Michael Chavis Goes By The Book

BOSTON—After two challenging seasons spent mostly at low Class A Greenville, third baseman Michael Chavis resolved this spring to hit the books—or, more specifically, the book.

Mindful of the studying techniques that served him best as a high school student in suburban Atlanta, Chavis started keeping an extensive journal of his games this spring. He took stock of all manner of details—from pregame routines to how he felt and what he thought about in the batter’s box to individual at-bats and pitches.

The goal was to develop a more systematic way of thinking about his performance in a way that might translate to greater consistency. Chavis had proven streaky as a pro while forging a .246/.301/.396 career batting line through 2016.

“I just started writing it down so I could remember it day to day, pitch to pitch, at-bat to at-bat,” said Chavis, 21. “But also if I ever do get into a tough spot, if, for example, I go on the (disabled list), then I have something to reference back to.”

Chavis, a 2014 first-round pick, believes the approach served him well at the outset of 2017 at high Class A Salem. After right elbow inflammation sidelined him for 10 days, he returned with a bang, going 6-for-11 with three walks and four homers-. Chavis’ barrage included the first three-homer game in the history of Salem Memorial Ballpark, not to mention a walk-off blast.

That not only offered a glimpse of the plus power potential he showed as an amateur but also a professional highlight.

“I’m going to remember this moment for the rest of my life, without a doubt,” Chavis said. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. A couple of the guys asked what I was thinking when I was rounding the bases. It’s just, ‘Wow.’

“I pray before every at-bat, but I can’t tell you how many prayers were said before and during that at-bat. It’s an experience I’m going to remember for the rest of my life.”

SOX YARNS

• Lefthander Jason Groome suffered a minor lat strain in his first start at Greenville. The Red Sox did not expect the 2016 first-rounder to miss more than a couple of starts.

• Righthanded reliever Ben Taylor became the first Red Sox pitcher since 1980 to skip Triple-A in order to make an Opening Day roster.

— Alex Speier covers the Red Sox for the Boston Globe