Pro Hogs: Benintendi Impressing In Spring Training

Jun 13, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks batter Tyler Spoon (8) congratulates runner Andrew Benintendi (16) after Benintendi hit a home run against the Virginia Cavaliers in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Virginia Cavaliers won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks batter Tyler Spoon (8) congratulates runner Andrew Benintendi (16) after Benintendi hit a home run against the Virginia Cavaliers in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Virginia Cavaliers won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Arkansas fans knew that had something special in Andrew Benintendi, and I’m starting to think the Boston Red Sox are starting to come around to the hype of #BennyBaseball as well.

The Center fielder has been ranked as one of the best prospects in the Red Sox farm system, and when getting a chance to show his stuff in the spring training games of the “Big Show” he has come through. In the two games he has appeared, he’s hitting .750 going 3-for-4 at the plate, including a double and a run scored.

Unfortunately, the Red Sox haven’t won those two games, losing 6-to-8 on March, 18th to the Minnesota Twins and 3-to-5 today (March 28th) to the Baltimore Orioles. However, Spring Training games are much like the NFL’s pre-season games in that, it’s really hard to put much stock into the scoreboard, but more into individual performances. What time Benintendi is getting in the spotlight he’s putting to good use.

"WATCH: Just got word that this guy is suiting up with the big squad today!! He will most likely come off bench, but the game will be live on ESPN at Noon, Central Time!! Go Sox!! #bennybaseballPosted by Benintendi Deserves A Statue on Monday, March 28, 2016"

In his first season in the minors, he played for the Class-A Red Sox affiliate, the “Greenville Drive” in South Carolina. #BennyBaseball put up some pretty solid stats, hitting .313 with 11 home runs and 10 stolen bases.

More razorbacks: Missouri State has a Rematch Countdown Clock for Hogs Game

Andrew Benintendi was selected in the 1st round and the 7th selection overall in last years MLB draft. At Arkansas, he won the “SEC Player of the Year”, “Baseball America Player of the Year”, and the College baseball version of the Heisman the Dick Howser trophy.