Early in the season, Red Sox manager John Farrell is trying to remain patient with a couple of his regular everyday position players - one an established veteran, the other a second-year player.
Mike Napoli has, for the most part, remained at first base and was there again Saturday night, despite hitting just .143 with no homers and two RBI in 56 at-bats.
"You see some at-bats where he drives the ball and get nothing for it,'' noted Farrell. "I can't say that he's caught in between (behind on fastballs and a head of off-speed), but there's been some swing-and-miss there and maybe more of a (tendency) to expand the strike zone, particularly up. But he was out here early, trying to get things right.
"We saw it for a short glimpse the other night in Tampa. When he's in the place where he is typically as a hitter, this lineup takes on a completely different look -- much longer, much deeper. And Mike being a part of it is pivotal for us.''
Meanwhile, Mookie Betts remains the everyday center fielder. Betts had two hits Friday night in the series opener, but is still hitting only .215. Still, Farrell's belief in the young outfielder remains unwavering.
"What's been great to see,'' said Farrell, "is that every day he walks into the clubhouse, it's the same fun, outgoing personality. He's handling it the right there. It's kind of a window to what's going on inside. If a guy doesn't change his approach or persona, you have to take it for what it's worth (and assume) that everything's OK.''
A slump isn't about to take Betts out of the leadoff spot, either, despite his current .307 on-base percentage.
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"He profiles so well in that role,'' Farrell said. "You recognize there's going to be some fluctuation with a young player. But he's a guy you can personally bet on because of who he is and how he takes care of his own business.
"And when he's on base, he's got a chance to impact it and take the game over, as we've seen a number of times this year. He's naturally very confident about who he is as a person and a player. That shows on the field. I like him in that spot. I haven't thought about taking him out of the leadoff spot.''