Cams Commentary: Why The Red Sox will be fine without David Ortiz

As spring training gets underway and the 2017 season approaches, the Red Sox prepare to enter their first season without David Ortiz since 2003. The newly retired Ortiz will surely be missed by his team. The Red Sox will lose a huge veteran presence in their clubhouse, which provided the team with so much wisdom and leadership. Many are unsure how Boston will fare without Big Papi. I can assure you that this young, talented team will be just fine without him.

The Red Sox will enter 2017 with one of the most solid young cores in the MLB, and it all starts in the outfield. In left field will be Andrew Benintendi, MLB pipeline’s number one prospect. Benintendi showed flashes of greatness in his time up in the big leagues, before his season was cut short due to injury. Benintendi will be a top candidate for rookie of the year this season. In center will be Jackie Bradley jr., a 2016 MLB all-star. Bradley is coming off a career season, in which he hit the ball better than he ever has before (26 home runs, 87 RBI). To go along with his offensive performance, Bradley showed that he can be a premier defensive outfielder, as he was a gold glove finalist. Bradley will look to improve even more this season. Finally, in right field: Mookie Betts. A 2016 all-star and MVP runner-up, Mookie Betts is coming off his breakout season. Not only did he excel at the plate (.318 AVG, 31 HR, 113 RBI, silver slugger), but he performed in the field as well, winning a gold glove. Mookie is going to be the future face of the Red Sox, as he will look to place himself among the league’s best players.

The infield is very promising, as well. Third base is the only major question. The Red Sox have left the door wide open for former star Pablo Sandoval to come back and take over the position. After losing his job last season and getting injured, Sandoval has worked harder than ever to get back into shape. Hopefully Sandoval can return to his former self and play well, but that statement is still a mystery. Lucky, the Sox have valuable backups to Sandoval if he does not work out, including Brock Holt and Josh Rutledge. The middle infield is solid. At shortstop will be Xander Bogaerts, a 2016 all-star with a very high ceiling. At second base will be Dustin Pedroia, a seasoned veteran coming off a remarkable offensive season (.318 AVG). At first base will be newly acquired Mitch Moreland. Moreland is a power hitter who has a lot of potential to hopefully help fill the power gap that Boston obtained when Ortiz left. The player who will hopefully fill the bulk of that gap will be Hanley Ramirez, who will take over at designated hitter for Ortiz. Coming off a monster year of power (30 HR, 111 RBI), Ramirez will have high expectations for 2017, as he looks bigger and stronger than ever. Doing the catching for the Red Sox will likely be Sandy Leon, who was the biggest surprise for Boston last season as he hit .310.

Pitching should be a wonderful asset to the Sox this year. The biggest move made in the offseason was acquiring lefty Chris Sale via trade. Sale is one of the best pitchers in all of baseball, striking out 233 batters with the Chicago White Sox last season. Sale also possesses the gritty mental toughness needed to pitch in a hostile Boston environment and win playoff games. He will be accompanied by 2016 ALCy Young winner Rick Porcello, as well as David Price. Price, even though he struck out 228 batters, had one of his worst seasons in his Boston debut. However, the 5-time all-star is determined to go out this season and make it his best. These three talents will join to form one of the best pitching rotations in baseball.

While the Red Sox will lose a future hall of fame player, they have the talent and personnel to remain a top team in the MLB for years to come.

-Cam Rogers ‘18

COMMENTARY: Hats off Whitman Hanson!

With snow falling today on March 10th, 2017 most students will be walking into the school wearing a winter hat. Hats have been a controversial topic here at Whitman Hanson. Many wish to be able to express themselves through their outfits, which include hats.
Personally, I wear hats everywhere and wish to wear them to school. Other schools in the south shore allow their students to wear hats during school hours, so why can't Whitman Hanson? This policy is in our hand book under section VII. "Student Expectation Information". Under the dress code portion of this section #8 states, "Hats and coats or outside jackets must be left in lockers during the school day. Hats are defined as any head covering".  This leads me to ask, whats so bad about head covering? I understand if a hat that a student would be wearing is inappropriate they must take it off, but if its harmless why can't we enjoy the accessory during school. Many students do not agree with this policy. Morgan Thomas, sophomore, argues "I think hats should be allowed in school. They are not really making an issue by wearing them. They keep people warm and look cute". I absolutely agree with Morgan. Hats should be allowed in school in order to instill a welcoming environment with students being able to express themselves more.

Whitman Hanson takes the stage

Last week was Key Club’s production of the Prom Fashion Show, a fundraiser that goes toward the American Cancer Society. I had the privilege to take part in this wonderful event, and many other peers of Whitman Hanson as well. The participants were in for a whirlwind of a day filled with fun, makeup, and hairspray.

The premise of the Prom Fashion Show is to put on an entertaining event to raise money for an incredible cause. Boys and Girls of Whitman Hanson come together and put on a show not only promoting prom season, but promoting this good cause as well. “I thought it would be fun to dress up and spend time with my friends” says Junior, Cathryn Johnson. The boys and girls got the chance to wear beautiful dresses and sharp tuxedos and model them on stage. “We got to have a good time while giving back to a good cause,” stated Maicey Bowman.

Now, what did it take to put on this successful show? The girls and boys were assigned to a certain shop to find the apparel that they were to wear the night of the show. From there, rehearsals for the show came into play. From firsthand experience, the participants had to learn how to do the runway walk, with our partners. The night of the show became before we all knew it, “It was nerve wracking,” exclaims Mandy Lishman, Right after school, the girls went straight into the process of hair and makeup. Soon after, the boys came along to start rehearsing the show before it went on. The dresses and tuxedos came, and we were all immediately sent to get ready. “It was very hectic and everyone was running around, but in the end it all came together nicely,” concludes Cathryn Johnson.

The Prom Fashion Show was a fun event to be apart of. Where we all get to step out of our comfort zones and have some fun to support an astounding cause. Juniors next year definitely should consider being apart of this event, for it is an amazing environment, where you get that one night to be a star.

Julia Pendrak ‘18