I don’t agree with this assessment at all.
First of all, there’s a big jump from “no All Star bats” to “AAA team.” Second, Duran, for example, is certainly a proven All Star, as is Contreras. Third, the Sox bench is probably better than any Sox bench of recent years. Not sure why folks highlight IKF as a weak bench player when he’s spent nearly his entire career to date as a starter, including a stint as the starting SS for a 99 win ALCS runner up.
The Sox lineup might be less than the Sox traditionally run out there, but it isn’t the worst lineup in MLB, or at least it shouldn’t be. But it’s been performing like the worst one.
The rotation was supposed to be among the best, but after Crochet and Early (who was not even in that rotation on paper) has been a massive disappointment. And the bullpen, largely ignored all winter, has been even worse…