Maybe.
But the other starters were Wakefield , Saberhagen, Avery, Lowe (10 starts), Wasdin (8 stats), and Schourek (8 starts). And those starters put the Sox on a pace for 88 wins. Is this rotation comparable to those pitchers?
Well one of the Killer B’s reached free agency. And a second one was going to and wanted a killer deal (and eventually signed for the second largest deal in league history). And the third one stopped killing and just became B. So he’s a Royal now...
Ottavino will be fine as a closer. Barnes is ok as long as he is not required to pitch two days in a row, as he tends to get crushed if he pitches a second consecutive day.
The wild card is Darwinzon Hernandez, who has the talent and throws some serious heat, but is also prone to bouts of wildness...
True but I doubt it becomes an issue anyway. I think the Sox are pretty much done with MLB contracts and if there is any activity left, it’s just the occasional minor league deal...
So if oft-injured Franchy Cordero is actually injured to start the season, who are the candidates to replace him?
If he is the LF, is Marwin Gonzalez the likely replacement? But what if he is in CF?
The 40 man roster has only two other outfielders on it - Marcus Wilson and Jeisson Rosario. Rosario has never played above A ball and Wilson is not all that impressive, but is at leat close to MLB.
Duran? But someone has to go to get him on the 40 man. Chavis? Is he really considered OF depth?
Can we assume the player Whitlock and Valdez are traded for is Trevor Rosenthal, since he signed a deal 6 days ago to pitch for the Oakland A's?
Porcello is the available player you did not mention...
I can find a dozen other talking heads who actually point to the alignment I mentioned. Whether or not Cora got a good long look at Duran doesn't really mean much, becuase (as moon points out), there is very likely to be service time manipulation if the yreally like him, and 2) Cora probably got a "good long look" a several other players not likely to start the season in Fenway (sadly and possibly including Tanner Houck)...
Yes because these February spring trainnig games are sooooooooooo meaningful.. What's that old wives' tale - whoever is in first place by St Patrick's day will clinch the pennant? Or does that not exist anymore?
(That's how I do sarcasm)
Yes, there are several reasons not to. His MiLB track record. His subpar defense. Etc., etc. Should service time really be one? (I know it is, but should it be?)
That's so Seattle Mariners baseball.
The Sox do have a good argument for holding Duran back a few weeks since his MiLB numbers above A ball were weak and his MiLB numbers in A ball were carried by a very high BABIP...
Also, he DID ACQUIRE one year guys. Richard, Perez, Ottavino. Just because he did not acquire them all doesn’t mean he didn’t do it.
And was 38yo Charlie Morton really going to sign with a rebuilding team?
I question how much of it is slowing development vs burning a year of service time. It’s one thing to promote a 19yo or 20yo, but once players reach an age and physical development slows or stops, maybe they’re in a spot where the only way we can know if they can hit MLB pitching is to have them actually face MLB pitching.
And as this team is a borderline contender at best, it’s not like a struggling Duran will rank the season...