the postseason in each of his nine seasons with the club and twice won the National League pennant, winning a World Series in 2020. Turner has earned a reputation for being a player who responds well in October and lives for the big moment.
"That carries a lot of weight in the clubhouse,'' said Hill of Turner's winning history. "That translates into confidence and a sincere ability to let everybody in a clubhouse know what can be accomplished when you work together. He has an understanding of what it takes to be successful, the sacrifices you have to make, the importance of putting the team first, that at the end of the day, winning is all that matters. The more you practice that kind of mindset during the season, when those big moments come around, it's less daunting.
"And it's not just about what he's done on the field, but off the field, too. Winning the Roberto Clemente Award (given annually for contributions to the game and for charitable work) helps other guys understand that they can have an impact in the community. All that stuff comes together in the clubhouse and creates a better understanding for players and the trust that exists between teammates. When you back it up by being a quality individual like JT, it's a great fit.''
Ultimately, though, the Red Sox are paying Turner to perform, and Hill believes that Turner will find hitting in Fenway Park to his liking.
"He's going to wear out The Wall,'' predicted HIll. "He's already a doubles machine (with 36 last year), but he's going to hit a lot there. He can hit the ball gap-to-gap with the best of them, and with his ability to get the ball in the air, and with the Green Monster out there, he could have a few more home runs as well.''
