J.D. Martinez. (Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- Red Sox are 25-and-9--one game in front of the surging Yankees for the best record in baseball.
But, as the East rivals prepare to start a three-game series in the Bronx tonight at 7:05 p.m., there's one sub-plot fans will be watching all year and in the seasons to come.
That's right--who's better, J.D. Martinez or Giancarlo Stanton?
Historically, Stanton. By popular opinion, Stanton.
Numerically? It's early May, but that's Martinez.
MLB-Leading Red Sox And Yankees Start Pivotal Stretch In Bronx
Average--.349 versus .227.
Slugging percentage--.619 versus .455.
Homers--8 to 7.
RBI--27 to 19.
Martinez has Stanton beat in on-base percentage and doubles, too.
It's a long year, but so far it appears Boston's made a very smart investment.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman reports.