Reading beat writers now stating the obvious, that the Red Sox didn't recruit enough quality pitching depth this winter, relying too much on a return to form by Sale.
Maybe the Sox were right, and this is a literal return to form by Sale, who hasn't pitched a full season since his first year in Boston in 2017.
The point I'll never agree with is when posters or execs argue that it's just not the right time -- yet -- to invest too heavily in quality pitching. It's always the right time, and you're never going anywhere without it, whether rebuilding or looking for a push over the top.
The Red Sox had a losing record in 1997, but after the season traded for Pedro Martinez. Then Dan Duquette immediately locked him up longterm. Was that time right?