By Kiley O’Donnell
Sports Assignment Editor
The Boston Red Sox have officially reported to Fort Myers, Florida, to begin their spring training season.
While this is one of the most exciting times of the year for me (go Sox), it’s also a time to see what the team has been shaping up to be during the offseason.
Last year, the Sox finished first in the AL East with a record of 93-69. While I’m still getting over the fact that we ran away while the Indians destroyed us in the ALDS and Big Papi retired, I think this year we’ll be back and better than ever.
Here are my three main reasons:
Newcomers
Mitch Moreland – first baseman – Right off of a Gold Glove campaign with the Texas Rangers, I guess you could say this may be a lefty power-hitter that can (attempt to) replace David Ortiz.
Chris Sale – left handed pitcher – Thank you so much to the Chicago White Sox. Sale has recorded a 3.04 ERA since 2012 and is expected to make a dominating presence in Boston. By joining the starting rotation that already includes David Price and Rick Porcello, get ready to see some magic on the mound.
Tyler Thornburg – right handed pitcher—Overlooked, but not a bad pick-up. The 28-year-old reliever, previously with the Milwaukee Brewers, is expected to be a consistent force for the Sox going into the 2017 season.
Offense
It’s crazy to think Andrew Benintendi is still considered a “prospect.” Expected to start in left field during this upcoming 2017 campaign, he finished last year hitting .295 in just 34 games. The Boston faithful loves him, and it’s not hard to see why.
The return of Pablo Sandoval is another topic that has been gaining a lot of attention come spring traning. After having a less than successful 2015 season and only playing in three games during 2016, it’s hard to see what is going to happen in 2017.
He definitely looks a lot healthier than he did during the past two seasons, having lost over 30 pounds during the offseason. I don’t doubt he’s going to make a full effort to have a successful comeback.
Even with the loss of David Ortiz, the offense is dominated by the veteran forces of team: captain Dustin Pedroia and Hanley Ramirez. Also, Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley Jr. will be right behind them.
Prospects
With Pablo Sandoval returning at third base (we’ll see what happens) and Moreland starting at first on a new team, having two major prospects that play those positions is a nice cushion to have if you’re the Red Sox.
Sam Travis, a 23-year-old first baseman was having a stellar season last year for the Triple-A Paw Sox, but he later tore his ACL. On a speedy road to recovery, he is looking to make the roster come time for opening day.
Rafael Devers, a 20-year-old third baseman, will likely be spending the majority of his 2017 campaign in Double-A Portland. While he needs to improve on his defensive skills, he is mature beyond his years when it comes to offense. Although it is highly unlikely for him to jump to the majors all of a sudden, just look at Andrew Benintendi. Nothing is impossible.
Not trying to be biased here, but I see the Boston Red Sox repeating a second consecutive AL East title come time in the fall. They have all of the tools that can mesh together to become a powerful and dominant team.
Let’s just hope they perform in the playoffs and no one gets injured. Go Sox!
odonneke16@bonaventure.edu
