The hopes are high for the 2017 Boston Red Sox. They lost one of their all time greats as David Ortiz retired at the end of last season. The Red Sox still were able to build their roster to the point that they should be competing for the American League title.
On December 6th, the Red Sox acquired Chris Sale in a blockbuster trade with the Chicago White Sox. The Red Sox had to give up four top prospects, including Yoan Moncada and Michael Kopech in the deal.
The Red Sox have Sale under contract for three more years, if the team picks up the option for the 2019 season. Sale is 74-50 with a 3.00 ERA in his career. He was 17-10 last season with an ERA of 3.34. He has struck out over 200 in each of the last four seasons, including 274 in 208 innings during the 2015 season. He has thrown over 200 innings in three of the last four seasons.
Starting rotation: Sale will join 2016 Cy young award winner Rick Porcello at the top of the rotation. David Price will start the year on the disabled list. Eduardo Rodriguez will start the year as the number three pitcher. Steven Wright and Drew Pomeranz will round out the rotation. Kyle Kendrick will add depth. Kendrick who had a very good spring training will probably start the season at Pawtucket.
Bullpen: This may be a weakness to start the season. Carson Smith may not be ready until June after Tommy John surgery last season. Tyler Thornburg also may not be ready to start the season. That sets it up for Joe Kelly to be the eighth inning arm. Matt Barnes, Fernando Abad, Heath Hembree, Robbie Ross JR, and Robby Scott could all be important pieces, especially early in the season. Craig Kimbrel returns for his second season as the Red Sox closer. Kimbrel had 31 saves last season. He struggled in non save situations.
Catching: Sandy Leon had a surprising 2016 season which probably will land him in the opening day lineup. Christian Vazquez is a year off Tommy John surgery and looks to be back to himself. Vazquez has the potential to be one of the top defensive catchers in the league and has shown that during spring training. Look for Vazquez to take over the number one catching duties at some point early in the season. Blake Swihart was assigned to Pawtucket on Monday. Swihart had a good spring training and adds depth at the position. Swihart also could be a key part of a mid season deal to fill a need.
First Base/DH: The Red Sox picked up slick fielding Mitch Moreland and he will see most of the time there. Hanley Ramirez will be the regular DH with some time at first base against left hand pitchers. Chris Young will probably get some at bats at DH. Moreland is signed for one year with Sam Travis most likely taking over that position in 2018.
Second Base: The rock of the team, Dustin Pedroia is now the veteran of the roster. If Pedroia stays healthy, he will play around 150 games. Brock Holt will be the backup.
Third Base: Pablo Sandoval has been the best hitter for the Red Sox and one of the best in all of baseball this spring. Most of the time, the results in spring training do not matter. In this case, it was important as Sandoval played in only three games last season before having shoulder surgery. Sandoval has been a very good overall hitter and one of the best clutch hitters in the past. Sandoval came into camp in the best shape in his career and could be back to what he was in his glory days with the Giants. The Red Sox feel confident enough with Sandoval that they moved Moncada and Travis Shaw in the offseason.
Short Stop: Xander Bogaerts was an all star in 2016 as a 23 year old. Bogaerts will be looking to put in a complete season. He struggled in the second half last season. Bogaerts played third base for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic.
Left Field: Andrew Benintendi showed signs of a bright future in his 34 games with the Red Sox last season. Don’t be surprised if healthy, Benintendi is in the rookie of the year discussion all season.
Center field; In a division with top notch defensive center fielders, Jackie Bradley JR is as good as any of them. Bradley will always be known for his defense, but he can also provide some punch at the bottom of the order.
Right field: Mookie Betts finished second in the American League Most Valuable Player voting last season. No one expects Betts to drop off, but it would be difficult to match what he did last season.
Bench: Brock Holt is a key part to the bench as he could fill in at many different positions. Expect Holt to get quite a few at bats even though he is not in the regular starting nine. Young will get some time in the outfield as well as DH. Josh Rutledge and Marco Hernandez are battling for roster positions in the infield. Bryce Brentz and Steve Selsky are doing the same as outfield reserves.
Lineup: Signs are pointing to manager John Farrell going with a lineup of Pedroia, Benintendi, Betts, Ramirez, Moreland, Bogaerts, Bradley, Sandoval, Leon.
It is surprising that he doesn’t have Bogaerts up further in the lineup. Benintendi should have a great season, but putting him at the top of the lineup early season puts unneeded pressure when the Red Sox have so many other options It would not be surprising if Sandoval forces his way up in the order.
Expectations: Anything short of a division title would be a disappointment for the Red Sox. The Blue Jays and Yankees should be the biggest challengers in the division. The Rays will have good young pitching and the Orioles always seem to be in the mix. The Indians come in as the favorites in the American League. The Having Sale will make the Red Sox much more dangerous if they are able to reach the playoffs.
