HuskyHawk
The triumphant return of the Blues Brothers.
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2011
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Ok Red Sox fans, how are you feeling? I really think the team has added some depth, which was really needed. They are better built to withstand injuries, or Covid absences. Last season they lost the whole pitching staff. Roster analysis in the Herald.
The left side of the infield is elite, and I expect Devers to return to form. No worries there. 2B has been a trouble spot for years since Pedroia went down. I think this is the year Chavis either wins the spot and provides ok D and + power, or proves he isn't the answer. Fortunately the Sox stocked up on utility guys, including Enrique Hernandez, who signed a fairly big deal for this winter, and may be looking to show he's a full time player. Jeter Downs looms in the minors and could force his way up.
At 1B, Dalbec has power, and his defense is good. He has to stop striking out. That's a problem for Chavis as well, and he is likely the backup at 1B. I think they really lack a steady guy at 1B who can get good at bats consistently. It's a week spot, but one that could become a positive if Dalbec figures it out.
OF I look for JD Martinez to get back to something more like normal. He will mostly DH. Still that's a big boost. Verdugo proved a solid option in RF, and reminds me a bit of Dwight Evans. Franchy Cordero could break out, or could flop. He seems to have the talent. He's on the Covid list right now. Renfroe is another guy with power who hasn't quite put it all together. Anybody sensing a theme? Unless they hit on these gambles, it's possible one of the several utility infield guys lands in the OF. That's how Mookie ended up in RF being blocked by Pedroia, so if Chavis figures it out playing OF, fine with me. Missing a true CF right now, maybe JBJ returns.
Pitching. The theme remains the same. Stocking up on talented arms that have so far not lived up to their promise. If Sale was healthy, that would change things. Maybe he will be by summer. If eRod is truly healthy after his Covid related heart problems, he's a stable force. Eovaldi another talent without results. They rave about Richards' sinker, maybe he takes a leap. Houck looked promising last year. Perez offers depth until Sale returns, or if somebody falters. The bullpen looks like it is decent, with no clear cut closer. I don't trust Barnes in that role. Maybe Sawamura shows he can do it.
Overall they could surprise if these young, talented guys take a step and JD, Sale and Devers return to form. But they could also finish last again. I get the strategy. If a few of these players become solid players, the future suddenly looks pretty solid. It's a bridge year that can't be written off completely.
The left side of the infield is elite, and I expect Devers to return to form. No worries there. 2B has been a trouble spot for years since Pedroia went down. I think this is the year Chavis either wins the spot and provides ok D and + power, or proves he isn't the answer. Fortunately the Sox stocked up on utility guys, including Enrique Hernandez, who signed a fairly big deal for this winter, and may be looking to show he's a full time player. Jeter Downs looms in the minors and could force his way up.
At 1B, Dalbec has power, and his defense is good. He has to stop striking out. That's a problem for Chavis as well, and he is likely the backup at 1B. I think they really lack a steady guy at 1B who can get good at bats consistently. It's a week spot, but one that could become a positive if Dalbec figures it out.
OF I look for JD Martinez to get back to something more like normal. He will mostly DH. Still that's a big boost. Verdugo proved a solid option in RF, and reminds me a bit of Dwight Evans. Franchy Cordero could break out, or could flop. He seems to have the talent. He's on the Covid list right now. Renfroe is another guy with power who hasn't quite put it all together. Anybody sensing a theme? Unless they hit on these gambles, it's possible one of the several utility infield guys lands in the OF. That's how Mookie ended up in RF being blocked by Pedroia, so if Chavis figures it out playing OF, fine with me. Missing a true CF right now, maybe JBJ returns.
Pitching. The theme remains the same. Stocking up on talented arms that have so far not lived up to their promise. If Sale was healthy, that would change things. Maybe he will be by summer. If eRod is truly healthy after his Covid related heart problems, he's a stable force. Eovaldi another talent without results. They rave about Richards' sinker, maybe he takes a leap. Houck looked promising last year. Perez offers depth until Sale returns, or if somebody falters. The bullpen looks like it is decent, with no clear cut closer. I don't trust Barnes in that role. Maybe Sawamura shows he can do it.
Overall they could surprise if these young, talented guys take a step and JD, Sale and Devers return to form. But they could also finish last again. I get the strategy. If a few of these players become solid players, the future suddenly looks pretty solid. It's a bridge year that can't be written off completely.