The Red Sox are staging an exciting and entertaining push for a playoff spot, one that’s starting to mirror one of the most iconic runs in franchise history.
J.P. Ricciardi, a former Toronto Blue Jays general manager who now serves as a special advisor to the San Francisco Giants’ president of baseball operations, made the comparison on the latest episode of NESN’s “310 To Left” podcast. The Worcester, Mass., native was eight years old when the 1967 Red Sox put together “The Impossible Dream,” and he can’t help but think about that memorable team from his childhood while watching Alex Cora’s club.
“When I look at the Red Sox — I know I’m dating myself — but they very much remind me of the ’67 Red Sox,” Ricciardi told hosts Tom Caron and Alex Speier. “They got a lot of magic going right now. I think anything they’re able to go out and add is going to make them a better club.”
Ricciardi took things a step further by making player-to-player comparisons. Rafael Devers, who currently ranks inside the top 12 in the American League in home runs, batting average and RBIs, is reminding Ricciardi of Carl Yastrzemski. As Boston fans will remember, the Hall of Famer clinched the AL Triple Crown on the same day the ’67 Red Sox won the pennant. Ricciardi also sees shades of Tony Conigliario in All-Star Game MVP Jarren Duran, who’s having a breakout season for the ages.
You can hear more from Ricciardi and listen to the latest “310 To Left” episode in full by clicking the link here.
