Section 215
Fansided

Philadelphia Phillies: With your Team out of the Playoffs, Who to Root for?

By Chuck Booth

Oct 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Fans wave Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) heads on a stick during the second inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Fans wave Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) heads on a stick during the second inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Phillies
Oct 2, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Fans hold signs during the fifth inning in honor of Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) in a game agains the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

American League: The Boston Red Sox

Who are they: The Red Sox made the postseason by virtue of winning the American League East during the David Ortiz farewell tour. They finished the season with a 93-69 record while having one of the most balanced teams in all of baseball. The Red Sox have the top offense in baseball having scored 878 runs which is number one by 33 runs and is also 70 more runs scored than the vaunted Chicago Cubs.

Their star in the lineup is Mookie Betts who’s among the league leaders both offensively and defensively. The outfielder has slashed .318/ .363/ .534 while only striking out 80 times over the course of the season. Betts also hit 31 homers while stealing 26 bases. He had a special season and at only 23 his best baseball has yet to come.

Why root for them: The Red Sox are the definition of “Started from the bottom, now we’re here” as they finished last in the AL East last season before winning the division this year. They are a well-balanced and well-coached team under John Farrell. The last time that they won the AL East in 2013, they won the World Series so history is on their side.

Can the boys of Beantown send Big Papi off in style?

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