Never read Rob Bradford:
But the Red Sox need a full-time centerfielder for 2022 and as we sit here right now --
If they make some good pitching acquisitions, we'll feel better about our chances.
Who knows, maybe they'll sign Bauer.
Championships since purchase by John Henry group: Red Sox 4 Yankees 1
The Red Sox are 8-1 in their last 9 postseason games against the Yankees.
This starting pitching staff is way more unsettled than it was in 2012. Sale will be out for half the season. ERod is a huge question mark due to COVID.
Maybe they grab Bauer and another starting pitcher? They would have to in order to compete. I just don't think Bloom is a Bauer guy. I think Bloom goes for more under the radar guys at this point. I don't see them making a big splash. I think they'll fill out the roster better than 2020, but they aren't going to go for the top 5 FA's. Maybe they splurge on Kim? Does signing Odorizzi and Hendriks make them championship contenders? IDK.
Beni and JD are two rather large question marks going into the season too.
If you told me that they won 2021 because of bounce back seasons from JD and Beni, while Verdugo puts up huge numbers and the pitching staff is top 10 I could see it. I could also see them struggling to be above .500.
I look at it this way.
Between 2012 and 2019, the Sox finished in last place three times. In two of the following seasons, they came in first. They actually went from worst to first more often than they repeated the last place finish.
So if nothing else, we know it is possible. It's not like we looked at that 2012 team and thought "Hey, we're just a closer/starter/first baseman/whatever away". Especially after the Sox unloaded all those contracts in August...
I'm not all that optimistic about 2021, either. We'd need a lot to happen to make the playoffs and even more to be a top contender.
I do think some other factors could come into play that could boost our chances, beyond what you mentioned here (or instead of them).
Devers could be better than even his 2019 season.
Bogey could put up a monster year.
Dalbec is a bit of a wildcard, who could surprise.
There is not much on the pitching staff that jumps out and says, Maybe this guy could..., except maybe DHern & Houck.
We have to hope for incredible good luck with health, especially Sale, Eovaldi & ERod and that the vast majority of the players Bloom adds come through for us.
I think it will be a fun season to watch.
Last edited by moonslav59; 11-13-2020 at 09:22 AM.
When you say it's gonna happen now
When exactly do you mean?
Championships since purchase by John Henry group: Red Sox 4 Yankees 1
The Red Sox are 8-1 in their last 9 postseason games against the Yankees.
Don't forget in 2022 that Noah Song will be a force -- his arm will have two years rest!