Yes. Suzuki was a much more consistent hitter and didn't go into extended slumps. Better k% and bb%.
Story was great in May, but underperformed the rest of the year.
For 2022, Suzuki was the better offensive player. What will Story's career look like post-Coors? We only have 2022 to judge so far.
I hate when the Sox mortgage their future like this:
Red Sox receive:
Curt Schilling
Red Sox trade:
Casey Fossum
Brandon Lyon
Jorge De La Rosa
Mike Goss
If they signed Suzuki, they'd have two holes to fill: 2B and SS. Instead, they have two holes to fill: RF and SS.
Story: 6/140, 2 years older, better defense
Suzuki: 5/85, 2 years younger, better offense
Well, you named 5 guys, but he brought in about 30. I wouldn't say he has a strong record of building a pen considering their year to year results out there. If Valdez is one of the bright spots, it says a lot about the job he's done. Yuck!
I think he's built up the lower part of the farm and provided depth (see all the starting pitchers that made appearances last year instead of retreads like Brad Peacock that we've seen in recent years). Has it been some amazing, unbelievable job? Not really. He's just stockpiling guys. The fruits of this labor won't be seen for another few years unfortunately. He'll need to keep the important club competitive in that time or lose his job.
More fans went to Fenway during the horrible, no good Cherington years than in the amazing Dombrowski years.
Cherington: 36,151 per game (3 last place finishes and 1 world series)
Dombrowski: 36,062 per game (back to back to back AL East titles including world series and one third place season)
It was their worst attendance per game in a "normal" season since 2000. Peak attendance was 08-12 and I think a large part of the attendance issues are fatigue and price point.
Suzuki trailed off after a torrid start, but was still a 2 fWAR player. He would have been a good signing at a position they still have a big hole to fill.
@SPChrisHatfield
Not sure if someone already pointed this out (apologies if so) but pretty sure the Red Sox control Joely Rodríguez for 2025 as well if they pick up his option. Has 3 years, 96 days of service time, so wouldn't be at 6 yet after 2024. Would be arb-eligible for 2025.