The Ides of Rostering

It’s been nearly two months since we considered the Red Sox roster.  In that time the roster has changed a bit and things are in some ways a bit clearer and in others, less clear (ooh, this is the good stuff).So let’s see where we stand still using the 13/13 position player/pitcher split.

INFIELD
Then: Bobby Dalbec, Kike Hernandez, Rafael Devers, Xander Bogaerts, Christian Arroyo, Michael Chavis
Now: Bobby Dalbec, Kike Herandnez, Rafael Devers, Xander Bogaerts, Christian Arroyo, Michael Chavis, Marwin Gonzalez

Obviously the biggest adjustment here on the face is the acquisition of Marwin Gonzalez.  Chavis seemed to be playing for a spot but the slow start for Franchy Cordero seems to open a spot for him. Of some additional interest is some of the versatility that the Sox have looked to build.  Arroyo is getting a lot of high praise for his performance and with some uncertainty in the outfield (more on that in a moment) the idea of Hernandez playing a fair amount of center and Arroyo getting regular starts at second base is taking greater hold.  The Sox have also bolstered their infield depth by adding Danny Santana to the mix and Jeter Downs has not looked out of place in limited time in Fort Myers.  There is some late breaking news on Santana that he has been hospitalized with some kind of foot infection which hopefully is a minor thing.

Still, I am pleased to see what the Sox have done with the infield.  Adding Gonzalez and Santana are nice little moves and with the existing MLB guys plus Chavis, Santana, Downs and Jonathan Arauz I think the Sox are a bit better equipped to handle injuries. With Hernandez and Gonzalez in the fold this infield depth can help the outfield depth as well.

OUTFIELD
Then: Andrew Benintendi, Alex Verdugo, Hunter Renfroe, JD Martinez, Yairo Munoz
Now: Hunter Renfroe, Alex Verdugo, JD Martinez, Yairo Munoz

So first things first, Benny has indeed jetted and Franchy Cordero is a Red Sox player.  Like last winter’s high profile acquisition Alex Verdugo spring has come and Cordero is still a mystery.  A combination of issues have left him unable to play and while the Sox are hopeful that he will be ready for Opening Day it is looking more and more likely that at least the first week or so of the season will be a Franchy-free zone.  While I would be 100% on board with letting Jarren Duran start the year with the big club if he is deemed ready I can’t see the Sox taking that route.  Duran has yet to play a game at AAA and I think after last year’s weird minor league “season” the Sox will likely be conservative.  Having said that with the minor league season not starting until May 1 having Duran get some big league team and helping fill a Franchy sized hole in the outfield until then might be a way of getting him to hit the ground running.  I have seen some discussion that Renfroe might be a center field option.  One thing I always think about with big guys in the outfield is Wily Mo Pena who always looked more comfortable in center than the corners to me.

CATCHER
Then: Christian Vazquez, Kevin Plawecki
Now: Christian Vazquez, Kevin Plawecki

Nothing really happening here.  Just keep on keepin’ on.

STARTING PITCHING
Then: Eduardo Rodriguez, Nathan Eovaldi, Martin Perez, Garrett Richards, Tanner Houck
Now: Eduardo Rodriguez, Nathan Eovaldi, Martin Perez, Garrett Richards, Nick Pivetta

All in all I’ve found the work of the starters encouraging.  Of course that is not that surprising.  The Sox have good starting pitchers, the problem is how many starts will these five guys make.  Houck getting lengthened out in Not Pawtucket is a good plan that should pay dividends and Pivetta and Richards have looked good.  Richards has struggled a bit but you can see why hitters struggle with him.  I’m becoming dangerously hopeful about this team, I’m not going to lie.

RELIEF PITCHING
Then: Matt Barnes, Darwinzon Hernandez, Josh Taylor, Matt Andriese, Nick Pivetta, Ryan Brasier, Austin Brice, Garrett Whitlock
Now: Matt Barnes, Hirokazu Sawamura, Adam Ottavino, Darwinzon Hernandez, Matt Andriese, Austin Brice, Garrett Whitlock, Josh Taylor

Maybe it is just me but when you look at it this way the fairly small additions of Sawamura and Ottavino are pretty substantial.  Suddenly Hernandez is able to be a bit more of the fireman coming in and working multiple innings when needed and blowing some people away.  Again, dangerously hopeful is where I stand on this bullpen.  It’s not the 2009 Saito/Wagner/Bard/Papelbon mix but it’s a pretty solid looking group.  If Barnes, who is another guy getting bigged up in the press, can hold the closer job I like the set up options.

Conclusion: As I said at the end of the previous piece on the roster the Sox are better than they were a year ago.  It’s a simple piece of information but one that bears repeating.  I think it has been encouraging to see the work of guys like Triston Casas, Downs, Nick Yorke and Duran in Fort Myers.  The minor league depth looks a bit more sturdy as well. 17 days until Opening Day!