I think in many ways, this will be a test year. Figure out what works and use that knowledge for 2022 when they really think they can compete. Things could get kinda weird.
@jcmccaffrey
Cora said he's still debating whether Verdugo will hit first or second. Today's his first game and he's hitting second. Hernandez has been leading off in the first few games.
Verdugo was good there last year. Leave him there.
Verdugo
Xander
Devers
JD
whoever else after
@PeteAbe
Bogaerts is back throwing, so moving closer to a game ... Cora plans to use Verdugo in CF and RF in ST. Sounds like he'll get at least some RF during the season. Cora reiterated that there won't be a set OF lineup
Verdugo is not a spare part. Downs seems like he won't be a spare part either. I think the return for Mookie was fine. However, they just shouldn't have traded him in the first place.
The Sox have enough $$$ to work around one contract that goes south. I think Mookie will be productive for 90% of that contract. I've said it all along that he was one of the few guys that were worth that (him and Trout). Soto, Tatis and Acuna are great, but I'd need to see them for two more years before I unloaded onto them. I have a sneaking suspicion that Soto won't hold up. I think Tatis could belong in that group with Betts and Trout. I have Acuna being just behind those guys.
I think Bloom has been fine. My problem is with Henry allowing this organization to get to the point that they felt they had to dump Betts. They had no plans longer than the tip of their nose.