J.D. Martinez. (Harry How/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- As things stand about five weeks out from baseball's regular season, Mookie Betts expects to be Boston's leadoff hitter, then Andrew Benintendi will bat second--a spot or two in front of new slugger J.D. Martinez.
The Red Sox's new designated hitter commands respect after a 45-homer season--good for third-most in baseball.
So does Andrew think his new teammate's presence in the order will make his job any easier?
"Maybe, I mean, hopefully, we'll see," he said. "I have an approach, I have a routine that I'll go through, and regardless of my at-bats, I've got a plan. And if he's maybe below me in the lineup, it can only help."
New Red Sox Teammates Expect J.D. Martinez To Thrive In Boston
Benintendi finished second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting last season after hitting 20 homers with 90 RBI, along with a .271 average and .776 OPS.
You wouldn't know it with the lack of buzz most of the offseason, but Boston's won the East the last two years, each time with 93 wins.
Benintendi believes the Martinez signing sends the right message.
"We're trying to win," he said. "We had a good year last year, and pretty much everybody's back, and J.D. coming in, it can only help. I'm looking forward to getting to know him, I heard he's a good dude."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman reports