More Total

Recently, I received a couple of packages in the mail containing a number of the recent Topps Total Red Sox cards.  Included among them was a bunch of other random cards, which actually contained a card I needed.  That would be the Stat Kings saves leader card from 2019 Topps Big League and featuring Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel who finished second with 42 saves in 2018..  

And then there are the Total cards, three of which were first-time players in my Red Sox collection.

1.  Kevin Plawecki.  The backup catcher is having a big season after being non-tendered by the Indians and replacing Sandy Leon.  Plawecki is currently hitting .354/.404/.500 with four doubles, a home run and eleven RBIs.  He has also pitched two-thirds of an inning, walking a batter.

2.  Chris Sale.  Sale is obviously fairly large in my collection, closing in on 100 cards.  Sale has not and will not pitch this season due to Tommy John surgery in April.

3.  Jose Peraza.  Peraza has been a disappointment.  He was signed to take over second base and looked like a low risk, high reward signing.  Well, at least he was low risk.  Peraza has hit .225/.275/.342 with eight doubles, a triple, a home run, eight RBIs and one stolen base.  He has recently been sent to the minors and looks like he has played his last game in Boston.

4.  Josh Taylor.  Taylor was acquired in the deal that sent former first round pick Deven Marrero to Arizona.  Taylor was a pleasant surprise last year when he went 2-2 with a 3.04 ERA and 62 strikeouts versus 16 walks in 47.1 innings.  He has struggled this season, but missed a chunk due to illness.  He has shown signs of coming around though and could be a top lefty in the bullpen next season.