The Roster - As It Stands

So with the Sox actually make some moves this week I figure now is as good a time as any to revisit the roster.  We last looked in detail back in September and didn’t even bother trying to figure out the pitching staff then.

Infield: Bobby Dalbec, Kike Hernandez, Rafael Devers, Xander Bogaerts, Christian Arroyo, Michael Chavis
Depth Options: Jonathan Arauz (projected: Worcester), Jeter Downs (Worcester), Triston Casas (Portland), Hudson Potts (Portland)
Still On The 40 Man Roster: Dustin Pedroia

OK, ignore the snark about Pedey who I will love forever.  Anyone saying he doesn’t deserve his contract should compare his salary to performance in 2007 and 2008.

OK, I like the Hernandez addition a lot to be honest.  He’s a useful and versatile player and from what I know about him was a real fan favorite in LA.  The rest of the infield is what it is.  I won’t be shocked to see Mitch Moreland or someone similar added into the fold at some point.  That would create a battle between Chavis, Arroyo and Yairo Munoz for the last spot on the 26 (yes 26) player roster.

I think the infield depth is good.  Casas looks to be well regarded by the various national publications though 2022 is a best case scenario for a regular role.  Arauz looked like a useful guy and Downs will benefit from the at bats.  Hudson Potts is a guy I look forward to seeing a bit of in Portland.

Outfield: Andrew Benintendi, Alex Verdugo, Hunter Renfroe, JD Martinez, Yairo Munoz
Depth Options: Jarren Duran (Worcester)

Plenty has been written in recent weeks about this group.  I think there is a chance that Jackie Bradley is part of this group though I hold out hope for Marcel Ozuna.  I assume as currently constructed Verdugo slots into center though I expect the Sox to experiment some in Fort Myers.

The outfield depth is a bit slim.  Duran has been impressing in winter ball (Chris Hatfield at SoxProspects in particular has been giddy).  There is some versatility out there with Benintendi able to play some center and Verdugo right and Hernandez can bounce around some also.  Marcus Wilson is still hanging around on the 40 man roster in an emergency.  I won’t be surprised if the Sox sign another outfielder with a bit more veteran goodness.

Catcher: Christian Vazquez, Kevin Plawecki
Depth Options: Um…let’s stay healthy mmmkay guys?

Vazquez is a good player which is a bit obvious but bears noting.  Plawecki probably shouldn’t be counted on to hit like he did last season but he’s a garden variety defense-first backup.  The Sox won World Series titles with Kevin Cash and Sandy Leon as backup catchers.  He’s fine.

There’s no one really ready as a depth option. Connor Wong, part of the Price deal, is an intriguing prospect but with limited high minors time needs work in Portland.

Starting Pitching: Eduardo Rodriguez, Nathan Eovaldi, Martin Perez, Garrett Richards, Tanner Houck
Depth Options: Matt Andriese (bullpen), Bryan Mata (Worcester), Nick Pivetta (bullpen), Connor Seabold (Worcester), Chris Sale (DL)

So after all the hubbub this actually isn’t that bad.  Don’t get me wrong, I don’t love it but it is improved.  Health is obviously the big issue with Richards and Eovaldi both having long term issues on that front and Rodriguez almost literally being unique in baseball history having missed the entire season with COVID and resulting complications.  We have seen Jon Lester bounce back from cancer treatments to become a star so a debilitating illness can be overcome.

If you are bothered by the Yankees acquiring Corey Kluber and Jameson Taillon note that Richards has thrown more innings the last two seasons combined than either of those two pitchers.  I’m excited about Houck who looks like a guy who can be a steadying influence.  Mata is a potential ace though has work to do.

Sale probably is a second half pitcher in the best circumstances.  In all likelihood he would struggle upon his return but getting innings this year would ramp him up for 2022.

Bullpen: Matt Barnes, Darwinzon Hernandez, Josh Taylor, Matt Andriese, Nick Pivetta, Ryan Brasier, Austin Brice, Garrett Whitlock
Depth Options: Phillips Valdez (Worcester), Colten Brewer (Worcester), Eduard Bazardo (Worcester), Durbin Feltman (Worcester), Jay Groome (Greenville - now Hi A, no longer Lo A), Chris Mazza (Worcester)

Bullpens are what bullpens are.  Relievers are such fickle creatures that it can be tough to project.  I think there is some serious upside with Barnes, Hernandez and Taylor.  If I had to pick a breakout candidate people are excited about Austin Brice’s spin rates which I personally think are overblown but smarter people than I are excited about his promise.

The minors have assorted arms of course with the most interesting being former first round pick Groome.  This is his year to establish himself and prove he belonged there.

Conclusion: The Boston Red Sox are better than they were a year ago.  They started the 2020 season a complete disaster and got off to a 6-18 start.  From that point on they were 18-18 and I think that they are closer to that .500 team than the .250 team they started the year as. 

The other thing I want to note is a personal thing that comes from a conversation with a friend of mine yesterday. Signing Hernandez and Richards are good moves.  They don’t shake the earth, they don’t turn the Sox into division winners, but they help.  Maybe it’s just me but I get frustrated talking to friends whose response to these and other moves is “big deal, they still aren’t any good.”

That’s true.  We can only deal with the reality that exists.  The Sox need to get better and I firmly believe that the approach they are taking is the right one.  Don’t go for the big splash to “win” the off-season.  Make the right moves, improve, build the organization and target 2022 and 2023.  I think the Sox’ moves this winter have done that.  I suspect I’m preaching to the converted here but I had to vent a bit and I apologize.

With all that said I think the 2021 Red Sox, unlike the 2020 Red Sox, will at least be interesting.  A full season of Verdugo, Devers, Bogaerts, Martinez, some pitching improvements, some young players on the rise both at the big league level (Dalbec, Pivetta) and some minor leaguers getting closer (Duran, Casas, Mata).  This team feels like it could be like the 2015 team though the next step forward probably won’t be as quick but I think they are progressing in the right direction.